New Zealand Development Scholarship (NZDS)

What is the New Zealand Development Scholarship (NZDS)?

The New Zealand Development Scholarships are 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).

The purpose of the scholarships is for 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.

What does the NZDS at The University of Auckland scholarship cover?

Full tuition fees, return economy air travel, and establishment allowance upon arrival in New Zealand, medical insurance and provision for students to meet basic living costs.

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.

Who is eligible?

Applications for New Zealand Development Scholarships are welcome from the following countries.

Asia Region:
China (Chinese Ministry of Commerce nominees), East Timor, Mongolia, Nepal.

Latin America Region:
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay

Added from 2012: Barbados, Colombia, Cuba, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, Venezuela

Africa Region:
Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia. 

Application processes and timelines can vary depending on the country. For information about the application process please see the scholarship information page for your home country in New Zealand Aid Programme.

For more information also see New Zealand Development Scholarship.