FAQS FOR TERTIARY SCHOLARSHIPS

1. I have been accepted for a Scholarship to study in New Zealand. When can I enter New Zealand to commence my Scholarship?

With the easing of border restrictions, we are currently aiming for scholars to start their study in New Zealand from Semester 1, 2023. Your Education Institution will work with you to determine the earliest opportunity that you can enter New Zealand to commence your study.

2. I have been accepted for a Scholarship to study in New Zealand. How will COVID-19 affect my university experience in New Zealand?

The majority of COVID-19 restrictions have now been removed. You can find up to date information about the status of COVID-19 in New Zealand, as well as more information on New Zealand’s approach at: www.covid19.govt.nz and www.health.govt.nz

3. What will be the border requirements entering New Zealand?

The need to enter managed isolation upon arrival has been removed. The need to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 has also been removed. Self testing for COVID-19 after arrival remains a requirement. Your institution will advise you of the specific requirements that you will need to follow before you enter New Zealand. For up to date information on border requirements please see the New Zealand Government's Immigration New Zealand website

4. Do I have access to healthcare while I am on Scholarship?

As part of being awarded a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade will cover funding for your insurance which includes health care and travel cover.

5. I have been accepted for a Scholarship to study in New Zealand. Can I start my programme online?

Some previously selected scholars are currently studying online, having started while New Zealand’s borders were closed. For all new scholars selected, the expectation is that they will commence their study in-person in New Zealand.

6. Can I bring my family to New Zealand?

Temporarily, due to COVID-19, it was the policy that dependents could not accompany scholars. This policy is no longer in place. Dependents can accompany scholars, as long as they meet Immigration New Zealand's requirements.

7. Can I travel overseas during my Scholarship once I am in New Zealand?

The interim prohibition on discretionary travel has been lifted, however in a persisting COVID-19 environment limitations may remain for some destinations. Reunion travel and home located research travel may be approved for scholars if the tertiary institution concludes there is no risk to scholar/whanau well-being or academic completion.

8. What happens if I am unable to return home immediately at the end of my Scholarship as result of border closures?

If you are unable to return home at the completion of your Scholarship due to COVID-19 border closures or travel restrictions, MFAT will continue to support you to remain in New Zealand until the earliest opportunity that you can return home.

1. I have been accepted for a Scholarship to study in the Pacific. When will I be able to enter my study country to commence my study programme?

We are aiming for Pacific Scholars selected in 2022 to enter their Pacific study country to commence study from Semester 1, 2023.

2. I have been accepted for a Scholarship to study in the Pacific. How will COVID-19 affect my university experience?

You will be expected to adhere to all directives issued by the Government of your study country relating to COVID-19. This may result in changes to your university experience.

3. Will I need to quarantine when I arrive in my study country?

You will be expected to adhere to all directives issued by the Government of your study country relating to COVID-19, including the need to undertake managed isolation and quarantine upon arrival.

4. Do I have access to healthcare while I am on scholarship?

As part of being awarded a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, MFAT will cover funding for your insurance which includes health care and travel cover.

5. I have been accepted for a Scholarship to study in the Pacific. Can I start my programme online?

As a COVID-19 measure, some Pacific-based scholars have been studying online. It is the expectation of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme that Pacific-based Scholars will travel to their country of study to begin their studies in Semester 1, 2023.

6. Can I bring my family with me to my study country?

MFAT had in-place a temporary policy that dependents could not accompany Scholars. This policy has now been removed.

7. Can I travel overseas during my scholarship once I am in my study country?

The interim prohibition on discretionary travel has been lifted, however in a persisting COVID-19 environment limitations may remain for some destinations. Reunion travel and home located research travel may be approved for scholars if the tertiary institution concludes there is no risk to Scholar/whanau well-being or academic completion.

8. What happens if I am unable to return home immediately at the end of my Scholarship as a result of border closures?

If you are unable to return home at the completion of your Scholarship due to COVID-19 border closures or travel restrictions, MFAT will continue to support you to remain in your study country until the earliest opportunity that you can return home.