University of Auckland Scholarships for International Students

Scholarship Overview

The University of Auckland provides several scholarship pathways for international students for the 2027 academic year. These include the University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship, the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, and the University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship. Each program carries different funding levels and application procedures. While some provide comprehensive support, others offer partial tuition fee credits.

Can Pakistani Students Apply?

Yes, Pakistani students are eligible to apply for these opportunities provided they meet the specific academic and program requirements for the individual scholarships. The Doctoral and International Student Excellence scholarships are open to international applicants generally. For the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, applicants must be citizens of an eligible partner country; Pakistani students should verify their eligibility on the official Manaaki website.

Funding and Benefits

Funding varies significantly between programs:

• University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship: Provides full tuition fees, a tax-free stipend (NZ$35,468/year in 2026), health insurance, and student services fees for up to 42 months.
• Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship: A comprehensive award covering full tuition, living allowance, travel, medical insurance, and establishment costs.
• International Student Excellence Scholarship: A partial award of up to NZ$10,000 toward compulsory tuition fees for one year.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the standard University of Auckland academic entry requirements for their chosen level of study.

• Doctoral: Requires a relevant master’s or honours degree with a B+ average and strong research potential.
• Manaaki: Generally requires relevant work experience, commitment to return home, and alignment with national development priorities.
• Excellence: Requires an admission GPA of at least 6.00 and full-time enrollment in an eligible program.

Required Documents

General documents include:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Statement of Research Intent (for PhD)
• Academic CV
• English-language proficiency evidence
• Passport/Identity proof
• Letters of recommendation/Referee details

Application Timeline

• Doctoral: Four rounds per year (Feb 1, May 1, Aug 1, Nov 1).
• International Student Excellence: Oct 21, 2026 (for early 2027) and April 1, 2027 (for late 2027).
• Manaaki: Varies by country; check the official portal for 2027 updates.

Selection Process

Selection is merit-based. Doctoral applicants are assessed on research alignment and academic standing. The International Student Excellence award is highly competitive, focusing on academic achievement and the quality of the scholarship statement. Manaaki candidates undergo a multi-stage process involving screening and potential interviews.

How to Apply

1. Research: Identify your program and check eligibility requirements on the university website.
2. Admission: Apply for university admission first. For most scholarships, a conditional or unconditional offer is a prerequisite.
3. Scholarship Form: Complete the specific application as directed (separate forms for Excellence; integrated process for Doctoral).

Pakistan-Specific Application Advice

Pakistani students should ensure their documents are certified and translated where necessary. For the Manaaki scholarship, emphasize the developmental impact your studies will have on Pakistan upon your return.

Important Terms and Limitations

• The International Student Excellence Scholarship does not cover living costs.
• Doctoral scholarships exclude certain named doctorates.
• Scholarship recipients must remain in full-time status to retain funding.