Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 2025 For International Students

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship program provides funding for students from Tonga to study in New Zealand or at universities within the Pacific region. It supports undergraduate and postgraduate studies in areas important to Tonga, such as health, education, climate resilience, governance, and sustainable development. The scholarships aim to build skills and knowledge that students can apply to address challenges in Tonga. The program prioritizes applicants who show a commitment to contributing to their communities and the country’s development.

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 2025 Details:

Eligibility Criteria:

1-Applicants must be 18 years old or older at the time they begin their studies under the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship.
2-Applicants must be residents of their home country and must demonstrate that they will have spent 366 days or more in their home country during the 24 months preceding their intended study start date. Residency checks will be conducted, including review of billing address, study history, and work history.
3-Postgraduate and Mature Undergraduate Applicants must have one year of full-time work experience or two years of part-time work experience (minimum 0.9 FTE). Relevant work experience may be paid, unpaid, or voluntary.
4-School Leavers must be in their last year of secondary school or have completed school in the year of selection. They should also be employed (paid or voluntary) or enrolled in tertiary education or a preparatory-level study program.

5-Applicants who are still within the two-year stand-down period from a previous New Zealand scholarship are ineligible. Those who have voluntarily withdrawn, been terminated, downgraded, or failed to complete a previous scholarship are also not eligible.
6-Applicants currently serving in the military are not eligible to apply. However, those who have previously served are eligible, as are police officers.
7-Applicants working for their home country in a diplomatic assignment are exempt from home country residency requirements and are eligible, as are their dependents.
8-Applications missing the required 50 words in the “Development Relevance” section or those submitted in a foreign language will be deemed ineligible.

Selection Process for MANAAKI NEW ZEALAND SCHOLARSHIPS 2025:

1) Longlisting, Assessment & Psychometric Testing: Up to three times the allocation number are longlisted.
2) Interviews: Conducted online for shortlisted candidates.
3) English Language Testing: Required through a contracted provider, primarily using IELTS; TOEFL iBT may be used where IELTS is unavailable.
4) Final Recommendation: Total number of scholarships allocated plus reserves.

Scholarships by Sector in MANAAKI NEW ZEALAND SCHOLARSHIPS 2025:

Climate Change and Resilience
Good Governance
Health
Economic Resilience and Private Sector
Food Security and Agriculture
Infrastructure

Application Process for MANAAKI NEW ZEALAND SCHOLARSHIPS 2025:

Submit an Online Application: Ensure all required fields are completed in English, and the Development Relevance section is at least 50 words.
1-Selection Process: Candidates may undergo psychometric testing, interviews, and English language testing.
2-Acceptance of Scholarship: Successful applicants must accept their scholarship offer within 14 days.

Here are some key tips to help your scholarship application stand out:

• Make sure your study program fits within one of our priority areas.
• Research approved universities in New Zealand and the Pacific that offer programs aligned with your field. Confirm they meet the program’s requirements.
• Gather and organize the necessary documents ahead of time.
• Write your application in English, keeping answers clear, concise, and within the character limits.
• Be authentic! Avoid copying others or relying on AI — plagiarism is a big red flag. Highlight your unique skills, achievements, and goals.
• Show your readiness for the demands of your program.
• Demonstrate how your studies will support Tonga’s growth and development.
• Showcase your ability to adapt and collaborate in diverse settings.

Who We’re Looking For:

• Strong academic performance.
• Commitment to returning and contributing to Tonga’s development.
• Ability to adapt to new environments and cultures.
• Relevant work experience (for master’s/PhD applicants).
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Application Submission for MANAAKI NEW ZEALAND SCHOLARSHIPS 2025:

All applications must be completed and submitted online. Hardcopy applications will not be accepted. To apply, visit – https://nzscholarships.my.site.com/Scholar/s/
MANAAKI NEW ZEALAND SCHOLARSHIPS NEW ZEALAND

For any questions, reach out to our Scholarships Officer, Maryanne Saafi, at Maryanne.Saafi@mfat.govt.nz.