Empowering the Future: New Zealand Scholarships for Developing country
New Zealand’s commitment to international development extends far beyond humanitarian relief and financial assistance. The country has gained global recognition for its extensive scholarship programs designed to provide students from developing nations with access to high-quality education. These initiatives not only empower talented individuals but also support long-term growth in their home countries. This article highlights the relevance, benefits, and impact of New Zealand’s major scholarships for students from developing countries.
University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
The University of Auckland offers an Excellence Scholarship for new international undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship targets high-achieving students applying for:
- A taught postgraduate diploma or master’s degree of 120 points or more
- An undergraduate program with international secondary or post-secondary qualifications
The goal of the scholarship is to attract outstanding international students to pursue programs of at least one academic year at the University of Auckland.
The university awards up to 50 scholarships each year, each valued at up to NZD $10,000. These are distributed twice annually for both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants. Eligible candidates must hold an unconditional (or in certain cases, a restricted) offer of admission from the university.
Selection criteria include:
- Academic merit
- Quality of the application and personal statement
- Strength of recommendation letters
- Country of origin (which may be taken into consideration)
For programs commencing in February 2024, the application deadline was November 21, 2023. For programs beginning in July 2023, the deadline was April 20, 2023.
Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the official scholarship regulations and refer to the University of Auckland website for complete details on requirements and the application process:
The Tongarewa Scholarship – Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington offers the Tongarewa Scholarship to international students entering their first year of undergraduate study or enrolling in a postgraduate degree. This scholarship reflects the university’s commitment to its international community and expects recipients to serve as ambassadors for the institution.
The scholarship is available for both undergraduate and master’s programs across all fields of study. The university offers:
- Up to 10 scholarships valued between NZD $5,000 and $10,000 for bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- Additional scholarships of up to NZD $5,000 for master’s degree applicants
This is a tuition-fee contribution awarded for one academic year.
Applicants who submit their accommodation application by the prescribed deadline are guaranteed an offer of university housing. Eligibility is restricted to full-fee-paying international students with a conditional or unconditional offer of admission from Victoria University of Wellington.
Application deadlines vary by intake period:
- 30 November 2023 for Semester 1, 2024
- 1 June 2023 for Semester 2, 2023
- 1 September 2023 for Trimester 3, 2023
Applications typically open one month prior to each deadline.
For full details on criteria and the application process, refer to the official scholarship page:
Official Website:
https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/scholarships/current/tongarewa-scholarship
Conclusion
New Zealand’s dedication to global development is evident in its investment in educational opportunities for students from developing countries. Scholarships such as the University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship and the Tongarewa Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington provide far more than financial support. They offer access to world-class academic institutions, advanced learning environments, and pathways to future success.
These scholarships not only uplift individual recipients but also create a wider positive impact. Students return to their home countries equipped with knowledge, skills, and international experience, enabling them to contribute to national growth and development. By fostering global talent through education, New Zealand is helping to shape a network of capable professionals who can drive meaningful change in their communities.