Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship for Pakistani Students

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are fully funded awards given by the Government of New Zealand through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The purpose of these scholarships is to support intelligent students from eligible developing countries in continuing their higher education in New Zealand, thereby making them eligible to contribute to their home country’s social and economic development. Scholars can study at one of eight world-class universities, including Auckland, AUT, Canterbury, Lincoln, Massey, Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, and Waikato, or at selected institutes of technology.

The scholarship provides full tuition fees, living expenses (a stipend of approximately NZ$615 per week), travel costs, establishment and reintegration allowances, medical insurance, and additional tutoring support if required. It is available for undergraduate, postgraduate certificate or diploma, Master's, and PhD programs, specifically in fields that align with development priorities such as climate change, agriculture, governance, and education.

Applicants must be citizens of eligible countries, aged 18 years or older, and have resided in their home country for at least two years preceding their application. Postgraduate applicants typically require relevant work experience and must demonstrate how their chosen field of study will benefit their country's development. English proficiency and academic eligibility for the chosen program are also required.

Applications generally open in early February and close by 28 February 2026. Recipients must return home for at least two years after completing their studies to apply the skills and knowledge they have acquired. The Manaaki Scholarships highlight New Zealand’s agreement to global partnership, education, and sustainable development.

Top Courses

• Climate change
• Agriculture
•  Governance
•  Education.

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Scholarship Types

• Scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate study
• Vocational Short-Term Training Scholarships
• Thematic Short-Term Training Scholarships
• English Language Training for Official Scholarships

Approved Universities

Selected candidates can study at up to eight universities in New Zealand

• Auckland University of Technology
• Lincoln University
• Massey University
• University of Canterbury
• University of Otago
• University of Waikato
• Victoria University of Wellington
• Southern Institute of Technology

Required Documents

• An application form
• All educational certificates
• Three recommendation letters
• Scanned all educational transcripts
• Personal Statement
• Research proposal
• English Language test results
• Passport/CNIC
• Passport-size Picture
• Work experience letter

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to eligible countries only
• Applicants must be 18 to 40 years old
• Applicants must have either one year of full-time work experience or two years of part-time work experience.
• Must have resided in their home country for two years prior
• An IELTS/ TOEFL or PTE test score is required

How to Apply

• Check eligibility
• Visit the official website and register for an account
• Set a password for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship account
• Submit the application form before the deadline
• Wait for the selection process

Apply for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship

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Tips to win

Understand the Scholarship Purpose:

• Highlight how your studies will contribute to the progress of your home country.
• Highlight New Zealand's values, such as sustainability and innovation.

Choose the Right Course:

• Select a program aligned with your country’s priority areas (e.g., climate, agriculture, governance).
• Avoid general fields; instead, demonstrate a clear connection between your course and national needs.

Craft a Strong Personal Statement:

• Explain your career aims and how this scholarship assists you in achieving them.
• Be authentic, passionate, and focused on community impact, not just personal gain.

Highlight Work and Leadership Experience:

• Mention relevant professional or volunteer experience in development-related work.
• Highlight leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving achievements.

Research Your Chosen University:

• Know the reason why a particular New Zealand university can help you achieve your academic goals.
• Highlight professors, research areas, or facilities that fit with your interests.

Prepare for the Interview:

• Practice distinct and confident communication about your dedication and plans.
• Be prepared to discuss how you'll use your skills after returning home.

Apply Early and Follow Instructions:

• Start collecting documents months in advance; don’t wait for the last week.
• To avoid rejection, follow every instruction on the official website.

Show Long-Term Commitment:

• Highlight your commitment to serve your community after graduation.
• The admission panel values sincerity and long-term impact over perfect grades.

Common Scholarship Interview Questions

• Tell us about yourself.
• Why did you apply for this scholarship?
• Why did you choose New Zealand for your studies?
• Why did you choose this particular university?
• Why did you choose your field of study?
• How will your studies benefit your home country?
• What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
• How will you contribute to your community after graduation?
• What makes you a good candidate for this scholarship?
• What are your main strengths?
• What is your biggest weakness?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Lack of Preparation:

• A lack of awareness about the scholarship or university indicates an interest.
• Demonstrate how the program's goals align with your approach.

Vague Answers:

• Providing general or unclear responses can sound unconvincing. Use specific examples to show real experiences and impact.

Focusing Only on Personal Gain:

• Talking only about yourself or studying abroad for luxury. Always connect your goals to your country’s development.

Ignoring the Return Requirement:

• Don’t forget to highlight plans to return home after study. Demonstrate how you’ll use your skills to help your community.

Poor Body Language:

• Avoid sitting in an awkward position, exhibiting restlessness, or maintaining poor eye contact.
• Show confidence through posture and tone.

Speaking Negatively:

• Avoid passing negative comments about your country, teachers, or past employers.
• Answers all responses positively and respectfully.

Over-memorized Answers:

• Maintaining a mechanical voice or repeating can hurt authenticity.
• Practice, but speak naturally and from the heart.

Ignoring Time Limits:

• Taking a lot of time while talking or going off-topic can cause attention to be lost.
• Your answer must be focused and accurate.

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FAQs

Q1: Can I stay in New Zealand after a Manaaki scholarship?

Answer: Applicants are required to return to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing their degree.

Q2: How much can a student earn per hour in New Zealand?

Answer: Students can earn up to NZ$18.90 an hour. Students must adapt to work principles while studying in New Zealand.

Q3: Do NZ scholarships require interviews?

Answer: Each applicant will be interviewed by phone or online session. Some may interview at the nearby New Zealand Embassy.

Q4: How much CGPA is required for applying for a scholarship?

Answer: Yes, a minimum 3.0 CGPA is required for applying to a Master's and PhD program. Even this requirement may vary by institution, field and program.