The New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) is a scholarship programme for Indian students planning to study in New Zealand, jointly offered by Education New Zealand and the country’s eight universities. The scheme provides financial support and access to globally ranked institutions, with a total funding pool of NZ$260,000 for the 2025 cycle.
The awards are designed to help Indian students pursue higher education in New Zealand while gaining exposure to its academic system and work-ready learning approach.
Who can apply
The scholarship is open only to Indian citizens who are at least 18 years old at the time of application. Applicants must be residing in India and should not hold citizenship or permanent residency of New Zealand or Australia.
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They must also meet visa requirements set by Immigration New Zealand and hold an unconditional offer for a course eligible under the NZEA scheme.
What the scholarship offers
The NZEA provides financial assistance to study at any of New Zealand’s eight universities, all of which are ranked among the top 2% globally as per QS World University Rankings 2025.
The programme aims to support students in accessing high-quality education that focuses on problem-solving, collaboration and innovation. It also promotes applied learning, where students gain practical exposure alongside academic study.
Participating universities
The scholarship covers all eight universities in New Zealand, including University of Auckland, University of Otago, University of Canterbury and Victoria University of Wellington, among others.
Career outcomes
The programme highlights employability as a key outcome, with courses designed to build technical knowledge along with practical skills. Students often gain industry exposure through internships and work-based projects during their studies.
Overall, the NZEA scheme aims to position New Zealand as a competitive higher education destination for Indian students by combining scholarships, global rankings and career-focused learning.
The awards are designed to help Indian students pursue higher education in New Zealand while gaining exposure to its academic system and work-ready learning approach.
Who can apply
The scholarship is open only to Indian citizens who are at least 18 years old at the time of application. Applicants must be residing in India and should not hold citizenship or permanent residency of New Zealand or Australia.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
They must also meet visa requirements set by Immigration New Zealand and hold an unconditional offer for a course eligible under the NZEA scheme.
What the scholarship offers
The NZEA provides financial assistance to study at any of New Zealand’s eight universities, all of which are ranked among the top 2% globally as per QS World University Rankings 2025.
The programme aims to support students in accessing high-quality education that focuses on problem-solving, collaboration and innovation. It also promotes applied learning, where students gain practical exposure alongside academic study.
Participating universities
The scholarship covers all eight universities in New Zealand, including University of Auckland, University of Otago, University of Canterbury and Victoria University of Wellington, among others.
Career outcomes
The programme highlights employability as a key outcome, with courses designed to build technical knowledge along with practical skills. Students often gain industry exposure through internships and work-based projects during their studies.
Overall, the NZEA scheme aims to position New Zealand as a competitive higher education destination for Indian students by combining scholarships, global rankings and career-focused learning.
