The University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship in New Zealand is now open for applications. This competitive scholarship is designed to attract high-achieving international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs at one of New Zealand’s top-ranked universities. The award supports students from eligible countries who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential, and aims to develop future global ambassadors for the University of Waikato.

Start your application here

Summary of Key Details:

• Host Country: New Zealand
• Institution: University of Waikato
• Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
• Scholarship Value: Up to NZD $15,000
• Eligible Applicants: International students from selected countries
• Application Deadline: Open all year
• Application Mode: Online
• Language of Study: English
• Coverage: Partial funding (tuition fees only)

Scholarship Coverage and Financial Support

The University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship offers a financial grant of up to NZD $15,000, which is directly applied to the recipient’s tuition fees. The amount awarded depends on the academic performance and program duration and is deducted either at the offer stage or upon official enrolment.

Eligible Degree Programs and Academic Fields

Students can pursue a wide array of degree programs through this scholarship. The university offers flexible study options across the following faculties:

• Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
• Faculty of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
• Faculty of Health, Sport and Human Performance
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies
• Faculty of Science and Engineering
• Waikato Management School
• Waikato Pathways College

Explore programs using the University of Waikato Course Finder.

List of Eligible Countries

The scholarship is open to international students from the following regions:

North America: United States, Canada
Latin America: Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador
Europe: Germany, United Kingdom, France, Norway
East Asia: China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan
South Asia: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, Maldives
Southeast Asia: Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand
Middle East: Iran, Jordan
Africa: South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius

Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be a citizen of an eligible country (not a New Zealand citizen or resident)
• Must not be currently enrolled at any New Zealand institution
• Should be applying to the University of Waikato for the first time
• Must have received a conditional or unconditional offer of admission
• Meet the English language requirements for academic study
• Must not have paid tuition fees prior to scholarship approval

Application Process

The application for the University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship is conducted entirely online. Applicants will be assessed based on academic merit, future potential, and alignment with the university’s values. Selection results are typically communicated within eight weeks of application.

• No fixed application deadline – applications are accepted year-round.
• Apply via the official University of Waikato Scholarships Portal

The University of Waikato Scholarship presents a valuable opportunity for talented international students to study in New Zealand with partial financial support. With diverse academic programs, globally recognized faculties, and a student-centered environment, Waikato is an excellent destination for students aiming to gain world-class education abroad.