New Zealand rarely tops scholarship lists. It should receive more attention.
Six of its universities offer funding for international students at Bachelor’s Master’s and PhD level. Some awards include tuition coverage, monthly stipends, travel support and health insurance. Students who completed previous study in English may submit a Medium of Instruction letter instead of an IELTS score at certain programs.
That last point is the one most applicants overlook until they are already deep in the process.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Destination | New Zealand |
| Study levels | Bachelor’s Master’s PhD |
| Universities | 6 leading institutions |
| IELTS required | Varies by university and program |
| MOI letter accepted | At some institutions confirm before applying |
| Funding type | Full and partial scholarships available |
| Who can apply | International students eligibility varies |
What Without IELTS Actually Means
Without IELTS does not mean without any English requirement. Every university on this list requires some form of English evidence. The form of that evidence can vary.
Students who completed their previous degree in English may submit a Medium of Instruction letter instead of an IELTS score. Some universities also accept TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge certificates or proof of prior study in an English speaking country.
Acceptance of an MOI letter is not automatic. One program at a university might accept it. Another program at the same university might not. Contact the admissions office of the specific program you want. Confirm the rule before you apply.
Getting Your MOI Letter Right
If your previous degree was taught in English and you plan to use an MOI letter most New Zealand universities expect the following:
- Issued by your previous university on official letterhead
- Signed by an authorized representative such as a registrar or academic affairs office
- Clearly states that your degree was taught and examined in English
- Includes your full name, degree title and period of study
Request the letter early. Processing times vary. Some universities take a week. Others take three. Some programs require the letter with the application not after an offer is made.
The Six Universities Offering Scholarships 2027
University of Auckland
New Zealand’s largest and highest ranked university. Auckland offers scholarships for international students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
One example is the International Student Excellence Scholarship which provides support toward tuition fees. Additional awards exist across faculties. Amounts and conditions vary by program.
MOI letters may be accepted depending on the specific program. Check current admissions requirements on the university’s official international page.
University of Waikato
Waikato offers international scholarships at undergraduate and postgraduate level. The university is known for applied research in agriculture, environmental science, management and law.
Applicants whose previous education was conducted in English should confirm whether their program accepts an MOI letter. Requirements differ between faculties.
Confirm details at Waikato’s official scholarships portal.
Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington’s primary university offers international scholarships including the Tongarewa Scholarship which contributes toward tuition fees.
Victoria is strong in law policy humanities and the sciences. Scholarship rules and language entry rules should be checked separately. They do not always match.
Visit Victoria University’s international scholarships page for current information.
Lincoln University
Lincoln is New Zealand’s specialist land based university. It focuses on agriculture environmental management viticulture and landscape architecture.
International scholarships are available at postgraduate level. Lincoln also offers English language pathways for applicants who need alternative proof of proficiency.
Check Lincoln University’s international student scholarships and language requirements directly.
University of Canterbury
Canterbury offers a wide range of scholarships for international and domestic students across undergraduate and postgraduate programs including research funding for doctoral candidates.
The university is well regarded in engineering science and business. Research students may find packages that provide significant financial support.
Use Canterbury’s scholarship finder and admission pages for current details.
University of Otago
Otago is New Zealand’s oldest university and one of its most research intensive. It is strong in health sciences medicine and biomedical research as well as humanities sciences and business.
Postgraduate funding and international scholarships are available. Program level rules determine whether an MOI letter is accepted in place of IELTS.
Consult Otago’s official international student pages for current scholarship and language entry details.
What Fully Funded Scholarships Can Cover
Funding varies between awards. Some are comprehensive. Others cover only part of tuition.
Benefits that may be included:
- Full or partial tuition fee coverage
- Monthly living allowance or stipend
- Establishment allowance for settling in
- Medical or health insurance
- Return airfare or travel support
- Travel insurance
- Study related expense contributions
No single scholarship automatically provides all of these. Read the official conditions for each award before treating any figure as confirmed.
Who Is Eligible
Eligibility varies by scholarship. Most programs look for some combination of the following:
- International student status
- Strong academic record
- Admission or conditional offer from the relevant university
- English proficiency through an accepted method
- Required academic qualifications for the level of study
- Evidence of leadership community involvement or research achievement for competitive awards
- Research proposal aligned with faculty expertise for PhD scholarships
Some scholarships carry extra restrictions on nationality age subject area or program type. These appear in the individual award conditions.
Documents to Prepare
Start gathering these early. Most New Zealand universities require:
- Academic certificates and transcripts for all levels
- Passport or national identification
- CV or résumé
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter
- MOI letter where accepted in place of IELTS
- Recommendation letters
- Research proposal for PhD applications
- Proof of admission or application to the program
- Scholarship specific forms and supporting documents
How to Apply
- Identify the right university and program for your background and goals
- Check the scholarship eligibility criteria and confirm the application deadline
- Contact the admissions office to confirm whether IELTS is required or whether an MOI letter or another alternative is accepted for your program
- Request your MOI letter from your previous university if you plan to use it
- Prepare your application documents including transcripts CV motivation letter references and any program specific materials
- Apply for admission to the program if a separate admission application is required
- Submit the scholarship application through the official university or scholarship portal
- Monitor your application and respond promptly to any requests for additional information
Key Takeaways
- Six New Zealand universities offer scholarships for international students covering Bachelor’s Master’s and PhD study
- Without IELTS means alternative English evidence may be accepted. It does not mean English requirements are removed
- A Medium of Instruction letter is the most common IELTS alternative. Acceptance varies by university and program. Confirm before applying
- Scholarship funding ranges from full packages covering tuition stipend airfare and insurance to partial tuition support. Read each award’s official conditions
- Eligibility varies by scholarship. Some carry nationality age or subject restrictions
- The MOI letter must be on official letterhead signed by an authorized representative and clearly confirm that your previous degree was taught and examined in English
- Always verify current requirements directly with the university. Do not rely on third party websites or social media graphics