The governments of New Zealand have announced a major educational support program that brings a New Zealand scholarship package into effect for Indian students. The announcement has generated significant attention in academic circles. The award package, offered under the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025, is valued at NZD 260,000 and is intended to ease the financial load on students who wish to pursue higher studies in New Zealand. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the details at an event held at IIT Delhi, marking an important milestone in academic cooperation between the two nations.
The New Zealand scholarship package addresses both the financial and academic needs of prospective students while opening a pathway for extended research projects and skill development programs. The announcement was made during an event at IIT Delhi, where the New Zealand Centre was celebrated as a collaborative effort uniting various New Zealand universities with the esteemed Indian institution.
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
The New Zealand scholarship comes with specific eligibility criteria to ensure that it benefits the intended group. Applicants must be Indian citizens and should be at least 18 years old at the time of application. They must not hold citizenship or permanent residency in New Zealand or Australia. Prospective candidates are required to secure an unconditional offer of admission from a recognized New Zealand university for a qualifying course. In addition, applicants must fulfill the visa conditions outlined by Immigration New Zealand. The application process for the New Zealand scholarship is straightforward. Interested students are advised to visit the official study website for New Zealand, submit their applications directly to the chosen institutions or through authorized representatives, and complete the visa application process as required. The final step is to submit the scholarship application by April 30, 2025.
Virtual Internship Programme
Opportunities for Virtual internship programs were also announced at this event. This will provide an opportunity for 30 IIT Delhi students to remotely intern with organizations based in New Zealand. This initiative aims to offer students industry exposure by allowing them to work on real-world projects and gain insights into workplace practices in New Zealand. The internship is designed to help students develop cross-border professional experience without the need to travel, making it accessible and practical. Although the virtual internship was announced at the same event as the New Zealand scholarship, it operates independently and does not fall under the financial aid package.
Academic Partnerships and MoUs
Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Indian and New Zealand institutions to promote collaboration in education and research. These agreements are not part of the New Zealand scholarship but serve as a complementary effort to strengthen academic ties. Institutions such as the University of Auckland, IIT Kharagpur, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and Tech Mahindra have entered into partnerships, along with collaborations between the University of Waikato and Bennett University. Additionally, Whitecliffe has signed agreements with the National Institute of Design and the National Institute of Fashion Technology. These partnerships aim to facilitate student exchange programs, joint research projects, and academic cooperation. While they contribute to a broader educational engagement between the two countries, they remain distinct from the financial aid provided under the New Zealand scholarship.
The New Zealand scholarship initiative marks an important chapter in educational cooperation. It offers Indian students a way to access New Zealand higher education while contributing to research and practical work engagements. With over 59,000 international students currently enrolled in New Zealand institutions, Indian students form a substantial group, particularly in disciplines like management, IT, engineering, aviation, food technology, and business studies. The New Zealand scholarship enhances the appeal of New Zealand as a study destination by reducing financial challenges and establishing a network of academic partnerships.
The New Zealand scholarship program is expected to lead to additional educational and research initiatives between the two countries. With more MoUs being signed and further academic partnerships on the horizon, the range of opportunities available to Indian students is set to expand. This initiative lays a foundation for ongoing cooperation and the continuous improvement of educational offerings. As more students benefit from the New Zealand scholarship package, both nations will gain from the exchange of expertise and the enhanced academic profile that accompanies such collaborations.
