New Zealand PM initiates new program to allow Indian students to study abroad

In his recent visit to India, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasized developing academia and cultural exchange between the two countries. Riding on this momentum, the Land of the Long White Cloud has initiated the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025, providing Indian students with a great opportunity to acquire world-class education in one of the most peaceful and sustainable nations in the world.

With 29 scholarships offered to eight of New Zealand's highest-ranked universities, this program highlights New Zealand's dedication to offering Indian students international opportunities. The application process begins today, March 18, 2025, and the deadline for submission is April 30, 2025.

What are the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)?

New Zealand Excellence Awards 2025 is a collaborative program between Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao and eight of the country's top universities. The program awards 29 scholarships to Indian students for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The scholarships vary between NZD 5,000 and NZD 20,000, cutting down on the cost of pursuing higher studies overseas.

Who is eligible?

This scholarship offers Indian students a valuable opportunity to pursue their academic goals in New Zealand, provided they meet the following eligibility criteria:

Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Applicants must be Indian citizens (not a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia).

Applicants must meet Immigration New Zealand’s student visa requirements.

Applicants must reside in India at the time of application.

Applicants should have an unconditional offer for an eligible course.

How to apply?

Eligible students can apply for the scholarship by following the steps as provided below:

Step 1. Search programs and universities at studywithnewzealand.govt.nz.

Step 2. Apply directly to the university or through approved agents.

Step 3. Apply for a student visa at immigration.govt.nz.

Step 4. Apply for NZEA 2025 by the 30 April 2025 deadline.

Step 5. Select your preferred mode of living.

Step 6. Discover New Zealand life and plan your travels.

Interested students can also click here to apply.

Eligible universities

The NZEA is available for certain 8 universities in the New Zealand, interested students can verify the universities and their specialization as mentioned here:

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) – In the top 1% in the world, AUT stands out for its creative approaches to teaching and close ties to the industry.

University of Auckland – Ranks 65th in the world and excels in sustainability and research.

Lincoln University – Focuses on agriculture, environmental management, and viticulture, with high emphasis on sustainability.

Massey University – Provides courses at three locations, with a focus on agriculture, design, and veterinary science.

University of Waikato – Renowned for its forward-thinking education and triple-crown accredited management school.

University of Otago – New Zealand's oldest university, with a reputation for research and active student life.

Victoria University of Wellington – Based in the capital city, it is strong in creativity, government, and sustainability studies.

University of Canterbury – Strong in engineering, science, and business, with a focus on practical learning.

Aspirants can click here to view the full scholarship brochure.

One of the strongest features of studying in New Zealand is the possibility of working while studying. Students can work a maximum of 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time during breaks. Graduates are also entitled to a post-study work visa for 3 years, which will enable them to acquire valuable international work experience.

The New Zealand minimum wage will rise to NZD 23.50 per hour from April 2025, so that students can be able to sustain themselves economically while pursuing their studies. Besides, New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes, outdoor activities, and rich culture mean it is a fantastic place to live, study, and discover.