University of Auckland Scholarships 2027 support international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate diploma, master’s, and PhD programmes in New Zealand. The strongest opportunities include the University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship, which provides full tuition fees, single-student health insurance, and a tax-free stipend currently valued at NZ$35,468 per year; the fully funded Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship; and the University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship, worth up to NZ$10,000 toward tuition fees. These scholarships have different application routes: PhD applicants request doctoral scholarship consideration through their admission application, International Student Excellence applicants submit a separate scholarship form after receiving an admission offer, and Manaaki applicants apply first through the New Zealand Government. In this article, we have explained everything you need to know about the University of Auckland Scholarships, including their benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully
The three most valuable University of Auckland scholarships covered in this guide are:
- University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship
- Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship
- University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
The Doctoral Scholarship and Manaaki Scholarship provide tuition and living support, while the International Student Excellence Scholarship is a partial tuition-fee award. Applicants should therefore check the individual funding package rather than assuming that every University of Auckland scholarship is fully funded
University of Auckland Scholarships Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate / Postgraduate Diploma / Master’s / PhD
- Institution: University of Auckland
- Study Destination: New Zealand
- Courses Offered: Eligible undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes
- Program Period: One year to 42 months, depending on the programme and scholarship
The International Student Excellence Scholarship is available across the university’s faculties for eligible undergraduate degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and master’s programmes. The Doctoral Scholarship supports eligible PhD research, while the degree levels and subjects available through Manaaki depend on the applicant’s country and its development priorities.
University of Auckland Scholarships Application Deadline
The application deadline differs for each scholarship
University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship Deadline
The University of Auckland considers doctoral scholarship applications in four rounds each year, with closing dates of:
- February 1
- May 1
- August 1
- November 1
Applicants are considered for the scholarship through their doctoral admission application. The university then communicates the scholarship outcome according to the timetable for the relevant round.
International applicants planning to commence in early 2027 could use the August 1, 2026 round. Under the published timetable, candidates applying by that date receive a scholarship decision by October 1, 2026 and may enrol on November 1, 2026 or between February 1 and May 1, 2027. Later applicants can use the November 2026 or subsequent 2027 rounds, subject to the university’s updated scholarship calendar.
Doctoral admission assessment can take time, particularly when overseas qualifications, references, research proposals, and supervision arrangements must be reviewed. Applicants should therefore submit well before the round they intend to enter.
International Student Excellence Scholarship Deadline
The University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship is offered twice each year.
For students commencing in Semester One, Quarter One, or Quarter Two of 2027, the deadline is:
October 21, 2026
Under the current scholarship regulations, students commencing in Semester Two, Quarter Three, or Quarter Four of 2027 should apply by:
April 1, 2027
Applications usually open approximately six weeks before each closing date.
Applicants must receive a conditional or unconditional University of Auckland admission offer before applying for the scholarship. Because the scholarship form closes before the university’s general December deadline for many Semester One postgraduate programmes, applicants seeking the scholarship should apply for admission much earlier.
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Deadline
The 2027 Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship application dates have not yet been announced.
Manaaki deadlines are determined by the New Zealand Government and may differ by country or scholarship category. Applications close according to New Zealand time, and the application system may close early for countries receiving a particularly high volume of submissions. Applicants should monitor the official Manaaki application page for the 2027 dates.
University of Auckland Scholarship Coverage
1. University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship
The University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship provides eligible full-time international PhD students with:
- A tax-free stipend of NZ$35,468 per year, based on the published 2026 rate
- Annual adjustment of the stipend based on the Consumer Price Index
- Compulsory PhD tuition fees
- Student Services Fee
- Single-student health insurance compulsory charge
- Funding for up to 42 months of full-time-equivalent enrolment
The final stipend payable during 2027 may be higher because the university adjusts the amount annually. Scholarship payments end when the 42-month funding period finishes, the student submits the thesis, withdraws, or has their doctoral candidature terminated, whichever occurs first.
