New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (tertiary)

Closed · next round not announced

Last round (2027 intake): 1 Mar 2026 – 31 Mar 2026

The next round is not announced yet. We'll update this page when it is.

In short

Bachelor's (incl. foundation): the first university degree, which opens the door to skilled jobs and to a master's.
Master's / graduate diploma: one or two years after a bachelor's, to specialise and prepare for more senior roles.
PhD / research: several years of research, which prepare you for research and university teaching.

You are a citizen of Vanuatu and have lived there for the two years before applying (some exceptions, e.g. if you were studying overseas).
You meet the entry requirements of the institution and course you choose.
You can qualify for a student visa. Apply for the visa only after accepting the offer.
Former Manaaki scholars must wait a stand-down period before applying again.

Age: You must be 18 when you sign the letter of offer. No upper limit, but applicants under 40 are preferred.
Work experience: Postgraduate study only: one year full-time or two years part-time work (paid, unpaid or voluntary). Not needed if you are in your last year of high school, applying the year after leaving school, or currently employed.
English test: English test only if you are shortlisted

Bachelor's

Guide English level: IELTS 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5 (or equivalent TOEFL, PTE Academic or Cambridge).

Graduate diploma / Master's / PhD

PhD

Contact possible supervisors early. At interview you must show a supervisor is secured or being arranged.

For Ni-Vanuatu applicants

English test results are only needed if you are shortlisted, and must usually be less than 12 months old.

Where you study: New Zealand, FijiTwo options for Vanuatu: study in New Zealand (eight universities and three institutes of technology), or at one of two universities in Fiji.
Language of study: English
Fields of study: Only specific subjects are funded for each country. Check the Vanuatu list on the official website ↗.

Not confirmed. Check the official website ↗.

You must contribute to Vanuatu's social or economic development for at least two years after your studies.

How you apply: Apply online with the provider

1Check that your subject is on the list for Vanuatu and research courses at the eligible institutions.
2Complete the online eligibility questionnaire, then apply through the applicant portal during the application window.

Shortlisted applicants are asked for English test results and may be interviewed.

We haven't confirmed the document list yet. See the official website ↗.

English tests (IELTS and others)When you need an English test, which score programmes ask for, where to take IELTS in Vanuatu, and how to prepare for free.
After you're selectedAccept the offer, get your visa, prepare to leave, and know what you promise to do.
Writing a strong personal statementWhat the selection panel looks for, a simple plan for your text, and how to write it in your own words.
How scholarships work, from start to finishThe different ways to apply, what happens after you send your application, and when the main rounds open and close in the year.

Last checked 10 Oct 2026

Sources (4)