How to Apply for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students: Do you want to study in New Zealand, one of the most beautiful and peaceful countries in the world? Do you want to experience the quality education system, warm hospitality, and diverse culture of New Zealand? Do you want to pursue your academic or professional goals with the support of the New Zealand Government?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should consider applying for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students. These scholarships are available to students from more than 80 partner countries around the world, who want to study undergraduate or postgraduate courses at accredited New Zealand universities or institutes. The scholarships cover full tuition fees, living allowance, medical insurance, travel allowance, and research and thesis costs for research students.
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are part of the New Zealand Government’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and development, as well as building strong and lasting relationships with its partner countries. The scholarships aim to empower the recipients with the skills and knowledge they need to contribute to the social and economic development of their home countries and regions.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students, including the benefits, eligibility, application process, and deadlines. We will also provide you with some tips and advice on how to prepare a successful application and increase your chances of getting selected for this prestigious scholarship.
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Benefits of Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students offer a range of benefits that will enhance your academic and personal experience in New Zealand. Some of the benefits are:
- Full tuition fees for the duration of your study program, up to a maximum of four years for undergraduate studies and three years for postgraduate studies.
- A fortnightly living allowance to cover your basic expenses, such as accommodation, food, transport, and utilities. The living allowance is NZ$491 per week for single students and NZ$633 per week for students with dependents.
- A one-off establishment allowance of NZ$3,000 to help you settle in New Zealand and cover initial costs, such as accommodation bonds, textbooks, and other study materials.
- A return airfare from your home country to New Zealand at the start and end of your scholarship. You will also receive a travel allowance of NZ$2,000 to cover other travel-related costs, such as visa fees, airport taxes, and transit expenses.
- A comprehensive medical and travel insurance for the duration of your scholarship. The insurance covers medical expenses, personal liability, personal effects, and emergency evacuation.
- A research and thesis allowance of up to NZ$1,500 for master’s students and up to NZ$3,000 for doctoral students, to cover the costs of research-related activities, such as fieldwork, data collection, printing, and binding.
- Access to academic and pastoral support from your host institution and the New Zealand Government. You will also have the opportunity to participate in various cultural and social events, network with other scholars and alumni, and join the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships online community.
Eligibility Criteria for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students
To be eligible for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries or regions. You can find the list of eligible countries and regions here.
- You must not have citizenship or permanent residency in New Zealand, Australia, or any other developed country, except if you are a member of the Pacific Community (SPC).
- You must be at least 18 years old at the time of starting your scholarship.
- You must have at least one year of full-time work experience in your home country or region, unless you are applying for a scholarship to complete a PhD or a Pacific-focused qualification.
- You must have a clear and specific study plan that aligns with the priority sectors or subjects for your home country or region. You can find the list of priority sectors and subjects here.
- You must have an unconditional offer of admission or a conditional offer of admission with only an English language requirement from one of the approved New Zealand universities or institutes. You can find the list of approved institutions here.
- You must meet the academic and English language requirements for your chosen study program. You may need to provide evidence of your previous qualifications and English language proficiency, such as transcripts, certificates, diplomas, or test scores.
- You must be able to demonstrate your commitment and potential to contribute to the development of your home country or region after completing your scholarship.
- You must be willing and able to comply with the terms and conditions of the scholarship, as well as the rules and regulations of your host institution and the New Zealand Government.
How To Apply For Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students
The application process for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students consists of the following steps:
Application Process
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Before you start your application, you should complete the online eligibility test to see if you are eligible to apply. The test will ask you some basic questions about your citizenship, age, work experience, study plan, and offer of admission. If the test confirms that you are eligible, you will get an eligibility code that you will need to register for an online account.
Step 2: Register for an online account
If you are eligible, you will see a “register” button on the webpage, where you can start your registration for an online account. You will need to enter a valid email address, which will become your username for logging in later. You will also need to enter your eligibility code and some personal details. After you complete the registration, you will receive an email with a link to set your password and activate your account.
Step 3: Complete and submit your online application
Once you have activated your account, you can access the online application system anytime between the opening and closing dates for your country or region. You will need to fill in the online application form with your personal, academic, and professional information, as well as your study plan and motivation statement. You will also need to upload the required documents, such as your offer of admission, previous qualifications, English language test scores, passport, and references. You can save your progress and return to your application later, but you must submit it before the deadline. You will receive a confirmation email after you submit your application.
Step 4: Wait for the selection outcome
After the closing date, your application will be assessed by a selection panel, which will consider your eligibility, academic merit, English language proficiency, work experience, study plan, and development potential. The selection process may take several months, depending on the number and quality of applications. You will be notified of the outcome of your application by email. If you are shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview or asked to provide additional information. If you are successful, you will receive a scholarship offer letter, which you will need to accept or decline within a specified period.
Deadlines for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students
- Application Deadline: 29 Feb 2024 (annual)
- Opening Date: 1 Feb 2024
- Host Institution(s): Eligible New Zealand universities and institutes of technology
- Study Location: New Zealand
- Commencement of Next Course: 2024
The deadlines for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students vary depending on your country or region. You can find the opening and closing dates for your country or region here. You should check the deadlines carefully and plan your application accordingly. You should also note that the deadlines refer to the online submission of your application, not the receipt of your offer of admission or other documents. You should apply for admission to your chosen institution as early as possible, as the admission process may take longer than the scholarship application process.
