On this page
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Policy Handbooks
The 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.
From time to time the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade will review the Scholarships Policy Handbooks. Changes made after review apply to all scholars, regardless of when they commence their scholarship.
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, we have to withdraw the offer of a scholarship.
Here are two examples of prerequisite conditions:
- Getting a valid student visa is a common condition required before you leave your own country.
- Completing more English language training before you start your scholarship.
You must apply for all visas
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 INZ website.(external link)
Financial support for scholars
With a full Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, scholars studying in New Zealand receive:
- full tuition fees.
- living allowance (a stipend) of NZ$531 per week. This will help with a scholar’s basic living expenses. If you commence your study programme online in your home country, your stipend will be adjusted to reflect the difference in living costs around the world.
- an establishment allowance of NZ$3000. This is 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 up to the value of NZ$1000, to assist with the cost of additional tutoring while you are studying 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 of your scholarship. However, this is subject to border settings and other restrictions.
-
managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ): This is no longer required when entering New Zealand. We will provide support towards costs of MIQ upon return to your home country, if this is mandatory and your home government does not already cover this cost.
-
reimbursement for the costs of COVID-19 vaccinations if required by your study country or transit country, and for the costs of any COVID-19 pre-departure tests. Please note: costs will not be reimbursed for dependent family members. Scholars will need to meet the requirements stipulated by national governments and/or airlines with regard to the type of COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 pre-departure test deemed acceptable. MFAT will only cover costs if a charge is occurred and a receipt is provided.
-
reintegration allowance of NZ$1000. 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 and your accommodation. They will also look after you on arrival in your study location. They can answer any questions you may have about your courses, financial allowances or payments.
You attend a briefing before you leave home
If there is a New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in your country(external link), 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.
Scholarship start dates
For tertiary study in New Zealand:
Due to previous border closures and visa restrictions, we are currently aiming for deferred scholars and those scholars selected in 2022 to start their study in New Zealand from Semester 1, 2023 or later.
Your education institution will work with you to determine the earliest opportunity that you can enter New Zealand to commence your study. If there are any changes to your study date, your institution will be in contact with you.
For tertiary study in the Pacific:
We aim for Pacific scholars selected in 2022 to enter their study country to commence study from Semester 1, 2023.
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. Scholars could lose their Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship if they 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. Your education institution offers extra academic and personal support if a scholar asks for it.
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 for their country of study, until the date of arrival in their home country on 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.(external link)
Academic requirements
Scholars agree to meet all of the academic requirements outlined in the Letter of Scholarship Offer and in the 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 by both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the 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(external link). This sets minimum standards to ensure international students in New Zealand are well informed, safe, and properly cared for by their education institution.