New Zealand PM announces scholarships for Indian students; who is eligible to apply?

The Prime Minister of New Zealand announced the launch of the July 2025 session of the New Zealand Excellence Awards. In addition to the announcements made at an event at IIT Delhi, several MoUs were signed between New Zealand universities and Indian institutions, further strengthening academic collaborations. As part of these initiatives, a NZ$260,000 partial scholarship package was introduced under the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025 to support Indian students pursuing higher education in New Zealand.

Additionally, a Virtual Internship Programme was launched, offering 30 IIT Delhi students the opportunity to intern remotely with New Zealand companies, gaining cross-border industry experience and insights into New Zealand’s innovative work culture.

Who is eligible to apply for NZEA scholarships?

The New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) are designed to support Indian students pursuing higher education in New Zealand. To be eligible, candidates have to be at least 18 years old at the time of application. They must hold current Indian citizenship and should not be a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia.

Applicants are also required to reside in India at the time of application and must meet Immigration New Zealand’s requirements for a student visa. Additionally, they must have an unconditional offer of admission from a New Zealand university for an eligible course.

Candidates should note that some universities may have specific eligibility criteria beyond the general requirements, which can be found on their respective official websites. The last date to apply is April 30, 2025.

MoUs between New Zealand universities and Indian institutes to facilitate research collaboration

During the event, the Prime Minister along with Professor Rangan Banerjee, Director IITD also announced the signing of several MoUs with various New Zealand universities and Indian institutes.

Some of which include the University of Auckland and the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), University of Auckland and IIT Kharagpur among others. One of the MoUs, signed between University of Auckland Tech Mahindra, is for a pilot internship program to enhance the academia-industry partnership. The program will focus on integrating academic expertise in real-world industry use cases and accelerating research and innovation in AI, machine learning and quantum computing.

In a separate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Waikato and Bennett University, both institutions agreed to collaborate on expanding student opportunities through study pathways and joint programs in law, business, computer science, and engineering. Additionally, the MoU includes plans to jointly develop immersive short programs aimed at enhancing students’ learning experiences.

In the domain of design and innovation, two MoUs were signed with the National Institute of Design (NID) and a National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design and the NID signed an agreement to collaborate on joint research, project consultancy, and student and faculty exchange programs.

Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design and the NIFT entered into an MoU to facilitate faculty and student exchanges. The collaboration will also include joint initiatives such as guest lectures, workshops, and participation in international exhibitions.

Launch of New Zealand Centre Innovation Fellowship

The event also marked the launch of the New Zealand Centre Innovation Fellowship, an initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration between New Zealand and India in innovation and entrepreneurship.

The fellowship offers participants a two-week immersive experience within India’s innovation ecosystem, providing opportunities to explore potential partnerships and establish professional connections. It includes comprehensive support covering travel, accommodation, and a stipend, allowing participants to fully engage in the program.

Why is New Zealand becoming a preferred destination?

As per data projected by the Ministry of External Affairs in 2024, New Zealand is home to approximately 7,300 Indian international students, highlighting its growing appeal as an education hub.

One of the key factors contributing to New Zealand’s rising popularity is its relatively affordable tuition costs and the availability of post-study work permits. These opportunities make it an attractive option for students seeking quality education with strong career prospects.

Speaking at the event, the New Zealand PM said “Prime Minister Modi and I spent a lot of time yesterday in our conversations just talking about the power of education and we both believe that that is the way forward for us to transform our respective societies and economies.”

In a significant update last year, Immigration New Zealand revised the eligibility criteria for the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV). Under the new rules, students who complete a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) of at least 30 weeks and immediately progress to a Master’s degree, without meeting the 30-week enrollment requirement for the Master’s program, can now apply for a PSWV based on their PGDip. This change provides students with greater flexibility in their academic journey while ensuring they remain eligible to work post-graduation.

For those aiming for a three-year Post Study Work Visa, students must complete at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand while enrolled in a Master’s program. As per official guidelines, applicants must hold an eligible New Zealand qualification, complete the required study duration in the country, and submit their applications within the designated timeframe.