Scholarships in New Zealand at a glance
Quick read
- The New Zealand Excellence Awards for India, relaunched by Education New Zealand with universities, are worth NZ$7,500 to NZ$15,000 for bachelor's and master's students.
- Universities add their own awards: the University of Auckland gives 25% of one year's tuition to Indian master's students under its India High Achievers Scholarship.
- Victoria University of Wellington takes NZ$10,000 off first-year fees for new postgraduate international students, with no separate application.
- PhD students can win full doctoral scholarships with a stipend of up to NZ$35,468 a year at Auckland.
- Some university awards have offer deadlines, so applying early matters.
New Zealand's eight universities all offer scholarships to international students, and India has its own national award, the New Zealand Excellence Awards, run with Education New Zealand. Most awards are partial and reduce first-year tuition; doctoral scholarships are the main fully funded option.
Values below are in New Zealand dollars and are taken from each provider's page. Check the latest terms before you apply.
Types of scholarships in New Zealand
- 01
New Zealand Excellence Awards
A national award for Indian students, delivered through New Zealand universities, for bachelor's and master's study.
- 02
University awards
Fixed-amount or percentage awards for new international students, many of them automatic.
- 03
Doctoral scholarships
Tuition plus a living stipend for PhD students with excellent academic records.
- 04
Indian trusts
K.C. Mahindra, J N Tata and Narotam Sekhsaria fund postgraduate study abroad.
All scholarships in one table
| Scholarship | Type | Level | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Excellence Awards for India (NZEA) (opens in a new tab)Education New Zealand with New Zealand universities | Government | Bachelor's and master's | NZ$7,500 to NZ$15,000 |
| University of Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship (opens in a new tab)University of Auckland | University | Master's | 25% of one year's tuition |
| University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship (opens in a new tab)University of Auckland | University | Master's | 25% of one year's tuition |
| University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship (opens in a new tab)University of Auckland | University | PhD | Stipend of up to NZ$35,468 a year (2026) plus tuition fees and health insurance |
| VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship (opens in a new tab)Victoria University of Wellington | University | Master's and postgraduate diploma | NZ$10,000 off first-year tuition |
| VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship (opens in a new tab)Victoria University of Wellington | University | Bachelor's | NZ$15,000 off first-year tuition |
| Vice-Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship for India (opens in a new tab)University of Waikato | University | Bachelor's, taught master's and research degrees | Up to NZ$15,000 towards tuition fees |
| K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad (opens in a new tab)K.C. Mahindra Education Trust | Foundation | Master's and PhD | Interest-free loan scholarship of up to ₹10 lakh for the top three, and up to ₹5 lakh for others |
| J N Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship (opens in a new tab)J N Tata Endowment (Tata Trusts) | Foundation | Master's, PhD and postdoctoral | Loan scholarship; the amount is decided case by case after an interview |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship (opens in a new tab)Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation | Foundation | Master's | Full or part scholarships given as repayable, interest-free financial assistance (amount not fixed) |
| National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) (opens in a new tab)Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India | Government | Master's and PhD | Tuition, maintenance and other allowances, paid through Indian Missions abroad; amounts are in the scheme guidelines |
Values are as published by each provider on the date of our research. Most awards are competitive and limited in number, so none of them is guaranteed.
Government scholarships in New Zealand
- GovernmentBachelor's and master's
New Zealand Excellence Awards for India (NZEA)
Education New Zealand with New Zealand universities
- Value
- NZ$7,500 to NZ$15,000
- Who can apply
- Indian students. For bachelor's at Waikato, for example: 75% in the best four ISC/AISSC subjects (80% for most state boards) with set English marks; for master's, a B-/B average degree and IELTS 6.5.
- Deadline or window
- Closing dates are published by Education New Zealand and each university
- GovernmentMaster's and PhD
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India
- Value
- Tuition, maintenance and other allowances, paid through Indian Missions abroad; amounts are in the scheme guidelines
- Who can apply
- Low-income, meritorious students from the Scheduled Castes, De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, landless agricultural labourers and traditional artisans. 125 awards a year, 30% for women. Income, age and marks limits are in the scheme guidelines.
- Deadline or window
- Apply on the NOS portal (nosmsje.gov.in) when the yearly call opens; check the official page
Get a scholarship shortlist for your profileShare your marks, test scores and budget, and our counsellor will match you to New Zealand scholarships you can realistically win.
University scholarships in New Zealand
- UniversityMaster's
University of Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship
- Value
- 25% of one year's tuition
- Who can apply
- New master's students holding an Indian passport with a qualifying offer.
- Deadline or window
- Offer deadline for 2027 entry was 20 October 2026 (passed). Check the official page for any later round
- UniversityMaster's
University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
- Value
- 25% of one year's tuition
- Who can apply
- New international master's students with an offer for Semester One or Quarter Two 2027 by 20 October 2026. Eligible students are invited on 21 October 2026 to complete a supplementary form.
- Deadline or window
- Offer by 20 October 2026; supplementary form due 4 November 2026 for invited students
- UniversityPhD
University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship
- Value
- Stipend of up to NZ$35,468 a year (2026) plus tuition fees and health insurance
- Who can apply
- PhD applicants with excellent academic records; considered when you apply for a doctoral place.
