Application Deadline: 30 March 2018.
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships are prestigious scholarships that recognise New Zealand’s history and ties to the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Scholarships are part of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) – an international programme under which Commonwealth countries offer scholarships and fellowships to citizens of other Commwealth states. The purpose of the scholarships is set out in the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (external link), with the following key principles to:
- promote mutual cooperation and share educational experience among all Commonwealth countries
- be available across the Commonwealth
- recognise and promote the highest level of intellectual achievement.
NZ Commonwealth Scholarships are 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).
Eligible countries
The following Commonwealth countries are eligible to apply:
| Region | Eligible countries |
| Africa | Botswana, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia. |
| Caribbean | Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines. |
| Asia | Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, |
| Pacific | Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu. |
Qualifications
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships are available for the following postgraduate qualifications:
- Master’s Degree (1 – 2 years)
- PhD (up to 3.5 years)
Financial benefits
Our scholarships provide the following financial support:
- full tuition fees
- living allowance (stipend) – NZ$480 per week. This is a contribution to basic living expenses
- an establishment allowance – NZ$3000. This is a contribution to assist with set up costs in New Zealand – for example it can be used towards accommodation expenses, text books, study materials
- medical and travel insurance
- travel to and from your home country – this is for travel from your home country at the start of the scholarship, and for you to return to your home country at the end of your scholarship. Note that we offer our scholarships for the shortest amount of time needed for you to complete the academic programme.
- home leave or reunion travel for some scholars
- assistance with research and thesis costs for many postgraduate research students
How to apply
The application process for a New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarship is different to other New Zealand Scholarships. Applicants must submit their applications to their country’s ‘Nominating Agency’ first. The Nominating Agency then ‘nominates’ two applicants from the submitted applications to send to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Read the Commonwealth section of the How to Apply page carefully before you submit an application.
Application Process:
The application process for a New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarship is different to other New Zealand Scholarships. Applicants must submit their paper applications to their country’s ‘Nominating Agency’ first. The Nominating Agency then ‘nominates’ two applicants from the submitted applications to send to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Read the below information carefully before you submit an application.
Note: Applications are open, and will close on 30 March. Applications must arrive at your country’s Commonwealth Nominating Agency by 30 March 2018.
Step 1: Prepare to apply
- Check that you meet all eligibility criteria.
- Follow the steps under ‘Getting Started’ above. (The selection process is very competitive and your choice of study must align to one of these sectors to go on to be shortlisted.)
- If you want to pursue a PhD or a Masters by Thesis you should also start contacting and securing a potential supervisor for your PhD. You will need to have a Letter of Support from a supervisor should you go on to be shortlisted.
Step 2: Complete your application form
Download and print the New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships Application Form for 2017 Selection [PDF, 830 KB].
Refer to the Application Guidance page on this website for essential information and helpful tips.
Complete all sections of the application form, and make sure you have attached the additional documents required.
Step 3: Submit your application to your nominating agency
Send your completed Application Form to your country’s nominating agency by 30 March 2018.
For the contact details of Nominating Agencies – see pages 26-30 at the back of the application form.
Note: any applications received directly from applicants will not be considered. (Do NOT send your application to New Zealand). Alll applications must be sent to your country’s Nominating Agency first. Nominating Agencies play a key role in the application process.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships 2018
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