Course(s) Offered: Several fields
Course Level: Graduate (diploma, masters, PhD)
Provider: New Zealand Aid Programme
Country to Study in: New Zealand
Scholarship Description
The New Zealand Development Scholarships (NZDS) aims to support candidates to gain knowledge and skills through post-graduate study in specific subject areas that will assist in the development of their home country.
Awardees are required to return to their home country for at least two years after the completion of their scholarship to apply these new skills and knowledge in government, civil society, or private business organisations.
The New Zealand Government is pleased to advise that the second round of New Zealand Development Scholarships is now open and we invite candidates to apply for postgraduate study in New Zealand.
Applicants must meet the following NZDS Scholarships eligibility criteria before their application will be considered against the selection criteria, including any region-specific criteria. Applicants are expected to continue residing in their home country during the Scholarship application and selection process.
To be eligible, you must:
- be a citizen of an NZDS participating country (permanent residents of New Zealand are NOT eligible to apply)
- be residing in your country of citizenship, preferably for at least two years prior to application
- not have citizenship or permanent residence status of New Zealand, Australia, or another developed country*
- not be married or engaged to be married to a person who holds, or who is eligible to hold, citizenship or permanent residence of New Zealand, Australia or another developed country
- be aged 17 or over before the scholarship start date
- be applying to commence a new qualification and not be seeking funding for a qualification already in progress in New Zealand or another country†
- not have completed, or nearly completed, a qualification at a similar level (i.e. applicants must apply for a higher level qualification than any previously attained), unless strong developmental relevance is demonstrated
- satisfy the admission requirements of the New Zealand education institution at which the qualification is to be undertaken, including English language criteria
- have been working in your home country since completing their highest tertiary qualification gained to date, preferably for at least two years prior to application
- be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to the relevant sector in your home country, and to your country’s development in general
- be able to take up the scholarship in the academic year for which it is offered.
- are studying full-time at post-secondary level
- are transferring from another tertiary scholarship (either in New Zealand or in another country) to a New Zealand Development Scholarship
- hold, or have held, a New Zealand Government or Australian Government scholarship in the 24 months preceding the scholarship start date, or have been terminated from a New Zealand or Australian Government scholarship previously.
New Zealand tertiary education institutions set their own admission requirements for English language proficiency. All applicants should check the IELTS (academic stream) or TOEFL score required for admission to their selected New Zealand education institution. As a guide, most New Zealand education institutions require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0, for postgraduate level study. Some postgraduate qualifications may require a higher score.
Candidates must provide the original copy of their IELTS or TOEFL exam result as a pre-condition of placement. Results must be no older than 24 months at the time of the scholarship start date.
Candidates who show particularly strong developmental relevance and applicability may be able to receive three months’ English language training in New Zealand prior to starting their main academic qualification. Candidates with IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no band less than 5.5, should therefore still consider applying.
Eligible groups
Applications for New Zealand Development Scholarships are welcome from the following countries:
- Africa: Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe
- Asia: China, Mongolia, Nepal, Timor-Leste
- Latin America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela
- The Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago
All approved New Zealand institutions of higher learning. Please see the New Zealand education institution contact details and scholarship application closing dates.
Field(s) of study
All courses of study offered at the participating New Zealand Universities.
Generally, any field that will assist in the development of the student's home country in government, civil society, or private business organisations is eligible.
This may be studies related to education, health, rural livelihoods, governance, human rights, or economic development, depending on the human resource development training needs of the home government.
Number of awards
Varies per country - several are awarded. See country information sheet on the official website for more information.
Sponsorship duration
Offered for the whole duration of postgraduate study
Scholarship benefits
Covers financial support for tuition, living costs while in New Zealand, and airfares.
The partners of students are eligible for a work visa that allows them to live and work in New Zealand for the duration of their partner’s study.
New Zealand has first-rate education institutions that offer world-recognised qualifications. Successful applicants will have access to excellent academic knowledge in quality facilities.
Method of Application
Application processes and timelines can vary depending on the country. For country-specific information about the application process please see the scholarship information page for your home country.
For AFRICA - NZDS candidates apply directly to one of the participating New Zealand education institutions after ensuring that they meet the New Zealand Scholarship eligibility criteria. See link to information specific for African countries below.
DEADLINES:
Applicants must ensure that the institution receives the completed NZDS Scholarship application form (including all supporting documentation) before the institution’s closing date.
In general, application deadlines vary depending on region.
For AFRICA - Applicants must ensure that the institution receives the completed New Zealand Scholarship application form (including all supporting documentation) by 2 December 2013.
PLEASE NOTE:
The scholarship is funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme - the New Zealand Government’s overseas aid and development programme. They are managed by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
All awardees are required to return to their home country for a minimum period of two years following completion of their scholarship in order to contribute to their country’s economic and social development.
If offered a scholarship, you must:
- be able to satisfy Immigration New Zealand requirements for international student entry to New Zealand (i.e. medical checks, police clearances/character checks, etc.)
- not hold another scholarship during the period of the New Zealand Development Scholarship
- agree in writing that you will return to their home country for a minimum period of two years following completion of their scholarship in order to contribute to their country’s social or economic development.
Open to International students: Yes
More Scholarship Information and Application (ALL regions & countries)
More Scholarship Information and Application (AFRICA-specific information)
Related: Scholarships in New Zealand for International Students