In an effort to enhance educational collaboration with India, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has introduced a scholarship package valued at NZD 260,000 under the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025. This initiative, announced during his visit to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, underscores New Zealand’s commitment to attracting Indian students to its universities and fostering stronger academic partnerships.
The NZEA 2025 programme is administered by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao in collaboration with the nation’s eight premier universities. The initiative offers 29 scholarships to Indian students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees across various disciplines, with financial aid ranging from NZD 5,000 to NZD 20,000. These scholarships aim to alleviate tuition costs and encourage Indian student enrollment in New Zealand’s higher education institutions.
Prospective applicants must review the eligibility criteria outlined by individual universities on their respective websites. The deadline for applications has been set for April 30, 2025. Participating universities include some of New Zealand’s leading educational institutions, thereby providing Indian students with increased academic opportunities.
At present, approximately 7,300 Indian students are enrolled in various courses across New Zealand. The country remains an attractive destination for international students due to its relatively lower tuition fees compared to other Western nations and its favorable post-study work opportunities. This initiative is expected to further strengthen New Zealand’s appeal among Indian students seeking quality education abroad.
In addition to the scholarship package, the New Zealand government has introduced a Virtual Internship Programme, allowing 30 IIT Delhi students to work remotely with New Zealand-based companies. This initiative is designed to offer practical work experience, enabling students to gain industry exposure while reinforcing academic collaboration between the two nations.
To further support Indian students, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are set to be signed, facilitating smoother academic transitions for students pursuing higher education in New Zealand. Additionally, significant policy changes concerning the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) have been introduced. These modifications extend eligibility for students who complete a 30-week postgraduate diploma and subsequently enroll in a master’s programme. Depending on the duration of their diploma and adherence to specified criteria, these students may qualify for a PSWV, with a full three-year visa requiring at least 30 weeks of master’s-level study. This policy adjustment is expected to benefit Indian students by enhancing their prospects for post-graduation employment and long-term career development in New Zealand.
Simultaneously, another initiative has been launched to support Indian students pursuing education abroad. University Living, in partnership with Acumen, has announced a “Living Scholarships” programme worth $2.4 million (approximately ₹2 crore). This initiative aims to assist students with living expenses and accommodation while studying in countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, the United States, and Canada.
The scholarship fund, which will be distributed across more than 50 partner universities affiliated with Acumen and University Living, is designed to help students manage initial living costs. Beginning in March 2025, eligible students will receive complimentary accommodation for up to one month, easing their transition into international student life.
This support is particularly significant given the increasing costs associated with studying abroad. According to the University Living Indian Student Mobility Report 2024, expenditure on student accommodation has risen substantially in recent years. Between 2019 and 2022, spending in the United States surged from $1.9 billion to $2.4 billion, while in Canada it increased from $1.7 billion to $1.8 billion. Australia experienced a rise from $0.8 billion to $1.2 billion, and the United Kingdom saw an exponential increase from $0.4 billion to $1.4 billion.
Saurabh Arora, CEO of University Living, emphasized the importance of reducing financial barriers for international students, stating, “University Living has always prioritized a student-first approach. We believe financial challenges should not prevent students from achieving their academic dreams.” This perspective highlights the ongoing challenges students face when relocating to a foreign country, particularly during the initial stages of their academic journey.
Echoing this sentiment, Sagar Bahadur, Executive Director for South and Southeast Asia at Acumen, noted, “Studying abroad can be an overwhelming experience, especially in the first few months. With this pioneering initiative, we are not only providing accommodation but also offering peace of mind and the confidence students need to excel both academically and socially.” These remarks reflect the commitment of both organizations to easing the financial and emotional burden on students transitioning to international education.
As educational institutions and governments continue to implement measures to support student mobility, these initiatives demonstrate a concerted effort to create a more inclusive and accessible academic environment for Indian students. By offering financial aid, internship opportunities, and policy reforms, New Zealand and its global partners are taking significant strides toward fostering a more connected and enriched academic experience for international students.
