What Are Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships?
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are a New Zealand Government scholarship programme designed to support prosperity, security, and sustainable growth in partner countries. Scholars gain a globally recognised education while developing long-term connections with Aotearoa New Zealand and an international community of future leaders.
For Indonesian citizens, Manaaki provides opportunities for postgraduate study in New Zealand. Requirements and application periods may change between cycles, so applicants should always treat the official Manaaki website as their primary source.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of a full Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship studying in New Zealand generally receive:
- full tuition fees;
- a living allowance for basic expenses;
- an establishment allowance for costs such as accommodation, textbooks, and study materials;
- medical and travel insurance;
- travel from their home country at the beginning of the scholarship and return travel at the end;
- academic or tutoring support where required;
- research and thesis assistance for many postgraduate students; and
- a reintegration allowance to help with returning home.
The exact components and values are governed by the scholar's Letter of Offer and the policies applying to that intake.
Opportunities for Indonesian Applicants
Indonesia is listed as an eligible Asian country. Indonesian candidates can apply for postgraduate qualifications, including postgraduate certificates, postgraduate diplomas, master's degrees, and PhDs, subject to the options available for their country.
The programme also states a geographic preference for candidates from Maluku, North Maluku, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, Papua, and Sulawesi. This preference is one consideration and does not replace the full eligibility and selection requirements.
Key Eligibility Requirements
- Age: applicants must be at least 18 when signing the scholarship Letter of Offer. There is no upper age limit, although the programme indicates a preference for applicants under 40.
- Work experience: postgraduate applicants need relevant experience equivalent to one year of full-time work or two years of part-time work. Paid, unpaid, and voluntary experience may count.
- Residence: applicants generally need to have lived in their home country for the two years before applying, subject to stated exceptions.
- Development contribution: candidates must explain how their new knowledge will support their country's social or economic development. Scholars are expected to contribute to their home country for at least two years after study.
- Academic readiness: candidates should be likely to meet the entry requirements of their preferred institution and course.
- Visa eligibility: recipients must qualify for a New Zealand student visa, applying only after accepting a scholarship offer.
English-Language Requirements
An English test score is not required with the initial tertiary scholarship application. Shortlisted candidates must later provide a score that meets their chosen institution's requirements.
As a general postgraduate guide, the official website lists IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 90 with a writing score of 21, PTE Academic 58 with no communicative skills score below 50, or Cambridge Academic English Advanced 176 with no band below 169. Individual courses may require higher scores.
For shortlisted candidates from Indonesia, the programme states that IELTS testing may be organised and funded. Candidates should follow the instructions issued during selection.
Priority Study Areas for Indonesia
Applicants are more competitive when their study plans align strongly with Indonesia's social and economic needs. Recommended sectors include:
- climate resilience, science, and the environment;
- economic resilience and the private sector;
- food security and agriculture;
- governance and public policy;
- information and communications technology;
- infrastructure and engineering;
- peace, security, and justice; and
- resilient societies.
Applicants interested in renewable energy can also explore relevant programmes in geology, civil engineering, and environmental engineering.
How to Prepare Your Application
- Confirm your eligibility. Complete the official eligibility questionnaire before drafting your application.
- Identify a development challenge. Focus on a real issue in Indonesia that connects with your professional background.
- Link study to impact. Explain the knowledge you need and how you will apply it after returning home.
- Research courses carefully. Compare curriculum, entry requirements, learning outcomes, and alignment with priority sectors.
- Use concrete evidence. Draw on work, leadership, and community experience to demonstrate commitment and capability.
- Apply early. The application system may close early for countries receiving a high volume of applications.
Application-Timing Note
At the time this article was prepared, the official website stated that tertiary applications for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme were closed. Do not rely on dates from an earlier cycle. Monitor the official website for the next opening and begin preparing your study plan, relevant experience, and supporting information well in advance.
Final Thoughts
Manaaki is more than a source of education funding. It seeks applicants who can connect their studies with their country's development needs. A strong application aligns professional experience, the proposed qualification, priority sectors, and a realistic plan for contributing after returning to Indonesia.
The RIM Education team can help you explore study options in New Zealand and develop a preparation strategy aligned with your academic and career goals.