New Zealand Development Scholarships (NZDS) give candidates from selected developing countries an opportunity to gain knowledge and skills through study in specific subject areas which will assist in the development of their home country. Awardees are required to return to their home country for at least two years after the completion of their scholarship to apply these new skills and knowledge in government, civil society or private business organisations. NZDS are funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme, the New Zealand Government’s overseas aid and development programme. They are managed by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). NZDS are for postgraduate study in New Zealand and are availabe to candidates from specific Latin American and African countries, some Chinese provinces, and from Nepal, Timor-Leste and Mongolia. NZDS are also available for undergraduate study to candidates from Timor Leste.
Study Subject:
- For Africa: The scholarship is offered for study related to Sustainable Economic Development with preference given to study in sectors of: Agriculture development and Geothermal development.
- For China: Applications for Doctorate study will only be considered where particularly strong development relevance and alignment to China’s priority training needs are demonstrated. The priority sector: Agricultural sciences, agricultural economics, agricultural trade, Veterinary science related to rural development, other applied sciences or technology related to rural development, Biosecurity, quarantine, sanitary and phytosanitary standards, plant and animal health, Food safety, food quality and food technology, Rural health services, environmental health, sanitation and waste management, Rural basic education, Community development, Environmental science, environmental studies, sustainable management of natural resources, Tourism management, eco-tourism and Small business development.
- For Mongolia and Nepal: Agriculture Development, Disaster Risk Management, Public Sector Management and Private Sector Development.
- For Latin American and Caribbean: scholarships will be offered at postgraduate level for study related to Sustainable Economic Development with preference given to study in sectors of: Agricultural development and Geothermal development.
- For Timor Leste: Scholarships will be awarded for the following subjects: Private sector development including business administration, management, commerce, economics, international trade/business, food technology, engineering technology and tourism, Agriculture and rural development including agribusiness, fisheries, aquaculture, forestry science and management and development management, Education and training, Security and justice including security studies and customs, Environment including environmental studies, management and planning, and land/water management.
Study Level:
- For Africa: New Zealand Development Scholarships are awarded for full-time, postgraduate level study (i.e. Postgraduate Certificate and Diplomas and Masters degrees) in New Zealand.
- For China: These scholarships are for full-time postgraduate study at one of ten New Zealand education institutions. For Nepal and Mongolia: Scholarships are available for postgraduate study (Diploma and masters) in New Zealand.
- For Latin American and Caribbean: The scholarships are offered for full-time, postgraduate study at the Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma, Masters or Doctorate (PhD) levels (PhD study is available only for Caribbean).
- For Timor Leste: Scholarships are awarded for undergraduate (English Language training, Diploma, Bachelor) and postgraduate study (Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Masters (research and/or coursework) and Doctoral) in New Zealand.
General eligibility criteria:
Awards are open to candidates from government, civil society and private business organisations. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of your country and have resided there for at least two years at the time of application (permanent residents are not eligible to apply). You must also reside in your country of citizenship during the application and selection process.
- For all other candidates, have been working in your country for at least two years prior to application.
- Be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to your country’s public, private or civil society sector and to the development of your country in general.
- Agree in writing that you will return to your country for a minimum of two years following completion of your Scholarship in order to contribute to your country’s social or economic development.
- Be available to take up the Scholarship in the calendar year for which the Scholarship is offered.
- Satisfy the admission requirements of the New Zealand institution in which the degree programme is to be undertaken, including the institution’s English language criteria.
- Be able to satisfy Immigration New Zealand requirements for international student entry to New Zealand (i.e. medical checks, police clearances/character checks, etc).
- Not be seeking funding for a qualification already commenced in New Zealand or another country.
- Not have citizenship or permanent residence status of New Zealand, Australia (except for Pacific countries who also have New Zealand citizenship).
- Not hold or have held a New Zealand Government or Australian Government Scholarship in the preceding 24 months at the time of application
English language requirements:
- A high standard of English is required. New Zealand tertiary education institutions set their own admission requirements for English language proficiency. All applicants should check the IELTS (International English Language Testing System, academic stream) or TOEFL (Testing of English as a Foreign Language) score required for admission to their selected New Zealand education institution.
- For postgraduate study, most New Zealand education institutions require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0, for postgraduate level study. Some postgraduate qualifications, particularly education or PhD programmes, may require a higher score.
- Candidates who show particularly strong developmental relevance and applicability may be able to receive three months’ English language training in New Zealand prior to starting their main academic qualification. Candidates who are applying for postgraduate study and have an IELTS result of 6.0 overall, with no band less than 5.5, should still consider applying for a Scholarship.
Scholarship Open for:
- Africa: Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra, Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
- Asia: China, Mongolia, Nepal, Timor-Leste,
- Latin America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.
- The Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago.
Terms and conditions:
All applicants who are offered a New Zealand Development Scholarships will be required to sign a contract with the New Zealand Government declaring they will comply with the terms and conditions of the scholarship. All awardees are required to return to their home country for a minimum period of two years following completion of their scholarship in order to contribute to their country’s economic and social development.
Number of Scholarships:
Up to 64 scholarships are available (African students: Up to 27 available annually,)
(For Asia: China: 3, Mongolia and Nepal: 5, For Timor Leste: Up to 15 available annually)
(Latin America: Up to 14 available for Latin America and Caribbean regions)
Scholarship Duration:
The scholarship is offered for the whole duration of the program.
Scholarships Value:
New Zealand has world class education institutions that offer internationally recognised qualifications. Successful applicants will have access to excellent academic knowledge, quality facilities and enjoy a learning environment that celebrates diversity, new thinking and multi-cultural perspectives. New Zealand Scholarships cover: Full tuition fees, Travel costs, an establishment and living allowance, Medical and travel insurance and Pastoral and academic support.
Selection Criteria:
After the closing date, all complete applications for Scholarships will be assessed taking into account the following criteria:
- Development priorities: Alignment of the course with the priority sectors
- Work Experience: Work experience in the chosen field of study, for those employed
- Gender Equity: Women are encouraged to apply and the aim is to ensure that there are approximately equal numbers of women and men in each category (diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD)
- High academic results
- Leadership potential
- Shortlisted Scholarship applicants will be advised whether they will be required to attend an interview and undertake English language tests. Please ensure that you respond to any requests for additional information in a timely manner to ensure your application can be considered for a Scholarship.
Notification:
Applicants will be advised as to whether they have been shortlisted or whether their application was unsuccessful. Shortlisted Scholarship applicants will be advised whether they will be required to attend an interview and undertake English language tests. Please ensure that you respond to any requests for additional information in a timely manner to ensure your application can be considered for a Scholarship. Shortlisted candidates will be advised whether or not they have been awarded a scholarship. Letters of Offer for in-service applicants are typically issued in October and November each year.
How to Apply?
- Applicants apply directly to one of the nine eligible New Zealand education institutions using their usual application process for international students. Include a cover letter with your request for admission which advises the institution that you also intend to apply for a New Zealand Scholarship. It is recommended that you apply before 30 April.
- Once you receive admission to a New Zealand institution, download the New Zealand Scholarships application form and complete all sections.
- Courier your completed Scholarship application form, letter of admission, and all other required documents to your nearest New Zealand Embassy by 1 August.
Application Deadline:
Applicants must ensure that the institution receives the completed NZDS application form (including all supporting documentation) before the institution’s closing date which varies between 30th April and 1 June 2014.
List of New Zealand Education Institutions.
For further information: http://www.aid.govt.nz/funding-and-contracts/scholarships/types-scholarship/new-zealand-development-scholarships