Tips and Advice for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students
Applying for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students is a competitive and challenging process, but it is also a rewarding and life-changing opportunity. To increase your chances of getting selected for this scholarship, you should follow these tips and advice:
1. Do your research
Before you apply, you should research the scholarship program, the priority sectors and subjects, the approved institutions and courses, and the application requirements and process. You should also research the New Zealand education system, culture, and lifestyle, and how it differs from your home country or region. This will help you prepare a realistic and relevant study plan and motivation statement, as well as adjust to your new environment if you get the scholarship.
2. Choose your study program wisely
You should choose a study program that matches your academic background, interests, career goals, and the development needs of your home country or region. You should also choose a study program that is offered by one of the approved institutions and that has a good reputation and quality. You should avoid choosing a study program that is too similar or too different from your previous qualifications, as this may affect your academic performance and scholarship eligibility.
3. Prepare your documents carefully
You should prepare your documents well in advance and make sure they are complete, accurate, and authentic. You should also scan your documents in high resolution and in the required format and size. You should avoid submitting any false, forged, or plagiarized documents, as this may result in the rejection of your application or the termination of your scholarship. You should also keep the original copies of your documents, as you may need to present them later.
4. Write a compelling motivation statement
Your motivation statement is one of the most important parts of your application. It is where you explain why you want to study in New Zealand, how your chosen study program relates to your academic and professional goals, and how you intend to use your skills and knowledge to contribute to the development of your home country or region. You should write your motivation statement in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner, using specific examples and evidence to support your claims. You should also highlight your strengths, achievements, and potential, as well as your challenges, difficulties, and aspirations. You should avoid writing a generic or vague statement or copying from other sources, as this may reduce your chances of getting selected.
5. Get good references
You will need to provide two references from people who know you well and can attest to your academic and professional abilities, as well as your personal qualities and character. You should choose your referees carefully and ask for their permission before you include their details in your application. You should also inform them about the scholarship program, your study plan, and your motivation statement so that they can write relevant and specific letters of recommendation for you. You should avoid choosing referees who are not familiar with your work or who may give negative or biased feedback about you.
6. Proofread and review your application
Before you submit your application, you should proofread and review it thoroughly, checking for any errors, inconsistencies, or gaps in your information or documents. You should also ask someone else, such as a friend, family member, or teacher, to read your application and give you honest and constructive feedback. You should make sure that your application is complete, accurate, and coherent, and that it reflects your personality, potential, and passion.
7. Submit your application on time
You should submit your application as early as possible, and not wait until the last minute. This will give you enough time to deal with any technical issues, network problems, or unforeseen circumstances that may arise. You should also keep a copy of your application and the confirmation email, in case you need to refer to them later. You should not submit multiple or duplicate applications, as this may disqualify you from the scholarship program.
FAQs about Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students:
Q: Can I apply for more than one study program or institution?
A: Yes, you can apply for up to three study programs or institutions, as long as they are approved for the scholarship program and match your study plan and development goals. You should rank your preferences in order of priority in your application. However, you can only receive one scholarship offer, and you cannot change your preference after you accept or decline it.
Q: Can I defer or extend my scholarship?
A: No, you cannot defer or extend your scholarship, unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as medical reasons, natural disasters, or security issues. You must start and complete your scholarship within the specified period, as stated in your scholarship offer letter and contract. If you fail to do so, you may lose your scholarship or have to repay it.
Q: Can I bring my family with me to New Zealand?
A: Yes, you can bring your spouse or partner and your dependent children with you to New Zealand, as long as they meet the immigration and visa requirements, and you can support them financially. However, the scholarship does not cover the costs of their travel, insurance, or living expenses, and you will have to arrange and pay for these yourself. You should also consider the impact of your family’s presence on your academic performance and personal well-being.
Q: Can I work or volunteer while studying in New Zealand?
A: Yes, you can work or volunteer while studying in New Zealand, as long as it does not interfere with your academic obligations and scholarship conditions. You can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the holidays, as permitted by your student visa. You can also volunteer for up to 20 hours per week, as long as it is for a charitable or non-profit organization, and it is related to your study program or development goals. You should inform your host institution and the New Zealand Government of your work or volunteer activities, and keep a record of your hours and income.
Q: Can I travel outside New Zealand during my scholarship?
A: Yes, you can travel outside New Zealand during your scholarship, as long as it is for academic, professional, or personal reasons, and it does not affect your scholarship eligibility or duration. You can travel to your home country or region, or to another country or region, as long as you have a valid passport, visa, and travel insurance. You should also inform your host institution and the New Zealand Government of your travel plans, and obtain their approval if necessary. You should not travel to any country or region that is subject to travel warnings or sanctions by the New Zealand Government.
Conclusion
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students are a great opportunity for students from developing countries and regions to study in New Zealand and gain valuable skills and knowledge that will benefit their home countries and regions. The scholarships are highly competitive and selective, and require a lot of preparation and effort from the applicants. However, if you follow the guidelines and tips in this article, you will have a better chance of submitting a successful application and getting selected for this prestigious scholarship. We wish you all the best in your application and your future endeavors.