New Zealand•OceaniaMFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Student Visa
At a Glance
3 weeks
NZD $750
Up to 4 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Fully-funded New Zealand study visa for MFAT or ENZ scholarship recipients, with a 2-year home-return obligation after study.
Administered by Immigration New Zealand, the NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa is for international scholars whose tuition and living costs are fully funded by an MFAT or Education New Zealand scholarship. It supports development cooperation by training high-potential candidates, mainly from the Pacific and developing Asia, at approved NZ education providers.
The visa permits full-time study for up to 4 years, plus part-time work of up to 25 hours per week and full-time work in holidays. The application fee starts at NZD 750 and 80% of applications are decided within 5 months. Partners and dependents must apply separately, though partners are often qualifying for a work visa. Holders must return home for 2 years after the scholarship.
This visa is ideal for MFAT or ENZ scholarship recipients from developing countries pursuing full-time study in New Zealand with intent to return home and apply their new skills.
Cost Breakdown
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
New ZealandRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Be offered a place on a course by an approved New Zealand education provider (or be a returning student with confirmation of enrolment)
Have tuition fees and living costs paid by an MFAT-funded New Zealand scholarship or one administered by Education New Zealand
Be in good health (medical exam or chest X-ray may be required for stays over 6-12 months)
Be of good character (police certificates may be required if aged 17+ and total time in NZ is 24+ months)
Have a genuine reason for coming to New Zealand and credible plans to leave at the end of stay
Commit to returning to home country for at least 2 years after completing the scholarship (1 year for some short-term scholarships)
If already on a student visa, demonstrate course performance, progress and attendance
KEY CRITERIA
Education
high_school or higher
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Passport copy (valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure) or one acceptable photo
Evidence of an offer of place from an approved education provider, including course name, duration, mode of study, and scheduled holidays
Education provider's signed declaration that the programme suits the applicant and they have English and academic capability
Documents confirming that the MFAT-funded New Zealand scholarship will cover tuition fees and living costs
Evidence that practical work experience (if any) is a required part of the course (course outline or provider letter)
Evidence of student performance, progress and attendance if currently holding a student visa (transcripts, attendance records, provider letter)
Chest X-ray certificate if staying more than 6 months and required by TB-incidence rules
Medical examination evidence if staying more than 12 months or otherwise requested
Police certificates if aged 17 or older and total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or longer
Evidence of a ticket out of New Zealand, funds to buy one, or MFAT confirmation that return travel is covered
Certified English translations of any non-English supporting documents
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Full tuition and living costs covered by the MFAT or ENZ scholarship
- Permits full-time study for up to 4 years at an approved NZ provider
- Work part-time up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time in holidays
- Partners may be qualifying for a separate work visa for the scholarship's duration
- Dependent children may apply for their own student visas
- Direct conversion path to the NZ Post-Study Work Visa after completion
- Online application via Immigration New Zealand — no paper paperwork
Worth Knowing
- Application fee starts at NZD 750
- 80% of applications take up to 5 months to process
- Health and police-clearance checks required for longer stays
- Partners and dependent children cannot be included in the main application
- Visa is tied to the MFAT-approved course and scholarship tenure
- Without an MFAT-funded or ENZ-administered scholarship award, you cannot apply
- Mandatory 2-year home-country return after the scholarship (1 year for some short-term schemes) blocks remaining in NZ
- Closed to new applications submitted on paper — only online submissions are accepted
Application Process
Apply for and be awarded an MFAT-funded New Zealand scholarship via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Secure an offer of place on a course from an approved New Zealand education provider (with a signed provider declaration), or get confirmation of enrolment if you are a returning student
Gather supporting documents
passport copy or one acceptable photo, MFAT scholarship funding confirmation, evidence of course offer, any required medical/chest X-ray evidence, police certificates if applicable, evidence of return travel funds, and prior-visa performance evidence if relevant
Submit the application online via Immigration New Zealand (paper applications are no longer accepted) and pay the application fee (from NZD 750)
Respond to any further requests from Immigration New Zealand (additional police certificates, medicals, or other evidence) during processing
Application Forms
| Online student visa application (Immigration Online) Mandatory online application form submitted through Immigration New Zealand's Immigration Online portal; paper applications are no longer accepted. | Fill online |
| Financial Undertaking for a Student (INZ 1014)Optional Optional financial undertaking form used to evidence maintenance funds; not normally required where MFAT provides full-funding notice, but may be requested in some cases. | Fill online |
| Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry (INZ 1025)Optional Optional sponsorship form used where a third party (organisation, government agency, or individual) sponsors the applicant; usually not needed for MFAT-funded scholars whose costs are met by the scholarship. | Fill online |
Related visas
More visas in New Zealand
- Student Visa
Study
- Exchange Student Visa
Study
- Fee Paying Student Visa
Study
Study visas in other countries
- Student Visa (Type D)
France
- Student Visa (Type D)
Netherlands
- Student Visa
Palau
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