Pursuing higher education in New Zealand is a top destination for Pakistani students seeking world class education with global recognition. However, the high cost of tuition and living expenses averaging 4000 to 5000 NZD$ annually can be a major barrier. To support talented individuals, scholarships in New Zealand for Pakistani students are available, including the New Zealand Government Scholarship and New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships. These fully or partially funded opportunities help cover tuition, accommodation, travel, and other academic expenses. With diverse programs for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels, these scholarships make it easier for Pakistani students to study in New Zealand without financial stress. In this guide you will explore the top New Zealand scholarship for Pakistani students.
New Zealand Scholarships Overview for Pakistani Students
| Category | Details |
| Teaching Language | English |
| Scholarship Type | Both partially and fully funded |
| Scholarship Duration | Varies by program: Bachelor’s (3–4 years), Master’s (1–2 years), PhD (3–4 years) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Academic excellence, financial need, leadership potential (varies by program) |
| IELTS Requirement | Yes, IELTS with a minimum band score of 6.0 |
| Minimum CGPA Requirement | 3.0 or equivalent |
| Part-Time Work Allowed | Yes |
| Working Hours (Weekly) | Up to 20 hours during semesters |
| Post-Study Work Permit | Available |
| Monthly Living Expense | Approx. 4000–5000 NZD |
| Scholarship Processing Time | Varies by scholarship |
Top Scholarships in New Zealand for Pakistani Students
The scholarships in New Zealand are designed to help Pakistani students access world-class education. With guidance from the best educational consultants, students can explore top funding options, each offering unique benefits and specific eligibility criteria.Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship (formerly known as the New Zealand Government Scholarship) is one of the most prestigious and fully-funded scholarships offered by the government. It is available for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students from developing countries, including Pakistan. The scholarship aims to strengthen ties and support development in partner countries.| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Degree Levels | Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD |
| Coverage | Tuition, living costs, travel, insurance, etc. |
| Eligibility | Academic merit, financial need, leadership |
| IELTS Requirement | Yes, minimum band 6.0 |
| CGPA Requirement | Minimum 3.0 |
Commonwealth Scholarship of New Zealand
The New zealand commonwealth scholarships are funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, this scholarship supports Master’s and PhD studies for students from Commonwealth countries. It is part of the global Commonwealth Scholarship scheme aimed at fostering international collaboration and education exchange.| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Degree Levels | Master’s, PhD |
| Coverage | Tuition, airfare, stipend, research support |
| Eligibility | Academic excellence, contribution to development |
| IELTS Requirement | Yes, usually band 6.5 or above |
| CGPA Requirement | Minimum 3.0 |
University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
This merit-based scholarship is offered to new international students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate taught programs. It supports students who demonstrate academic excellence and are enrolling full-time.| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Type | Partially Funded |
| Degree Levels | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| Coverage | Up to NZD 10,000 tuition fee waiver |
| Eligibility | Academic merit, new students only |
| IELTS Requirement | Yes, minimum band 6.0 |
| CGPA Requirement | Minimum 3.0 |
Victoria University of Wellington – Tongarewa Scholarship
Tongarewa Scholarships are offered to international students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programs. It celebrates the university’s commitment to its international student community.| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Type | Partially Funded |
| Degree Levels | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| Coverage | NZD 5,000–10,000 |
| Eligibility | Academic merit, new international students |
| IELTS Requirement | Yes, band 6.0+ |
| CGPA Requirement | Minimum 3.0 |
University of Canterbury International Scholarships
The University of Canterbury offers a range of scholarships for academically talented international students. These scholarships are designed to support undergraduate and postgraduate students.| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Type | Partially Funded |
| Degree Levels | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| Coverage | Up to NZD 15,000 |
| Eligibility | High academic achievement |
| IELTS Requirement | Yes, minimum band 6.0 |
| CGPA Requirement | Minimum 3.0 |
Lincoln University International Scholarships
Lincoln University provides both undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to international students with strong academic backgrounds and leadership qualities.| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Type | Partial |
| Degree Levels | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| Coverage | Tuition discount |
| Eligibility | Academic excellence |
| IELTS Requirement | Yes, minimum band 6.0 |
| CGPA Requirement | Minimum 3.0 |
University of Otago International Scholarships
Otago offers international master’s and PhD scholarships primarily for research-based programs. These scholarships are ideal for students pursuing advanced academic work.| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Degree Levels | Master’s (Research), PhD |
| Coverage | Full tuition + annual living stipend |
| Eligibility | Research-focused, high academic merit |
| IELTS Requirement | Yes, band 6.5+ |
| CGPA Requirement | Minimum 3.0 |
University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship
Awarded to high-achieving students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The University of Waikato supports academic brilliance and leadership.| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Type | Partially Funded |
| Degree Levels | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| Coverage | Up to NZD 10,000 |
| Eligibility | Merit-based, high-achieving students |
| IELTS Requirement | Yes, band 6.0+ |
| CGPA Requirement | Minimum 3.0 |
Wellington Doctoral Scholarship
This scholarship supports PhD students who demonstrate exceptional academic and research capability. It offers full financial support throughout the PhD duration.| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Degree Levels | PhD |
| Coverage | Tuition + NZD 29,500/year living stipend |
| Eligibility | Research potential, academic excellence |
| IELTS Requirement | Yes, band 6.5+ |
| CGPA Requirement | Minimum 3.0 |
Excellence Scholarship of New Zealand
Various universities in New Zealand offer “Excellence Scholarships” to students with outstanding academic achievements. These scholarships may vary by institution but all aim to attract top-tier talent.| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Type | Partial |
| Degree Levels | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| Coverage | Tuition discounts |
| Eligibility | Academic merit and/or leadership |
| IELTS Requirement | Yes |
| CGPA Requirement | Minimum 3.0 |
New Zealand Government PhD Scholarship
This is a fully-funded new zealand government scholarship. It enables students to carry out their research in New Zealand’s leading institutions.| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Degree Levels | PhD |
| Coverage | Tuition, living expenses, research grant |
| Eligibility | Research capability and academic excellence |
| IELTS Requirement | Yes, band 6.5+ |
| CGPA Requirement | Minimum 3.0 |
FAQs
Is IELTS required for New Zealand scholarships?
Yes, most scholarships require IELTS with a minimum band score of 6.0–6.5.
What CGPA is required to apply for a New Zealand scholarship?
A minimum CGPA of 3.0 is generally required, though some competitive scholarships may expect higher.
Can I work part-time on a scholarship in New Zealand?
Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions.
When do New Zealand scholarship applications open?
Applications typically open between February and April, but it varies by scholarship.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
Yes, students are encouraged to apply for more than one scholarship if eligible.
Do I need a recommendation letter for scholarship applications?
Yes, most applications require at least one academic or professional recommendation.
Do I need to pay an application fee to apply for a scholarship?
Most scholarship applications are free, but university admission may have a small fee.
Is a Statement of Purpose (SOP) mandatory for New Zealand scholarships?
Yes, most scholarships and universities require a compelling SOP or motivation letter.
