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Graduate Development Scholarships in New Zealand

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New Zealand, through its development scholarships, gives people from targeted countries the opportunity to undertake development-related studies.

Recipients are equipped with knowledge and skills that make them agents of change in their country of origin.

In addition, those who go through this program join a network of high-achieving, development-minded individuals.

Scholarship Overview

  • New Zealand Development Scholarships (NZDS) give candidates from selected developing countries an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills through study in specific subject areas, which will assist in the development of their home country. Awardees are required to return to their home country for at least two years after the completion of their scholarship to apply these new skills and knowledge in government, civil society or private business organizations.
  • NZDS are funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme, and the New Zealand Government’s Overseas Aid and Development Programme. They are managed by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

Host School(s)

  • Study in New Zealand or at participating Pacific Universities
  • Any first-rate educational institution that offers world-recognized qualifications.
  • Successful applicants will have access to excellent academic knowledge from quality facilities.

Field(s) of Study – Preferences

  • Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate strong academic ability, leadership qualities, and a commitment to the development of their home country.
  • Preference is also given to candidates who are 39 years of age or younger at the time of commencing their scholarship.
  • Preference will be given to candidates who apply to study in academic disciplines relating to one or more of the following:

Agriculture development

  • Agri-business management, agricultural economics, agricultural systems and management, rural development, domestic supply chains and distribution management, agricultural marketing, logistics, natural resource and environmental management
  • Agricultural production, which includes plant, animal, horticultural and soil science
  • Biology, vegetable production, livestock/animal husbandry, crop management, sericulture (silk production), forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, and agricultural pest management.
  • Phytosanitary, biosecurity, biotechnology, agricultural trade
  • Food production, food sciences/technology, post-harvest processing, food storage and packaging, and food safety

Renewable energy

  • Geothermal, solar, hydro engineering and wind energy, renewable energy distribution systems, energy sector management and reforms, and energy engineering

What does the scholarship cover?

  • The Scholarships provide the following financial support:
    • The full cost of tuition
    • A fortnightly living allowance
    • An establishment allowance
    • Medical and travel insurance
    • Travel to and from one’s home country at the start and end of the scholarship
    • Home leave or reunion travel for some scholars
    • Assistance with research and thesis costs for many postgraduate research students.
  • The partners of students are eligible for a work visa that allows them to live and work in New Zealand for the duration of their partner’s study.

How many scholarships are given?

  • Every Country is different – check your specific country page.

Which countries are targeted?

  • African Commonwealth countries – Botswana, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
  • Africa – Non-Commonwealth countries -Algeria, Angola, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gambia, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Zimbabwe
  • Asia – Bhutan, Jordan, Mongolia, Nepal,  Timor-Leste
  • Latin America – Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Venezuela
  • Caribbean Commonwealth countries – Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago
  • Caribbean Non-Commonwealth countries – Dominican Republic, Haiti, Suriname

Am I Eligible to Apply?

  • Applicants from all eligible countries must meet the following conditions to be eligible for a New Zealand Scholarship:
  1. I will be at least 18 years old at the time I start the scholarship
  2. The country I am living in is on the list of eligible countries
  3. I am a citizen of the country I am living in
  4. I have been living in this country for at least the last two years (unless you are a member of the diplomatic corps or a dependent of a member of the diplomatic corps)
  5. I confirm that I am not currently serving in the military
  6. I want to study in New Zealand; or
  7. I want to study in the Pacific and I am from Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu or Vanuatu
  8. I want to study at a level that is listed as available for my country for the scholarship that I am applying for
  9. I expect to meet Immigration requirements for a student visa to New Zealand or the Pacific country I will study in (i.e. medical checks, etc.).
  10. I expect to meet the academic entry requirements (including English language ability) to get into my preferred programme of study
  11. I confirm that I have not been previously terminated from a New Zealand Government Scholarship because of poor academic performance or personal conduct
  12. I can demonstrate that the study I want to do will enable me to contribute to the sustainable development of my home country
  13. I am committed to return to my country for a minimum of two years at the end of my scholarship to contribute to my country’s development
  14. I have at least two years of work experience (part time or full time, paid or voluntary) unless I am applying straight from school or during m y first year of tertiary study (for countries offered undergraduate study)
  15. I confirm that I do not have permanent residence or citizenship of the following countries; Australia, Canada, Israel, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, Qatar, Japan, New Zealand or any European Union country.

How do I Apply – Next Steps

  1. Confirm your eligibility – Take the online eligibility test. If successful, you will receive a number that you will use during registration.
  2. Create a Real Me Login – you will be given a login name and password to be used throughout the application process.
  3. Register with New Zealand Development Scholarships online – registration allows you to set up an application account.
  4. Complete your application – Once applications are formally opened, you can begin the application process. Note that you must fill out and submit the application before the country deadline.

For paper applications:

  1. Confirm eligibility – Check the scholarship requirements to make sure that you qualify
  2. Decide the type of institution and qualifications you want
  3. Complete your application – Pick up the application forms at the New Zealand High Commission or Embassy in your country, fill them in and return them before the closing date.

Closing Date:

  • March 15th (paper application)
  • March 30th (online application)

How do I get more information?

We advise against ever posting personal information (email or phone number) in a public place on the internet - Scammers can obtain your information and use it to send you false solicitations.