For international applicants, this central scholarship is generally available for the PhD because international PhD students studying in New Zealand can qualify for the domestic doctoral tuition-fee policy. International students are not eligible to hold this scholarship for named doctorates such as the DMedSc, DClinPsy, DocFA, EdD, or DHSc because those programmes do not receive the same domestic-fee treatment.
The central scholarship does not list a separate relocation payment, international airfare, family allowance, or dependent health insurance. Applicants should check faculty and project scholarships for additional research or relocation funding.
2. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship
A full Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship provides:
- Full tuition fees
- A living allowance for basic expenses
- An establishment allowance for initial costs in New Zealand
- Medical insurance
- Return economy travel
- Travel insurance
- Tutoring support where needed
- Travel home during longer programmes, subject to the scholarship rules
- A reintegration allowance when returning home
- Research and thesis support for many postgraduate students
The University of Auckland accepts Manaaki scholars, but the scholarship is funded through the New Zealand Aid Programme and administered by the New Zealand Government rather than awarded directly by the university.
Applicants can select the University of Auckland only when its programmes fit the study levels and priority subjects available to their country. Scholars are required to return home after completing their studies and contribute to their country’s development for at least two years.
3. University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
The University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship provides:
- A contribution of up to NZ$10,000
- Payment as a credit toward compulsory tuition fees
- Coverage of eligible programme fees and the Student Services Fee
- Up to 50 scholarships awarded annually
- One year of scholarship tenure
The scholarship is applied to the recipient’s compulsory fees during the first semester after enrolment is confirmed. It does not provide a living allowance, accommodation, airfare, visa expenses, or health insurance.
Recipients must remain enrolled full-time for at least two semesters. Students who withdraw or fail to complete the required period may be asked to repay the scholarship.
The scholarship cannot be held at the same time as the University of Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship, ASEAN High Achievers Scholarship, or International Business Masters Scholarship. It may be combined with another award only when the other scholarship’s rules permit this and the University of Auckland approves the arrangement.
University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship Eligibility
To be considered for the University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship, international applicants must:
- Apply for an eligible University of Auckland PhD
- Be eligible to pay domestic tuition fees under the university’s international PhD fee policy
- Meet the academic entry requirements for doctoral study
- Indicate in the doctoral admission application that they want scholarship consideration
- Not already hold a doctoral degree
- Not have previously received payment from a University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship
- Normally not be enrolled in the doctoral programme before scholarship consideration
- Demonstrate alignment with the university’s and faculty’s research priorities
The scholarship is competitive. Faculties and research institutes assess candidates according to their own research strategies, available allocations, project alignment, and selection criteria. Admission to a PhD does not guarantee scholarship funding.
For PhD admission, applicants normally need:
- A relevant postgraduate bachelor’s honours degree with an equivalent B+ grade; or
- A relevant master’s degree with an equivalent B+ grade; and
- A substantial previous research project, such as a dissertation or thesis.
Applicants must also show that they have the academic preparation and research ability required to complete the proposed project.
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Eligibility
Manaaki eligibility depends on the applicant’s country, available study levels, and priority subjects. General requirements include:
- Be a citizen of an eligible country
- Be at least 18 when signing the scholarship offer
- Have lived in the home country for at least two years before applying, subject to limited exceptions
- Intend to contribute to the home country’s social or economic development
- Meet the immigration requirements for a New Zealand student visa
- Meet the University of Auckland’s academic and English-language entry requirements
- Select a programme connected to the development priorities identified for the applicant’s country
- Return to the home country after completing the scholarship
There is no fixed upper age limit, although the programme states that applicants under 40 are preferred.
Postgraduate applicants must normally have either:
- At least one year of full-time relevant work experience; or
- At least two years of part-time relevant work experience.
Paid, unpaid, and voluntary work may be accepted. Preference is given to applicants whose proposed programme aligns with their professional experience and intended development contribution.
Applicants do not need to provide an English test result when submitting the initial Manaaki application. Shortlisted candidates must later demonstrate that they satisfy the English requirements of their preferred institution and programme.
