Key Highlights:

• New Zealand Prime Minister announces NZD 260,000 in scholarship funding for Indian students.

• Launch of 29 scholarships under the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025, with grants ranging from NZD 5,000 to NZD 20,000.

• Open to both Undergraduate and Postgraduate students from India.

• Strengthened academic cooperation through new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between New Zealand and Indian institutions.

A Major Opportunity for Indian Students

In an exciting development for aspiring Indian students, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has officially launched the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025, aimed at supporting Indian students pursuing higher education in New Zealand. The announcement was made during his visit to IIT Delhi, where several MOUs were signed between premier New Zealand and Indian institutions to enhance academic collaboration.

Prime Minister Luxon highlighted the shared vision between India and New Zealand to use education as a transformative force. “Prime Minister Modi and I spent a lot of time yesterday discussing the power of education, and we both see it as a crucial driver of social and economic transformation,” he noted.

About the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025

The NZEA 2025 is a distinguished scholarship program jointly administered by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao and New Zealand’s eight leading universities. A total of 29 scholarships will be awarded to deserving Indian students, offering financial support between NZD 5,000 and NZD 20,000 for eligible Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs.

Eligibility Criteria for NZEA 2025:

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.

• Be a citizen of India and not hold citizenship or permanent residency in New Zealand or Australia.

• Be residing in India at the time of their university application.

• Meet Immigration New Zealand’s student visa requirements.

• Hold an unconditional offer of admission from one of the eligible New Zealand universities.

Participating Universities:

The scholarships are available for students enrolling at the following top-tier institutions in New Zealand:

• Auckland University of Technology

• University of Auckland

• Lincoln University

• Massey University

• University of Waikato

• University of Otago

• Victoria University of Wellington

• University of Canterbury

Please note that some universities may have additional criteria; students are encouraged to consult individual university websites for specific details.

Important Dates:

• Application Opens: March 18, 2025

• Application Deadline: April 30, 2025

With over 7,300 Indian students already studying in New Zealand as of 2024 (Ministry of External Affairs, India), this scholarship initiative further strengthens the country’s reputation as a premier destination for quality international education.

Looking to Study in New Zealand?

If you’re ready to explore world-class education in the Land of the Long White Cloud, KC Overseas Education is here to help. From university selection to scholarship applications and visa assistance, our expert advisors provide comprehensive support for your study abroad journey.