With annual tuition ranging from NZD 22,000 to NZD 45,000 (approximately NPR 17.6-36 Lakh) and living costs adding NZD 15,000-25,000 per year, the financial commitment of studying in New Zealand is significant for most Nepali families. Scholarships can dramatically reduce this burden — and more options are available than most students realize.
The most valuable opportunity is the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, which is fully funded by the New Zealand Government and covers everything from tuition to airfare. Beyond that, individual universities offer merit-based discounts that can save you NZD 5,000-20,000 per year. The key is knowing what is available and applying strategically.
If you are still researching whether New Zealand is right for you, start with our complete guide to studying in New Zealand from Nepal.
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships: Fully Funded
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (formerly New Zealand Development Scholarships) are the most prestigious and valuable scholarship opportunity for Nepali students heading to New Zealand. They are funded by the New Zealand Government through the NZ Aid Programme and specifically target students from developing countries, including Nepal.
What Manaaki NZ Scholarships cover:
- Full tuition fees for the entire program duration
- Living allowance — a monthly stipend to cover day-to-day expenses in New Zealand
- Return airfare between Nepal and New Zealand
- Establishment allowance — one-time payment to help you settle in
- Medical and travel insurance
- Research and thesis costs (where applicable)
Eligible programs:The Manaaki NZ Scholarship focuses on postgraduate study (master's and PhD) at New Zealand universities. Programs are typically aligned with Nepal's development priorities, including governance, health, education, agriculture, environmental management, and climate resilience.
Eligibility for Nepali applicants:
- Nepali citizenship and current residence in Nepal
- A completed bachelor's degree (for master's) or master's degree (for PhD)
- Strong academic record — a GPA equivalent of B+ or higher is typically expected
- Relevant work experience (preferred, not always mandatory)
- English proficiency meeting the university's requirements (typically IELTS 6.5+)
- Commitment to returning to Nepal and contributing to national development
Application timeline: Applications typically open in February and close in March-April each year for studies beginning the following year. The selection process includes written application, interview, and final selection by the New Zealand Government.
Success tip:The Manaaki scholarship places high value on your plan to use your education for Nepal's development. Your application essay should clearly connect your chosen field of study to specific challenges or opportunities in Nepal. Generic statements about "helping my country" are not enough — be specific about the sector, the problem, and how your education will address it.
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships
As a Commonwealth country, Nepal's students are eligible for the New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarship. This scholarship covers tuition fees and living expenses for postgraduate study at New Zealand universities.
- Available for master's and PhD programs
- Covers tuition, living allowance, and airfare
- Limited number of awards each year — highly competitive
- Focus on areas relevant to the applicant's home country development
University-Specific Scholarships
Most New Zealand universities offer their own scholarships for international students. These are typically merit-based and provide partial tuition fee reductions.
University of Auckland
- International Student Excellence Scholarship: Up to NZD 10,000 per year
- Doctoral Scholarship: Covers 3 years of tuition plus annual living stipend of NZD 28,000
- Various faculty-specific awards in Business, Engineering, and Science
University of Otago
- Otago International Masters Research Scholarship: Full tuition waiver for research master's students
- International Undergraduate Scholarship: NZD 5,000-10,000 per year
- Otago Doctoral Scholarship: Full tuition plus NZD 27,000/year stipend for 3 years
Victoria University of Wellington
- Tongarewa Scholarship: NZD 5,000-15,000 for high-achieving international students
- Victoria Doctoral Scholarship: Full tuition plus living stipend
- Faculty-specific awards in Law, Business, and Humanities
University of Canterbury
- UC International First Year Scholarship: NZD 10,000-20,000
- UC Master's Scholarship: Tuition fee scholarship for master's students
- Strong support for Engineering and Science students
Massey University
- International Excellence Scholarship: Up to NZD 10,000
- Vice Chancellor's High Achievers Scholarship: For students with exceptional academic records
- Scholarships in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, and Creative Arts
University of Waikato
- International Excellence Scholarship: Up to NZD 10,000 per year
- Waikato Doctoral Scholarship: Full tuition and living stipend
- Located in Hamilton — lower living costs help maximize scholarship value
Scholarship Comparison Table
| Scholarship | Value | Level | Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manaaki NZ | Full funding | Master's / PhD | Very High |
| Commonwealth | Full funding | Master's / PhD | Very High |
| University Merit Awards | NZD 5,000-20,000/yr | All levels | Moderate to High |
| Doctoral Scholarships | Full tuition + stipend | PhD only | High |
Tips for Winning Scholarships
- Apply early: Many university scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis once you meet the criteria. Submit your university application as early as possible.
- Focus on your personal statement: For government scholarships like Manaaki NZ, your essay is critical. Connect your education goals to specific development challenges in Nepal.
- Maintain a strong GPA: Most merit scholarships require a minimum GPA equivalent of B+ (3.3/4.0). Academic performance is the primary selection criterion.
- Get strong references: Two strong academic or professional references can make the difference between shortlisted and rejected.
- Apply to multiple scholarships: Do not put all your hopes on one scholarship. Apply to both government and university scholarships simultaneously.
- Check deadlines carefully: Manaaki NZ has a strict deadline. University scholarships often have separate application processes and deadlines from the main admission application.
Next Steps
Want to explore your options further?
- Cost of studying in New Zealand — understand the full financial picture
- New Zealand universities — choose the right institution
- Student visa process — the ADEPT system explained
- All scholarships for Nepali students — across all countries