Funding for Your New Zealand Education
A number of generous scholarships, fellowships and awards in general and niche areas of postgraduate, undergraduate and doctoral studies in New Zealand are available for Indian and other international students.
New Zealand is an attractive study abroad destination for young Indians, whether at the undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral levels. It is a beautiful country with a high standard of living, and research-focused universities under an education system that is ranked number 16 by the QS Higher Education System Strength rankings. However, education in New Zealand can be more expensive than that in traditional destinations like the US and UK. Scholarships funded by the New Zealand government, individual universities, organizations and private philanthropists can help ease the financial burden on students significantly. Here is a look at some scholarships available to Indian students.New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)
Generous scholarships, of full tuition, plus a living stipend (NZ$25,000 annually) for a period of up to three years is offered to doctoral students who have a confirmed position in a PhD program, at a New Zealand university. The scholarship also includes medical insurance. It is a highly competitive aid offered by the New Zealand government to students. Applicants must hold a GPA of 3.7 on a 4 point scale or an A/A+ grade in their most recent postgraduate qualification. There is a list of approved universities that are participating in the program, and the scholarship is available for research in any discipline, as long as it is conducted in New Zealand. University of Auckland International Student Scholarships (Postgraduate)
This recently established scholarship offers full tuition fee waivers (of up to NZ$10,000) for a year, for students undertaking a taught Master's program or a PG Diploma of 120 points or more at the University of Auckland. Selections are merit-based though the letter of application and references also factor in the chances of a student's selection. 2016 is the first year for these scholarships, and applications have closed for the year. Applications typically close by 18 May of the year of the award. Note that the scholarships are not available for Research Masters or GSM programs. Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowships for Women
Young Indian women pursuing a doctoral or PhD degree in aerospace-related sciences and engineering at the Auckland University of Technology can win fellowships amounting to US$10,000 for a year (option of renewal available). Applications can be made through Zonta New Zealand or your New Zealand university's scholarships officer. Applications are open, deadline is 15 November, 2016. The Australian Mineral Institute (AusIMM) Education Endowment Trust (EET) Scholarships
Students undertaking research in engineering, geology or the environment in relation to the coal & petroleum and mineral industries can apply for postgraduate scholarships, Bsc (Hons) project funding and a few other awards offered by the AusIMM's New Zealand Branch EET. Preference is given to students who are conducting projects in New Zealand and/or are student members of AusIMM. Students enrolled in universities can apply.
Students should check the University of Auckland, Lincoln University and University of Canterbury websites for a searchable database of a large number of other scholarships and fellowships for various levels of study. The Christchurch Education Skills Scholarship program is also specifically aimed at Indian students who want to study a postgraduate program in specific disciplines at the Christchurch Educated.
Post graduate scholarships under the Commonwealth Program is another way of funding studies in New Zealand. However, if you need guidance on courses to study in New Zealand or help with admission to New Zealand universities there is information available on that too.