New Zealand is stepping up in 2025 with exceptional study grants, some worth up to NZD 100,000, designed specifically for eligible international students.
This isn’t just about getting a world-class education, it’s about paying for it, living in one of the safest, most welcoming countries, and gaining lifelong career benefits.
What makes New Zealand a top study destination in 2025?
New Zealand welcomed over 100,000 international students in 2023; a rise of 8% year-on-year. Its universities consistently rank in the global top 500, and the country delivers a perfect blend of academic excellence, life balance, and post-study work opportunities.
Though tuition averages NZD 32,000/year and living costs hit NZD 15,000/year, scholarships and grants now covering those costs make studying here more accessible than you might think.
What is the NZD 100,000 education grant for foreign students?
In 2025, New Zealand launched a special grant funding program offering up to NZD 100,000 over multiple years, covering tuition, living, travel, and insurance. This grant prioritizes:
- High-demand fields: STEM, healthcare, climate science
- Global development goals: Supporting students from developing nations
- Commitment to return home: Graduates encouraged to contribute to local development
It combines government, university, and NGO funding, creating a unique opportunity for talented students to study in NZ essentially debt-free.
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Who is eligible for the NZ education grant?
Key eligibility includes:
- Proven academic excellence and leadership potential
- A study offer from a New Zealand tertiary institution in a priority area
- Citizenship from eligible countries, many in Asia, Africa, the Pacific
- For some grants, 2+ years of relevant work experience
- English proficiency; IELTS 6.0–6.5 or equivalent (though some programs waive or accept alternatives)
- A clear commitment to return and apply your skills in your home country
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is the New Zealand study grant in 2025?
The combined funding, including scholarships, living stipends, and travel grants, can reach up to NZD 100,000 over the course of study.
2. What scholarships are included in the grant?
- Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (formerly development scholarships)
- Commonwealth Scholarships for eligible Commonwealth citizens
- International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)
- University awards like UoA scholarships for international excellence
These can be stacked with global mobility and research grants for a total package near NZD 100K.
3. Can international students cover tuition and living for free?
With the grant, yes. Tuition, living stipends, travel, and research costs are covered, transforming what once cost NZD 47,000/year into a free or fully-funded experience.
4. Do I need to return home after the scholarship ends?
Yes. Most grants have a 2-year ‘return home’ requirement. You must apply your new skills in your country; this is a cornerstone of the funding purpose.
5. Are there visa-fee waivers included?
Yes, prestigious grants like Manaaki and Commonwealth waive student visa fees. You’ll typically receive a full study permit without the standard application cost.
6. Is work allowed while studying?
Absolutely. International students may work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during breaks, providing income and career experience.
7. Can I extend to postgraduate study?
Yes. The NZIDRS covers PhD, and some university awards support combined Bachelor + Master’s pathways. Strong applications may secure through-graduation funding.
8. Are there field restrictions?
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Some grants target specific sectors, STEM, healthcare, environmental studies, to meet national workforce needs. Check each scholarship’s eligibility criteria closely.
9. How competitive are these scholarships?
Very. Manaaki and NZIDRS accept a limited number of candidates annually; 350–650 scholars, so academic excellence and leadership are essential.
10. When should I apply?
Most applications for 2025 open in mid-to-late 2024, with deadlines between August and November. Early planning is critical.
How much does it really cost without grants?
Without scholarships, international students typically pay:
- Tuition: NZD 32,000/year
- Living: NZD 15,000/year
- Visa Fees: NZD 235–335 (application + biometrics)
- Travel & Insurance: NZD 2,000–3,000 initial cost
By contrast, a NZD 100K grant covers all these costs and more, providing a much more affordable and stress-free experience.
Which scholarships are part of the NZD 100K package?
1. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship
- Covers full tuition, living allowances (NZD 491 fortnightly), establishment grant, travel, insurance, and research support
- Funded by NZ Aid Programme; applicants from 80+ developing countries.
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2. Commonwealth Scholarship
- Full funding for eligible students from Commonwealth countries
- Higher allowances if dependents are included
3. NZIDRS
- Premier PhD scholarship, covering full tuition and generous monthly stipend
- Fixed number awarded annually, focused on research excellence
4. University-specific awards
UoA, Victoria, UoC, and others have international research scholarships and merit awards, often additive to government funding
How Immigration Experts help you win in 2025
- Eligibility Screening: Identify if you qualify for any NZD 100K grant
- Application Support: SOP writing, reference collection, interview prep
- Program Matching: Connects you to partner universities in NZ
- Visa & Documentation: Guides you through grant-linked visa processes
- Post-Arrival Prep: Assistance with housing, work permits, and PGWP applications
The success story includes guiding a Kenyan environmental engineer to secure an NZIDRS, full visa fee waiver, and placement at University of Wellington. That $100K? Fully funded education, stipend, travel, and insurance; no debt, no burden.
How to prepare your application
- Start early. Gather transcripts and English test results (or waivers) by mid-2024
- Focus on development impact, your motivation to return and apply your skills matters
- Polish your SOP: highlight leadership, research experience, and ties to NZ goals
- Secure strong recommendations from academic or professional supervisors
- Stay aware: set reminders for deadlines (August–November windows in 2024)
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Final thoughts
In 2025, New Zealand is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: NZD 100,000 fully-funded study grants, including full scholarships, living support, visa waivers, and career development.
With proper planning and a well-crafted application, you can transform your academic journey into a debt-free, career-boosting adventure.