Are you an international student searching for fully funded scholarships to study in New Zealand? Look no further than the University of Waikato Scholarships 2025-2026. These prestigious scholarships offer generous financial support for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students from around the world. With award values of up to NZD $15,000, the University of Waikato is committed to making higher education more accessible to deserving students, regardless of background or country of origin.
Whether you're finishing high school, applying for a master’s degree, or starting a PhD, there’s a scholarship program that aligns with your goals. In this complete guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know: available scholarships, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, benefits, and how to apply.
Overview of the University of Waikato Scholarships 2025-2026:
● Country: New Zealand.
● Institution: University of Waikato.
● Eligible Degrees: Undergraduate, Postgraduate (Master’s), Doctoral (PhD).
● Scholarship Type: Fully and partially funded.
● Who Can Apply: International students from all countries.
● Scholarship Amount: Up to NZD $15,000.
● Deadline: Varies by scholarship see below.
Also Check: Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program 2026 in Canada
Benefits of the Scholarship:
The scholarships at the University of Waikato are designed to reduce the financial barriers that international students often face. Here are the key benefits:
● Tuition fee coverage (up to NZD $15,000).
● Monthly stipends for PhD students (for select programs via CSC).
● Travel and research grants.
● Automatic consideration for many awards no need to apply separately.
● Awards tailored by region, including scholarships for students from India, China, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia.
● Multiple intakes and rolling deadlines, allowing flexibility for students.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be considered for the University of Waikato Scholarships, you must:
● Be an international student non-New Zealand citizen or resident.
● Meet academic requirements for your selected program.
● Meet English language proficiency standards, if required.
● Apply to a full-time program at the University of Waikato.
● Meet any region-specific criteria, depending on the scholarship.
● Some scholarships are only for new students who are applying for the first time.
List of Documents Required for Scholarships:
If the scholarship you're applying for is not automatically awarded, you will typically need to submit:
● Completed scholarship application form via the Waikato portal.
● Academic transcripts and graduation certificates.
● Valid passport or proof of nationality.
● Statement of purpose or personal motivation letter.
● Curriculum Vitae (CV).
● English language test scores, if applicable.
● Letters of recommendation especially for PhD or research-based scholarships.
Why You Should Choose the University of Waikato?
Located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, the University of Waikato is one of the country’s most respected institutions, known for:
● Innovative teaching and real-world research.
● Strong industry connections and internship opportunities.
● A diverse, multicultural student community.
● Beautiful campuses in Hamilton and Tauranga.
● High global rankings in areas such as Business, Education, Computer Science, and Environmental Sciences.
● Studying at Waikato also gives you access to New Zealand’s world-class lifestyle—safe cities, stunning landscapes, and a forward-thinking education system.
Also Check: University of Groningen Eric Bleumink Scholarships 2026 Fully Funded
University of Waikato Funded & Partial Scholarships:
Here’s a detailed list of the top scholarships available for the 2025-2026 academic year:
1. Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship
● Value: Up to NZD $15,000.
● Eligibility: High-achieving international students entering undergraduate or postgraduate programs.
● Open to: All nationalities.
● Application: Required.
● Selection: Reviewed monthly.
2. Vice Chancellor’s Scholarships for India, China, Southeast Asia
● Value: Up to NZD $15,000.
● Eligibility: Citizens of India, China, or Southeast Asian countries.
● Deadline trimester A: 30 November 2025.
● Deadline trimester B: 30 April 2026.
● Application: Required.
3. China Scholarship Council (CSC) PhD Program
● Eligibility: Chinese PhD candidates
● Funding:
● Tuition: Covered by University of Waikato (up to 4 years)
● Living Expenses: Funded by CSC
● Application: Through CSC and university portal
4. International Entrance Scholarship for School Leavers
● Value: Up to NZD $15,000
● Target Group: First-time undergraduate international students
● Deadline: 30 April 2026
● Application: Not required (automatic consideration)
5. Terry Healy Memorial Award (Postgraduate – Earth Sciences)
● Value: NZD $5,000
● Covers: Degree-related travel and research
● Target Group: Postgraduate Earth Sciences students
● Deadline: 31 October 2025
● Application: Required
6. Waikato College International Pathway Scholarship
● Value: NZD $2,500
● Eligibility: Students in eligible international pathway programs
● Application: Not required
7. New Zealand NCUK University of Waikato Bursary
● Value: Up to NZD $15,000
● Eligibility: NCUK graduates
● Application: Automatically considered
● Slots: Unlimited
8. New Zealand Universities Award Vietnam
● Value: NZD $15,000
● Eligibility: Vietnamese citizens only
● Purpose: Promote NZ-Vietnam academic collaboration
● Application: Required
9. GEMS Education Network Scholarship
● Value: Up to NZD $10,000
● Eligibility: Students from GEMS schools globally
● Study Mode: On-campus only
● Application: Automatically considered
10. New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) India
● Value: NZD $7,500 to NZD $15,000
● Eligibility: Indian nationals
● Supported by: Education New Zealand
● Application: Automatically considered
Important Application Deadlines for Scholarships:
The application deadlines vary depending on the scholarship program. Many scholarships are assessed on a rolling basis, so early applications are strongly encouraged.
Also Check: TUT University Recommended MEXT Scholarship 2026 Fully Funded
Important Points for a Successful Scholarship Application:
Want to stand out and increase your chances of receiving a University of Waikato scholarship? Here are some expert tips to guide your application:
1. Apply Early
Many scholarships are reviewed monthly, but competition increases closer to deadlines. Applying early shows initiative and can give you a better shot at securing funding.
2. Tailor Your Statement of Purpose
If you're applying for a scholarship that requires a personal statement or essay, avoid generic content.
3. Highlight Extracurricular Achievements
Scholarships are not just about grades. If you’ve led projects, participated in clubs, volunteered, or worked in your community, include those achievements. They demonstrate leadership, commitment, and initiative.
4. Ensure Your Documents Are Polished
Spelling mistakes, poor formatting, and incomplete forms can disqualify you.
5. Understand Each Scholarship’s Specifics
Some scholarships are automatically granted, while others require a detailed application.
How to Apply for the University of Waikato Scholarships?
Follow these simple steps to apply:
● Go to the University of Waikato Scholarships page.
● Use filters to select your region, degree level, and area of study to find scholarships.
● Some scholarships are automatic, while others requires the application submission.