Scholarships to Study at Universities in New Zealand
There are scholarships available from the government, universities, and merit-based scholarships for international students. Awards can help with tuition or help to cover living expenses, depending on the scholarship.
New Zealand Excellence Awards
New Zealand Excellence Awards have been created for qualifying Indian students and are sponsored by Education New Zealand and the participating New Zealand universities.
- Eligibility: Indian citizens who fulfill the specified academic and eligibility criteria
- Level of study: Undergraduate and postgraduate levels may be available
- Coverage: Award value depends on the scholarship round and participating university
- Application: Students should adhere to the application process and time mentioned for the applicable round.
University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving new international students at the University of Auckland to help pay tuition fees.
- Enrollment criteria: New international students who meet the minimum published academic and admission criteria
- Familiarity: Knowledge gained at the postgraduate level
- Academic requirement: As per University requirement (Minimum 90%)
- Deductible cover: Up to NZD 10,000 (approximately INR 5.40L) on tuition fees
- Application: A separate scholarship application may be required
University of Canterbury India High Achievers Scholarship
The University of Canterbury is providing an India-specific scholarship for students who will start their undergraduate course at the University of Canterbury from India and are eligible for the scholarship.
- Eligibility: International students from India who are excelling in their academic career are eligible.Eligibility: High-achieving students from India who are pursuing undergraduate courses in Australia are eligible.
- Coverage: For the first year of tuition, the coverage amount is NZD 5,000 (approximately INR 2.70L).
- Application: Need to submit a separate scholarship application.
- Deadline: Scholarship deadlines vary according to the intake
Eligibility criteria and deadlines, as well as the values of the scholarships, may differ from round to round. Students are advised to confirm the most up-to-date information from the scholarship provider prior to applying for it.
Suggested Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in New Zealand
How to Apply to Universities in New Zealand?
In general, there are a number of steps to undertake in applying, including selecting a program, eligibility, document preparation, applying for a place on the program in the university, and funding and visa arrangements for students.
- Step 1: Shortlist the Universities and Courses
Research universities, courses, cost, entry requirements, location, and career prospects.
- Step 2: Check Eligibility
You will need to have all academic, English, and program-specific requirements met before your application.
- Step 3: Prepare Documents
Gather transcripts, passport, test scores, CV, research proposal, and references as necessary.
- Step 4: Submit Application
Submit applications via the university's application system and upload necessary documents.
- Step 5: Show up for Interview or Assessment
Attend all required interviews, entrance tests, portfolio reviews, or assessments.
- Step 6: Admission Offer Receipt
Accept and finalize enrolment at university.
- Step 7: Arrange Funding and Accommodation
Make arrangements for tuition, living expenses, scholarships, and room before leaving.
- Step 8: Apply for Student Visa
Complete the required immigration process after receiving admission documents.
Suggested Read: Cost of Living in Auckland
Intakes at Universities in New Zealand
New Zealand universities tend to have a primary intake period in February/ March and some programs starting in July. Specific dates are subject to the university, program, and availability.
Students are advised to review any application deadlines, especially for those who require a scholarship, accommodation, and a student visa for New Zealand.
February/March Intake
February or March is generally the main academic intake, with a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs starting around this period.
- Application timeline: Often several months before the course begins
- Program availability: Most bachelor's, master's and research programs may offer this intake
July Intake
July provides a mid-year entry option for selected programs and universities, although the number of available courses can be smaller than in the first intake.
- Application timeline: Usually several months before the July start
- Program availability: Selected bachelor's, master's and postgraduate programs
- Visa planning: Allow sufficient time for visa processing before travelling
Other Intakes
Some programs have additional or flexible start dates outside the main February/March and July intakes.
- Research programs: Some PhD programs may allow more flexible commencement dates.
- Pathway programs: Foundation, English-language and pathway courses can have additional starts.
- Program-specific starts: Certain professional or postgraduate courses may follow their own academic calendar.
Suggested Read: Intakes in New Zealand for College Admissions
Student Life at Top Universities in New Zealand
Student life combines academic study with clubs, sports, cultural events, student services and city-based activities. There is also support for International students, with separate academic, wellbeing and career support teams.
The top universities in New Zealand for international students are spread out across its various cities, from large urban hubs like Auckland to a student-heavy Dunedin to a research and engineering hub such as Christchurch.
- Campus facilities: Libraries, laboratories, recreation centres, health services and study spaces
- Accommodation: The university halls, residential colleges, apartments and private rentals are available as accommodation options.
- Clubs and societies: Academic, cultural, sports and special-interest groups
- Accommodation: The university halls, residential colleges, apartments and private rentals are available.
- Clubs and societies: A broad selection of clubs and societies, including those from academic, cultural, sports, and special-interest groups.
- International communities: Universities host students from different countries and backgrounds
- Career services: Career guidance, employer events, internships, and Industry connections
- Part-time work: Students are allowed to work part-time (up to 25 hours/week) while holding a visa.
Students are advised to explore various housing options, grocery prices, public transport options, etc as the cost of living in New Zealand varies from city to city.
How to Choose the Right University in New Zealand?
Students should choose between top universities in New Zealand based on specific courses, academic interests, cost, future career aspirations, and preferred location, not on university rankings.
The following should be considered when you're about to make the final selection:
- Course and curriculum: See if the university has your chosen course, specialisation, and subjects.
- Academic reputation: Check out the overall and subject-specific rankings that are of interest to you.
- Annual fees and university costs: Tuition and other costs at university.
- Look for scholarships: Qualifications, amount, application procedure, and deadlines.
- Accommodation, transport, food and other costs: Take into consideration the cost of living in the university city.
- Admission requirements: Check academic requirements, prerequisites, and English requirements.
- Research opportunities: If you are interested in pursuing a course at master's or PhD level, you should research supervisors, research centres, laboratories and funding.
- Career contacts: Seek out internships, employer partnerships, career projects and career services.
- International support: Student orientation, academic support, wellbeing services and international student support.
- Post-study options: Discuss existing immigration policies and possible opportunities available after graduation.
