The New Zealand Development Scholarships (NZDS), offered to selected developing countries, aim to support candidates to gain knowledge and skills through 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 New Zealand Development Scholarships is now open and we invite candidates to apply for postgraduate study in New Zealand.
Eligibility
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 minimum of 18 years of age at the time of commencing your scholarship.
- Be a citizen of the country from which you are applying for a scholarship.
- Not have citizenship or permanent residence status of New Zealand, Australia, USA, Canada, European Union countries, United Kingdom, Japan, Israel, South Korea, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia.
IMPORTANT NOTE: this condition does not apply to applicants from the Cook Islands, Tokelau or Niue, or applicants from Samoa with dual Samoa-NZ citizenship.
- Have resided in your home country for at least two years immediately prior to commencing your scholarship.
IMPORTANT NOTE: this condition does not apply to applicants who are members of the diplomatic corps or their dependants, and may not apply to applicants for Short Term Scholarships.
- Have at least 2 years of work experience (part time or fulltime, paid or voluntary).
IMPORTANT NOTE: this condition does not apply to applicants from the Pacific who are applying for a pre-service scholarship (i.e. school leavers)
- Not be serving military personnel.
- Be able to satisfy Immigration requirements for international student entry to New Zealand or the country in which you will undertake your scholarship (i.e. medical checks, police clearances/character checks, etc.)
- Be academically and linguistically able to obtain an Offer of Place for the proposed programme of study from the tertiary institute where you will undertake your scholarship.
- Not have been previously terminated from a New Zealand Government Scholarship
- Seek a qualification that will contribute to the sustainable development of your home country
- Commit to return to your country for a minimum of 2 years at the end of your scholarship.
English language requirements
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
Participating Institution(s)
All approved New Zealand institutions of higher learning.
Please see the complete New Zealand education institutions contact details and visit their official sites for 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 your 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
All applications and supporting documents must be sent in hard copy to the address listed on the information page for your country (after ensuring that you meet the eligibility criteria).
Applications sent by email will not be accepted. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Application processes and timelines can vary depending on the country. For country-specific information about the application process please see and click on the scholarship information page for your home country.
DEADLINES:
Application deadlines may vary depending on your region.
In general, however, applicants must ensure that completed NZDS application forms for the scholarship type they have selected (including all supporting documentations) are received on or before 5pm of 31st July 2015.
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.
Application Deadline: 31 July 2015
Open to International Students: Yes
More Scholarship Information and Application (ALL regions & countries)
More Scholarship Information and Application (AFRICA–Commonwealth countries)
More Scholarship Information and Application (AFRICA–non-Commonwealth countries)
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Mar 9 Juin 2015 - 12:07
