New Zealand has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering international academic ties with India through the launch of the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025, which offers a NZ$260,000 scholarship package for Indian students pursuing higher education in the country. The announcement was made during an event at IIT Delhi, attended by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, alongside key academic and industry leaders.
Scholarships and Eligibility
The NZEA scholarships aim to support Indian students enrolling in New Zealand universities for higher education. Eligible applicants must:
– Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
– Hold Indian citizenship (not a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia).
– Reside in India at the time of application and meet Immigration New Zealand’s student visa requirements.
– Have an unconditional offer of admission from a New Zealand university for an eligible course.
Students must check specific eligibility criteria of individual universities. The application deadline for the scholarship is 30 April 2025.
Virtual Internship Programme Launched
Expanding academic-industry collaborations, a Virtual Internship Programme has also been introduced, providing 30 IIT Delhi students the opportunity to intern remotely with New Zealand companies. This initiative will offer exposure to New Zealand’s work culture and cutting-edge industry practices.
MoUs Signed for Academic Collaborations
A series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between New Zealand universities and Indian institutions, fostering deeper academic and research partnerships:
– University of Auckland & Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) / IIT Kharagpur
– University of Auckland & Tech Mahindra – A pilot internship programme focused on AI, machine learning, and quantum computing.
– University of Waikato & Bennett University – Joint programmes in law, business, computer science, and engineering.
– Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design & NID / NIFT – Faculty and student exchange, joint research, and international exhibitions.
Launch of the New Zealand Centre Innovation Fellowship
A new initiative, the New Zealand Centre Innovation Fellowship, was also launched to strengthen entrepreneurial and innovation collaborations between the two nations. This fellowship will offer selected participants a two-week immersive experience in India’s innovation ecosystem, including travel, accommodation, and a stipend.
Why New Zealand is a Growing Destination for Indian Students
New Zealand has emerged as a preferred study destination for Indian students, with over 7,300 Indian students enrolled as of 2024, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Factors contributing to its popularity include:
– Affordable tuition fees compared to other Western countries.
– Post-study work opportunities, including recent updates to Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) eligibility.
– A high-quality education system with strong industry-academia integration.
With its latest scholarship initiatives, virtual internships, and research partnerships, New Zealand is further solidifying its position as a top destination for Indian students seeking international education and career advancement.
