Students from Papua New Guinea can now pursue higher education in New Zealand through the fully funded Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme. This scholarship, funded by the New Zealand Government, provides an opportunity for eligible PNG students to study at recognised universities and tertiary institutions in New Zealand under a comprehensive financial support package.

About the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship is an international education initiative aimed at students from developing countries, including Papua New Guinea. The main goal of the programme is to strengthen human capacity by equipping scholars with valuable knowledge, professional skills, and academic qualifications that will contribute to the development of their home countries after completing their studies.

Levels of Study Available

Papua New Guinea applicants can apply for different levels of study depending on their academic background and career goals. The scholarship supports the following programmes:

  • Undergraduate Degree (3–4 years)
  • Postgraduate Certificate (6 months)
  • Postgraduate Diploma (1 year)
  • Master’s Degree (1–2 years)
  • PhD Programme (approximately 3.5 years)

Priority Fields of Study

The scholarship focuses on key development sectors that are important for national growth and sustainability. Supported fields of study include:

  1. Climate change, environment, water, and natural resource management
  2. Disaster risk management, civil engineering, geology, and infrastructure
  3. Food security, agriculture, agri-business, and agricultural technology
  4. Renewable energy including solar, hydro, geothermal, and wind energy
  5. Private sector development, business, commerce, and marketing
  6. Good governance, public management, accounting, and international relations
  7. Information and Communication Technology (ICT), software engineering, networking, and IT security

Scholarship Benefits

Selected students from Papua New Guinea will receive a full scholarship package covering all major study expenses. Benefits include:

  • Full tuition fees
  • Weekly living allowance of approximately NZ$531
  • Establishment allowance of NZ$3,000
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Return airfare to and from home country
  • Tutoring support of up to NZ$1,000
  • Research grants for postgraduate students
  • Reintegration allowance of NZ$1,000 after completion
  • Funded travel home during scholarship (subject to eligibility)

Eligibility Requirements

Papua New Guinean applicants must meet specific selection criteria to qualify for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship. Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the start of the scholarship and must meet both academic and English language entry requirements set by the chosen New Zealand education institution. Successful candidates must also obtain a valid New Zealand student visa.

Postgraduate applicants and those who completed secondary education more than three years ago are required to have relevant work experience. This can be paid, unpaid, or voluntary work equivalent to one year of full-time employment (30 hours or more per week) or two years of part-time experience (up to 29 hours per week).

English Language Requirements

English proficiency testing is usually conducted during the final stages of the selection process. Accepted English language tests include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Cambridge Academic English (Advanced). Test results taken within the last 12 months may be accepted by the selected institution.

Minimum English Score Guidelines

For Postgraduate Studies:

  • IELTS: Overall 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet-based): 90 with writing score of 21
  • PTE Academic: Overall 58 (no communicative skills below 50)
  • Cambridge Academic English (Advanced): Overall 176 (no band less than 169)

For Undergraduate Studies:

  • IELTS: Overall 6.0 (no band less than 5.5)
  • TOEFL (Internet-based): 80 with writing score of 21
  • PTE Academic: Overall 50 (no communicative skills below 42)
  • Cambridge Academic English (Advanced): Overall 169 (no band less than 162)

How to Apply

The application process for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship is completed online. Interested applicants should first check their eligibility through the official scholarship portal. Once confirmed eligible, an application code will be provided to proceed with the submission.


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Application Dates

Applications typically open on 1st February and close on 29th February each year. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their documents early and submit their applications before the closing date to avoid missing the opportunity.