1. Eligible Countries
This is where most confusion starts. The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship used to be open to around 80 countries. That changed significantly in recent years, and the list has been cut down to roughly 20. Many third-party scholarship websites still show the old, outdated list — so if you found your country listed somewhere else, double-check it here.
The eligible countries are split into two groups: Pacific and Asian nations. Which group your country falls into also affects what level of study you can apply for (more on that in the next section).
Fiji
Postgraduate only
French Pacific
New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis & Futuna
Kiribati
Nauru
Niue
North Pacific
FSM, Palau, Marshall Islands
Papua New Guinea
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu
Cambodia
Indonesia
Lao PDR
Malaysia
Nepal
Philippines
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Undergraduate eligible
Vietnam
Watch out for outdated information
If you found a website listing 50 or 80 eligible countries for this scholarship, that information is old. The Manaaki scholarship underwent major changes, and the eligible country list was significantly reduced. Always verify against the official MFAT page before you invest time in an application.
2. Study Levels Available
Not every study level is open to every country. This is one of the most common points of confusion, so pay close attention to the restrictions column.
| Study Level | Duration | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) | 3–4 years | Pacific countries + Timor-Leste only |
| Postgraduate Certificate | 6 months | All eligible countries |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 1 year | All eligible countries |
| Master’s Degree | 1–2 years | All eligible countries |
| PhD (Doctorate) | 3.5 years | All eligible countries |
Fiji exception
Even though Fiji is a Pacific country, it is limited to postgraduate study only. Fijian citizens cannot apply for undergraduate scholarships under Manaaki.
Timor-Leste exception
Timor-Leste is grouped with Asian countries but is also eligible for undergraduate study, making it the only Asian-group nation with this option.
3. Basic Requirements
Beyond being from an eligible country, there are several baseline criteria you need to meet. None of these are particularly unusual for a government scholarship, but a few details catch people off guard.
Citizen of an eligible country
You must hold citizenship (not just residency) in one of the eligible nations listed above.
Resided in your home country for at least 2 years
You must have been living in your home country for at least two years immediately before the scholarship application date. There are exceptions for diplomats posted abroad and citizens who were studying overseas on a government-approved scholarship.
At least 18 years old when the scholarship starts
Your age is assessed at the start of the scholarship, not at the time of application. So if you turn 18 before classes begin, you are fine.
No upper age limit — but preference for under 40
Technically, there is no strict maximum age. In practice, though, candidates under 40 are given preference. If you are older, you can still apply, but you should be aware that younger applicants may have an edge, all else being equal.
Not currently serving in the military
Active military personnel are not eligible. If you have completed your service, this does not apply to you.
No terminated Manaaki scholarship in the past 5 years
If you previously received a Manaaki scholarship and it was terminated (not completed successfully), you cannot apply again for five years from the date of termination.
Not a citizen or permanent resident of a wealthy nation
You cannot hold citizenship or permanent residency in New Zealand, Australia, any EU member state, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, South Korea, or similar high-income countries. Dual nationals with one of these citizenships are not eligible.
4. Work Experience Requirements
The Manaaki scholarship is designed for people who will return home and apply what they learned. That is why work experience matters — it is not an academic-only selection process.
Postgraduate Applicants
You need a minimum of 1 year of full-time work experience (30+ hours per week) or 2 years of part-time work.
The work should be relevant to your proposed field of study. Random, unrelated employment technically counts but will not strengthen your application. Think about how your work history connects to what you want to study — and how both connect to your home country’s development.
Undergraduate Applicants
School leavers and first-year undergraduate applicants are exempt from the work experience requirement.
This makes sense — you are coming straight from school. However, any community involvement, volunteer work, or part-time employment you can mention will still help your application stand out. It is not required, but it signals commitment.
5. English Language Requirements
English proficiency is required, but here is the good news: you do not need to submit your test scores when you first apply. You only need to provide them if you are shortlisted. This is an important distinction that many applicants miss — do not delay your application because you have not taken IELTS yet.
| Test | Postgraduate | Undergraduate |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) | 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) |
| TOEFL iBT | 90 overall (writing 21+) | 80 overall (writing 21+) |
| PTE Academic | 58 overall (no skill below 50) | — |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 176 overall (no band below 169) | — |
When do you need the scores?
Only when you are shortlisted. You can apply without having taken the test, and many successful applicants do exactly that. Take the test while your application is being reviewed, so you have results ready if you make it to the next stage.
Almost there? You might get training
If your scores are close to the required level but not quite there, you may be offered funded English language training before your studies begin. This is not guaranteed, but it means a marginal score does not automatically disqualify you. The selection panel looks at the whole picture.
6. Subject Restrictions — This Is Critical
This is where many strong applicants sabotage their own chances. The Manaaki scholarship is not a blank check to study whatever interests you. Each country has a list of recommended subject areas, and choosing outside these areas dramatically reduces your likelihood of being selected.
The scholarship exists to build capacity in areas that matter to your home country’s development. The selection panel wants to see that your proposed study aligns with your country’s stated priorities — not just your personal career ambitions.
Common priority areas across most countries
Climate Resilience
Food Security
Governance
Infrastructure
Economic Development
Health
Education
ICT
Practical advice: Before you write your application, look up your country’s specific recommended subjects list on the official MFAT website. Then choose a study program that clearly falls within one of those areas. If your dream subject is not on the list, think carefully before applying — the panel rarely makes exceptions.
7. Who Cannot Apply
To save you time, here is a clear rundown of the disqualifying factors. If any of these apply to you, the Manaaki scholarship is not an option right now.
Citizens or permanent residents of wealthy nations
New Zealand, Australia, EU countries, USA, UK, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and similar high-income nations. Dual citizens with any of these are also excluded.
Currently serving military personnel
Active duty members of any armed forces. Former military personnel who have completed their service are eligible.
Previously terminated Manaaki scholarship holders (within 5 years)
If your Manaaki scholarship was terminated for any reason in the past five years, you are ineligible. Successful completions do not count against you.
Those who do not meet the residency requirement
If you have not been living in your home country for at least 2 years before applying, you do not qualify (with narrow exceptions for diplomats and approved overseas scholars).
Applying for the same level you already hold
Your proposed course must represent a step up from your highest existing qualification. Already have a Master’s? You can apply for PhD, but not another Master’s. See the Progression Rule below.
8. The Progression Rule
This rule trips up more applicants than you would expect, so it deserves its own section.
Your course must be a step up
The Manaaki scholarship requires that the qualification you are applying for represents academic progression from your highest existing qualification. You cannot apply for a degree at the same level you already hold.
Why this matters
Many applicants already hold a Master’s degree and want to pursue a second Master’s in a different field. Under the Manaaki scholarship, this is not possible. If you already have a Master’s, your only option is to apply for a PhD. Similarly, if you already hold a Postgraduate Diploma, you cannot apply for a Postgraduate Certificate. Always move forward, never sideways or backward.