International Student Excellence Scholarship Eligibility
To qualify for the University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be international students who are not citizens, permanent residents, or resident-visa holders of New Zealand or Australia
- Be new University of Auckland students
- Hold a conditional or unconditional admission offer
- Enrol full-time in an eligible on-campus programme
- Apply for an undergraduate degree using overseas secondary or post-secondary qualifications, a postgraduate diploma, or an eligible master’s degree
- Undertake a programme lasting at least one year
- Have an admission GPA or Grade Point Equivalent of at least 6.00
- Demonstrate strong academic merit
- Submit a high-quality scholarship application letter
- Obtain endorsement from a referee
Selection may also consider the applicant’s country of origin and how the proposed programme supports the university’s strategic objectives.
The following applicants are not eligible:
- Students who have already commenced study at the University of Auckland, except specified eligible pathway students
- Students who have previously undertaken tertiary-level study in New Zealand, except exchange study
- New Zealand secondary-school leavers
- Students progressing from the university’s foundation providers
- Distance or University of Auckland Online students
- Students entering most Graduate School of Management business master’s programmes, except the specified eligible programmes listed in the scholarship regulations
Applicants should read the current scholarship regulations before applying because programme exclusions may be revised.
How to Apply for University of Auckland Scholarships?
The application process depends on the scholarship.
How to Apply for the University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship?
(1) Review the University of Auckland’s doctoral entry requirements and identify a research area matching your previous education, thesis, and research experience.
Applicants should research the university’s faculties, research centers, and academic staff before developing the application. A suitable project must have appropriate supervision and resources available.
(2) Identify and contact potential supervisors working in your proposed field. Send a concise explanation of your research interests and attach your academic transcripts, preliminary research plan, and a focused academic CV.
Your CV should highlight your previous thesis, publications, conference presentations, research employment, academic awards, technical skills, and other evidence of research potential.
(3) Prepare a Statement of Research Intent explaining:
- The proposed research problem
- Research questions or objectives
- Relevant academic background
- Proposed methods
- Expected contribution
- Reasons for undertaking the project at the University of Auckland
The university specifically asks doctoral applicants to prepare a Statement of Research Intent, academic transcripts, and CV as part of the online application.
(4) Submit a doctoral admission application through the University of Auckland application system.
When asked whether you want to be considered for the University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship, select Yes. No separate central scholarship form is required.
(5) Enter the requested referee details and upload all academic, research, identity, and English-language documents.
Our guide on requesting a strong scholarship recommendation letter can help you approach academic referees who know your research work.
(6) Submit the complete application before one of the four scholarship-round deadlines. Do not enrol in the PhD before the university has considered you for the scholarship and communicated its decision.
How to Apply for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship?
(1) Visit the Manaaki eligible countries page and confirm that your citizenship, preferred qualification level, and intended study destination are eligible.
(2) Check the Manaaki eligibility criteria, recommended subjects, work-experience requirements, and return-home obligation.
(3) Research eligible University of Auckland programmes connected to the development priorities listed for your country. At this stage, applicants should check that they are likely to meet the academic and English requirements, but they do not normally submit a university admission application yet.
(4) When the 2027 round opens, register through the official Manaaki application page, complete the online form, upload your transcript and grading scale, and submit the application before the country-specific deadline.
(5) Candidates who progress through eligibility screening, detailed assessment, psychometric testing, and interviews may be selected as preferred candidates. The full Manaaki selection process can take six to ten months.
(6) Preferred candidates are then instructed to apply for admission to their approved programme and institution. Follow the instructions supplied by Manaaki and the University of Auckland rather than submitting an early admission application unless specifically requested.
How to Apply for the International Student Excellence Scholarship?
(1) Choose an eligible undergraduate, postgraduate diploma, or master’s programme through the University of Auckland’s programme finder.
Check the programme duration, campus, academic requirements, English-language score, and closing date. The scholarship supports eligible on-campus programmes lasting at least one year.
(2) Submit an application for admission through the University of Auckland application portal.
Apply early enough to receive a conditional or unconditional offer before the scholarship deadline. You cannot complete an eligible scholarship application without an admission offer.