- Deadline or window
- Considered when you apply; application rounds close 1 November, 1 February, 1 May or 1 August (check the official page)
- UniversityMaster's and postgraduate diploma
VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship
Victoria University of Wellington
- Value
- NZ$10,000 off first-year tuition
- Who can apply
- New full-fee international students starting a master's (120, 180 or 240 points) or 120-point postgraduate diploma on campus.
- Deadline or window
- No separate application; the closing date is the programme's application closing date
- UniversityBachelor's
VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship
Victoria University of Wellington
- Value
- NZ$15,000 off first-year tuition
- Who can apply
- New international students starting the first year of a bachelor's degree full-time on campus.
- Deadline or window
- No separate application; the closing date is the programme's application closing date
- UniversityBachelor's, taught master's and research degrees
Vice-Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship for India
- Value
- Up to NZ$15,000 towards tuition fees
- Who can apply
- Students from India with an offer of place at Waikato, in any area of study. Read the scholarship regulations on the official page before you apply.
- Deadline or window
- Reviewed monthly. Waikato also lists closing dates by trimester (for example 30 November for A trimester); check the official page
Trusts and foundations (including Indian trusts)
- FoundationMaster's and PhD
K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
K.C. Mahindra Education Trust
- Value
- Interest-free loan scholarship of up to ₹10 lakh for the top three, and up to ₹5 lakh for others
- Who can apply
- Indian citizens with a first-class degree (or equivalent diploma) from a recognised university, starting a postgraduate programme at an overseas university. Final-year students can apply with proof of a first class before the end of June. At least 50 awards a year.
- Deadline or window
- The 2026 round closed on 30 April 2026; the next round usually opens early in the year
- FoundationMaster's, PhD and postdoctoral
J N Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship
J N Tata Endowment (Tata Trusts)
- Value
- Loan scholarship; the amount is decided case by case after an interview
- Who can apply
- Indians who have completed their undergraduate studies at a recognised Indian university, going abroad for higher studies. Selection is on merit only.
- Deadline or window
- The 2026–27 form window ran from 5 January to 29 March 2026; expect a similar window in early 2027
- FoundationMaster's
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation
- Value
- Full or part scholarships given as repayable, interest-free financial assistance (amount not fixed)
- Who can apply
- Merit-based, for Indian students of academic excellence going on to postgraduate study in India or abroad. Check the official page for fields and other conditions.
- Deadline or window
- Applications are closed for now; check the official page for the next call
Scholarship calendar for 2027 entry
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| September to December 2026 | Apply for February 2027 programmes; VUW awards are linked to your programme application. |
| January to March 2027 | Indian trusts open. Apply for July 2027 programmes and NZEA rounds as they are announced. |
| March to June 2027 | Scholarship decisions for July 2027; accept your award and update your visa funds. |
| June to October 2027 | Plan February 2028 applications early enough to meet scholarship offer deadlines like Auckland's. |
Eligibility and documents
What selectors usually look for
- Strong marks: NZEA undergraduate thresholds start at 75–80% in your best four subjects.
- An offer for an eligible programme, sometimes by a set date.
- English test scores that meet the programme requirement (often IELTS 6.5).
- For doctoral awards: an excellent academic record and a research proposal.
Documents to keep ready
- Offer letter
- Class 12 or degree transcripts
- English test score report
- Scholarship statement (where required)
- References (for doctoral awards)
- Passport copy
How to apply, step by step
- Shortlist universities and note which awards are automatic and which need a form.
- Apply for your programme early so you hold an offer before any scholarship deadline.
- For NZEA, check the participating university's page and Education New Zealand's dates.
- Prepare a short scholarship statement where required.
- Accept the award and keep the letter for your visa application.
Want help with your scholarship essay?Our counsellor will review your statement and references so they match your course application.
Tips to improve your chances
- 01
Hold an offer early
Several New Zealand awards need an offer by a set date, so apply for your course early in the cycle.
- 02
Check NZEA participating universities
Each university runs its own NZEA selection with its own thresholds.
- 03
Compare first-year awards
Many awards apply to the first year only. Compare the total cost of the whole degree.
- 04
Budget for living costs
You still need NZ$20,000 a year for the visa, even with a tuition award.
Scholarships in New Zealand: FAQs
What is the New Zealand Excellence Award for India?
A scholarship for Indian students worth NZ$7,500 to NZ$15,000, delivered through New Zealand universities with Education New Zealand.
Are there fully funded scholarships in New Zealand?
Mainly for PhD students. Doctoral scholarships cover tuition and pay a living stipend.
Do I need a separate application?
VUW's awards need no separate application. Others, like NZEA, need an application or are by invitation.
Can bachelor's students get scholarships?
Yes. VUW's undergraduate award gives NZ$15,000 off first-year fees, and NZEA includes undergraduate awards.
Does a scholarship reduce the money I show for the visa?
It reduces the tuition you pay, but you still need to show NZ$20,000 a year for living costs.
Sources
- University of Waikato: New Zealand Excellence Awards for India (opens in a new tab)
- University of Auckland: India High Achievers Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
- University of Auckland: doctoral scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- Victoria University of Wellington: Postgraduate International Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
- Immigration New Zealand: Fee Paying Student Visa (opens in a new tab)
Researched on 26 Oct 2026. Scholarship values, eligibility and deadlines change every year; always confirm on the official page before you apply.