Frequently asked questions

There is some specific eligibility criteria for each course which can be found on the Programmes page, but for every course applicants must:

• Have lived in their country of citizenship for the last two years or more. Exception for diplomatic corps and their family. A member of the diplomatic corps or a dependent of a member of the diplomatic corps, living outside of their country can apply for a scholarship.
• Not be a citizen or permanent resident of any of the following countries: New Zealand, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, any European Union country, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, The United Arab Emirates, The United Kingdom, or The United States of America.
• Exceptions: People from the following countries and territories are eligible to apply: Niue, Cook Islands, and Tokelau, even though they are New Zealand citizens; French Pacific Territories, even though they are French citizens; New Zealand–Samoan and Timor-Leste–Portuguese dual citizens.
• Must be at least 18 years old at the time they will start the scholarship.
• Must not currently be serving in the military.
• Have not had a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship terminated in the last 5 years.
• Applicants must also acknowledge and agree that:
• They have received endorsement from their employer to attend the training course.
• They expect to meet the academic entry requirements (including English Language requirement) for their planned training course.

Courses are all taught in English so applicants need to have an Intermediate level of English to be able to participate.

Check the Programmes page to see upcoming courses in your region and to check your eligibility. To apply you will need to complete the online application form and upload some documents:

• A copy of the personal pages of your passport – note you must have a current passport to apply (an alternative form of Government-issued photo identification is acceptable if applying for an online course)
• A current curriculum vitae (CV) – in English
• A current job description stating your position title and outlining your responsibilities and duties – in English
• A completed Employer Endorsement form
• Where available, certified copies of your International English proficiency test results, such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), from within the last 18 months

Courses range from 2 weeks to 5 weeks. Some are run online and some are in-person in New Zealand.

This is a full scholarship. The scholarship will cover all of the costs required to participate in the programme. For in-person courses this includes economy class travel to and from New Zealand, visa fees, a living allowance, accommodation, and travel/medical insurance.