(3) Once scholarship applications open, visit the official International Student Excellence Scholarship page and access the online scholarship application.
(4) Complete the scholarship letter carefully. Explain your academic achievement, reasons for selecting the programme, future plans, and how your study aligns with the University of Auckland’s international and academic objectives.
Our guide on writing a strong statement of purpose can help you organize your ideas, although the scholarship letter should respond directly to the questions in the Auckland application form.
(5) Nominate a suitable referee who can support your academic record, abilities, and suitability for the scholarship. Referee endorsement forms part of the formal selection criteria.
(6) Submit the scholarship application by October 21, 2026 for early 2027 study or by April 1, 2027 for later 2027 study under the current regulations.
Documents Required for University of Auckland Scholarships
Doctoral Scholarship Documents
Doctoral applicants should prepare:
- Completed doctoral admission application
- Passport or identity document
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Honor's or postgraduate qualification documents
- Master’s degree certificate and transcripts, where applicable
- Official grading scale
- Statement of Research Intent
- Academic CV
- Doctoral reference letters
- Evidence of English-language proficiency, where required
- Certified translations of documents not issued in English
- Evidence of publications, awards, or research experience where relevant
The personalized application checklist may request additional documents depending on the applicant’s qualifications, research area, and proposed programme.
Manaaki Scholarship Documents
The initial Manaaki application requires an academic transcript that includes the institution’s grading scale. Shortlisted applicants may later be asked to provide:
- Verified academic transcripts
- Qualification completion certificates
- Certified English translations
- Passport or identity documents
- English-language test results
- University admission documents
- Medical and visa documentation
- Additional evidence requested during selection
Applicants should follow the instructions for their country because document requirements can differ by region and stage.
International Student Excellence Scholarship Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- University of Auckland admission application
- Conditional or unconditional admission offer
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Proof of international student status
- Scholarship application letter
- Referee details and endorsement
- English-language evidence required for admission
- Any additional information requested in the scholarship portal
The scholarship itself is assessed through the online application letter, academic merit, and referee endorsement. Supporting academic and identity documents are normally assessed through the related university admission application.
Website
For more information about the University of Auckland Scholarships, please visit the official pages:
CLICK HERE TO APPLYAPPLICATION VIDEO
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the University of Auckland Scholarships fully funded?
The University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship covers eligible PhD tuition fees, a living stipend, and single-student health insurance. Manaaki also provides comprehensive funding, including tuition, living expenses, travel, insurance, and establishment support.
The International Student Excellence Scholarship is not fully funded. It provides up to NZ$10,000 toward compulsory tuition fees.
Can international students apply for the University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship?
Yes. International students applying for an eligible PhD can be considered for the scholarship when they qualify for the university’s domestic PhD tuition-fee policy.
International students are not eligible for the central award when applying for named doctorates that do not qualify for domestic doctoral fees.
How much is the University of Auckland PhD stipend?
The published 2026 stipend is NZ$35,468 per year, tax-free, with an annual CPI adjustment. The final 2027 rate may therefore be higher.
Do I need a separate Doctoral Scholarship application?
No. Applicants indicate within their doctoral admission application that they want to be considered for the University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship.
They should not enrol before receiving the scholarship decision.
Is the International Student Excellence Scholarship available for research master’s programmes?
The current regulations broadly include eligible full-time master’s programmes and no longer state a general exclusion for every research master’s degree.
However, specific programme exclusions remain, particularly for several Graduate School of Management programmes. Applicants should check the current regulations and scholarship portal before applying.
Do I need an admission offer before applying for the International Student Excellence Scholarship?
Yes. Applicants must have received a conditional or unconditional University of Auckland admission offer before submitting the scholarship application.
Can applicants from every country apply for Manaaki?
No. Manaaki is limited to citizens of eligible partner countries. Available study levels and subjects also differ by country.
Is IELTS compulsory?
Not necessarily. The University of Auckland accepts different forms of English-language evidence, and requirements vary by programme.
Manaaki does not require an English test result with the initial scholarship application, but shortlisted applicants must later demonstrate that they meet the selected university programme’s English requirements.