New Zealand Scholarships
Study Amid the Maoris and Kiwis
New Zealand is one of the most desirable destinations in the world. Not only is it remote, but it also features stunning landscapes, exotic ecosystems, and romantic Outback characters. Tourism aside, the pair of islands is one of the utmost for students. Study politics, sciences, the environment and the indigenous Maori culture, whatever you wish there is a program and a scholarship to fit the bill.
Government Scholarships
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships are funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and targets those students most underrepresented in traditional international studies programs. Besides this altruistic goal, the other aim is to sew the seeds for a more diverse global leadership. Eligible applicants are not only academically talented, but also hail from the more disadvantaged backgrounds, both socially and economically. Recipients must be receiving Pell Grants to qualify. There are easily over 700 Gilman Scholars rewarded for their studies each year. Candidates must be pursuing programs in non-traditional locations and the more deeply entrenched their studies, the better. Awards are up to $5,000.
Fulbright Scholarships are available to graduate students pursuing studies in New Zealand. The most eligible candidates will be engaged in programs of study in New Zealand culture and civilization, arts and culture, education, the sciences or political and social sciences. Fulbright Scholarships are typically available for a year of study, but the New Zealand program may be extended with further scholarships available from a New Zealand university.
Study Abroad Organizations
Private and sometimes not-for-profit organizations that make it their business to coordinate, design and provide innovative and compelling abroad programs often also make their business to keep you coming back by offering great scholarship opportunities.
The Institute for Study Abroad-Butler University specializes in pairing undergraduate U.S. students with worthwhile international studies programs. Students interested in a program of study in New Zealand may qualify for the Massey University Spotlight Scholarships. Selection is made on the basis of academic merit and financial need. Awards are $3,000.
AustraLearn is a leading study abroad organization that exclusively deals in international programs of study for students wishing to study in Australia or New Zealand. The important factor is that AustraLearn’s programs and scholarships are designed to give unique opportunities to traditionally disenfranchised students, such as minorities and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Scholarships come in a variety of “flavors:”
- Diversity Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing diversity studies. Awards are quite generous at $2,500.
- University Sponsored Scholarships are available from a nearly a dozen Australian and New Zealand universities and given directly to students interested in studying there. Awards are generally between $2,500 and $8,000. New Zealand universities that participate are: University of Wellington, University of Waikato, Massey University, AUT University.
Study Australia Scholarships are plentiful through Study Australia, a prominent organization committed to providing a one-stop-shop for U.S. students who want to study in Australia or New Zealand. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit; so the more scholastically grounded you are the better you fare with this organization. Their awards fall between $500 and $1,000, which doesn’t cover the full cost for the program, but definitely helps with expenses.
The Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) is up there with the other leading competitors for abroad study programs. Students wishing to study in New Zealand may choose a program in Auckland or Christchurch, one on the northern island and the other on the southernmost island. Scholarships available through IES are bountiful and awards may range from a few hundred bucks to $3,000. Among them:
- If you are a kick-ass essayist, go ahead and tackle the Merit-Based Essay Award. But you will likely go head-to-head with other savvy students vying for as much travel funding as possible.
- IES Asia-Pacific Scholarships are specially designed for students participating in a New Zealand program. These are awarded based on academic merit, so make sure your scholastic record is in great shape. You’ll also need to prove your mettle with an essay, transcript and letter of recommendation from a faculty fan.
- Science Scholarships are only for those pursuing a sciences program. Up to $3,00 available for top scholars going to New Zealand and other destinations.
- Need-based Scholarships may earn you up to $1,500. Criteria include your financial situation and the participation level of your home institution with IES. You might want to explore their relationship prior to applying based on need.
