Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships – developing countries

AUT hosts a large number of scholars under the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships Programme (formerly NZAID) each year.

Offered by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the scholarships enable international students from selected developing countries to study at a New Zealand university and enhance their skills to contribute to the sustainable development of their home country.

Applying for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship

These are full tertiary scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate academic study in New Zealand available to eligible international students. Priority is given to applicants who choose one of the recommended subjects specified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Visit the New Zealand scholarships website to find out more about:

What to include in your scholarship application

As part of the application process, you need to describe:

How your preferred courses relate to one of the recommended study subjects
The skills and knowledge you want to gain from your preferred courses
How these skills are important to your country’s development

When to apply

Applications open in February for most countries. Country specific opening and closing dates are listed on the New Zealand scholarships website.

If you’re a preferred candidate for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, you’ll then also need to secure your place to study at your chosen New Zealand education institution. If you’re applying for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship and admission to AUT, contact us on manaakinz@aut.ac.nz

Why choose AUT for your studies in New Zealand

AUT is one of the world’s best modern universities, with 250 programmes and more than 150,000 alumni all over the world. Study with us and you’ll join New Zealand’s most diverse and vibrant university, and we’ll help you develop the skills to make a positive impact to your country.

Hear from other Manaaki New Zealand scholars

Cambodia

Vansek Soeum

Master of Public Health

“AUT is New Zealand’s leading modern university that provides you with an innovative teaching and learning environment, and the support of world-leading academic staff. At AUT, you’ll become a great graduate and ready to be a good leader in your area of expertise. You’ll enjoy a multicultural learning environment and experience New Zealand culture.”

Papua New Guinea

Kilakupa Marryanne Gulo-Vui

Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Networks and Cybersecurity

“AUT is a leading university in New Zealand and offers a wide variety of programmes. Because it offers state-of-the-art facilities and strong academic staff, AUT continues to deliver exceptional support to its students to ensure they receive the best education. It also has a great support system.”

Timor-Leste

Daniel Lip

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Software Engineering

“I believe that technology can help rural areas have better access to quality education and healthcare. Studying at AUT has given me the chance to learn from experts in the area. The diverse community and supportive culture have also been highlights of studying at AUT. I’ve met new people from places I hadn’t heard of before.”

Vanuatu

Rachel Takoar

Master of Computer and Information Sciences

“I enjoyed the study environment – there is a lot of space and it is quiet and user friendly. I also enjoyed the learning materials and the courses offered, and the lecturers and tutors have been very helpful. Another thing I liked about AUT is that I got to know students from all over the world.”

Solomon Islands

Junior Timothy Doedoke

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Construction Engineering

“My goal was to help design, plan and carry out innovative construction projects that can be beneficial to my country’s economy while being safe and sustainable. The variety of my AUT courses helped broaden my understanding of the engineering world and by collaborating with my classmates on tasks I also strengthened my networking skills.”

Papua New Guinea

Ainda Piako Kepon

Master of Public Health

“I chose to study the Master of Public Health to help improve the sexual and reproductive health of the women and girls of Papua New Guinea. I loved learning from such skilled and knowledgeable lectures – I learned a lot and felt fully equipped to return home and serve my country.”

Jamaica

Deshaun Martin-Clarke

Doctor of Philosophy – Environmental Sciences

“AUT provides a new and unique environment to learn and develop as a person. There is ample support for students’ physical, mental and spiritual needs in a non-intrusive manner that provides balance in the pursuit of a higher education. The most enjoyable thing has been the support I get from the scholarships team and my academic supervisors.”

Kiribati

Rosemarie Tioti O’Connor

Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science

“I’d like to play my part in providing better healthcare for my country. I’ve been very fortunate to have great lecturers who are all very passionate about teaching their expert subjects. They’ve always reminded us how important the job of a medical laboratory scientist is, and I loved when they talked passionately about their work experiences.”

VIEW ALL

Contact us

To find out more about these scholarships and studying at AUT, contact AUT's New Zealand Scholarships Officer.

manaakinz@aut.ac.nz

Stay on campus – and save on your accommodation

2 students talking in studio accommodation room A great way to meet new people and make the most of studying at AUT is to live in our student accommodation.

If you’re staying at Te Āhuru Mayoral Drive Student Accommodation as a Manaaki scholar, you also get a 25% rebate throughout your studies, which means you can save on your accommodation cost and enjoy more of your time in New Zealand.

VIEW ACCOMMODATION

How we support international students

We want your time at AUT to be a great experience. Learn more about starting your life as an international student in Auckland and find out how AUT will support you throughout your studies.

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Apply to study at AUT

To secure a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, you will also need to be offered a place at your chosen New Zealand education institution.

If you’re hoping to come to AUT, you could apply for the programme you want to study now to support your scholarship application, but you can also wait for the outcome of your scholarship application before you apply to AUT.

Apply online