8. Scholars: get ready to start your scholarship
We congratulate those applicants who join the Manaaki whanau. This page describes what you must do if you are offered and accept a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship.
On this page:
- Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Policy Handbooks
- You must meet any prerequisite conditions of your scholarship
- You must apply for all visas
- Financial support for scholars
- Your education institution will organise your travel and look after you on arrival
- You attend a briefing before you leave home
- You must complete your study on time
- All scholars must comply with these conditions
- Conduct requirements of Manaaki New Zealand Scholars
- Academic requirements
- Education institutions have a duty of care for students
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Policy Handbooks
These handbooks are vital for all Manaaki New Zealand Scholars. There is a handbook for scholars studying in New Zealand, and one for those studying in the Pacific. You must read the relevant handbook carefully as it outlines and explains your responsibilities and expectations as a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship recipient.
You must meet any prerequisite conditions of your scholarship
Getting your Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship may be conditional. You may need to meet some conditions before you leave your home country, and/or as soon as you arrive at your study location. Your Scholarship Letter of Offer will tell you if your scholarship comes with prerequisite conditions. If you do not meet the prerequisite conditions the scholarship offer will be withdrawn.
Here are two examples of prerequisite conditions:
You must apply for a student visa
Typically, as soon as you accept your scholarship you will apply for a student visa for New Zealand or your Pacific destination. If you are successful in obtaining a scholarship, your education institution will let you know when it is time to apply for a visa. For further information around the visa process visit the Immigration New Zealand website; Fiji immigration website: or Vanuatu immigration website.
Financial support for scholars
With a full Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, scholars studying in New Zealand receive:
- Full tuition fees.
- Living allowance. This will help with basic living expenses. If you commence your scholarship study programme in your home country, your stipend will be adjusted to reflect the difference in living costs around the world.
- An establishment allowance to help with set-up costs in New Zealand. For example, you can use it for accommodation expenses, text books, or other study materials.
- Medical insurance when you are in New Zealand.
- Tutoring costs to assist with additional academic support if needed.
- Travel to and from your own country. This is for travel from your own country at the start of the scholarship, and for return travel at the end of your scholarship.
- Travel insurance.
- Travel home during your scholarship. Scholars studying over 1.6 years are entitled to travel home to visit family. We usually allow for one or two trips, depending on the length.
- Reintegration allowance. This is to help with set-up costs upon your return to your home country.
- Help with research and thesis costs for many postgraduate students.
Your education institution will organise your travel and look after you on arrival
The International Students Office at your university or education institution will organise travel to your study location. They can answer any questions you may have about your courses, financial allowances or payments.
Please note you will be responsible for organising accommodation at your study location.
You attend a briefing before you leave home
If there is a New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in your country they will endeavour to give you an in-person briefing before you leave your country.
If you cannot attend a briefing for whatever reason, you can download the briefing information.
You must complete your study on time
You must complete your study within the time period allocated by your education institution for your chosen academic programme.
All scholars must comply with these conditions
Manaaki New Zealand Scholars must meet all the conditions of their scholarship. The Scholarship will be terminated if you fail to meet these conditions.
For example, all scholars must attend classes, complete compulsory assignments and sit all exams. All scholars must meet all the course requirements of their education institution on time. Academic and personal support is provided if required.
For more information on the scholarship conditions click on the relevant link below:
Please note: Due to COVID-19, some aspects of the scholarship conditions have been modified or suspended. Scholars on scholarship will be advised by providers as required.
Conduct requirements of Manaaki New Zealand Scholars
Scholars agree to maintain an acceptable standard of conduct while on scholarship, as specified by the Scholarship Conditions in the Letter of Scholarship Offer. The Conditions apply to the scholar from the date of departure from their home country, until the date they return upon completion of the scholarship.
Acceptable scholar conduct includes:
- abiding by the laws of the study country
- treating others with respect
- behaving with honesty and integrity
- acting in a manner that reflects your role as a representative of your home country.
Scholars should be aware that it is a criminal offence to use violence of any kind against another person, which includes physical, sexual, or psychological violence against family members such as partners or children. It is also a crime to neglect or exploit children in your care, or to use physical discipline of any kind.
For more information on family violence and New Zealand laws, see http://areyouok.org.nz
Academic requirements
Scholars agree to meet all of the academic requirements outlined in the Letter of Scholarship Offer and in the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Policy Handbook. This includes attending all classes, completing all assessments that are compulsory course requirements, and sitting all exams. You are required to achieve satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the continuation criteria set in your scholarship conditions and by your academic institution.
Education institutions have a duty of care for students
Your education institution must follow the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021. This sets minimum standards to ensure international students in New Zealand are well informed, safe, and properly cared for by their education institution. Manaaki Scholars receive additional intensive support from their education institutions throughout their scholarship journey as well as enrichment and further learning opportunities.