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More than half of New Zealand’s universities now offer dedicated packages, including scholarships and fee discounts, to attract Indian students. This initiative aims to boost international student numbers and contribute significantly to New Zealand’s education sector and economy.
Table of Universities and Scholarship Offerings for Indian Students
| University | Scholarship | Details |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | India High Achievers Scholarship | Up to $20,000 for students with strong academic performance; over 650 applicants in recent years. |
| Auckland University of Technology (AUT) | South Asia Scholarship | $5,000 for undergraduate and $7,000 for postgraduate students from India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. |
| University of Waikato | India-Specific Scholarship | Fee discounts for Indian students; increased applications from India noted, with 5240 applications in 2024. |
| University of Canterbury | India High Achievers Scholarship | Supports high-achieving Indian students beginning their studies in New Zealand. |
| University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Global Scholarship | $15,000 for undergraduate students, with additional $35,000 for top students; $10,000 for postgraduates with a B+ GPA or higher. |
| Lincoln University | General International Scholarships | Open to all international students, including Indian applicants. |
| Te Pūkenga – NZ Institute of Skills | Indian Student Scholarships | Over 20 scholarships valued at $10,000 each across 12 institutions. |
Rising International Student Numbers and Economic Impact
As of recent data from Immigration New Zealand, student visa approvals for the first nine months of the year reached 62,943, with 11,610 visas granted to Indian students alone. The international student population contributes significantly to New Zealand’s economy, adding around $3.7 billion annually.
Post-Covid Rebound in Student Numbers
The Covid-19 pandemic led to a sharp drop in international student numbers due to restrictions, which impacted universities financially, necessitating government intervention. However, student numbers rebounded in 2023, nearing two-thirds of pre-Covid levels. Education New Zealand (ENZ) has announced an ambitious three-year growth plan targeting key markets, including India, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Scholarships and University Initiatives for Indian Students
- University of Auckland
The University of Auckland offers nine scholarships for students from various Asian countries. Among these, the India High Achievers Scholarship is specifically aimed at Indian students with excellent academic records, with over 400 applicants in 2023. - Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
AUT offers several scholarships, including the South Asia Scholarship. This scholarship provides $5,000 for undergraduate students and $7,000 for postgraduate students from India and other South Asian countries. AUT’s commitment to fostering relationships with Indian students includes cultural events like the Diwali Festival. - University of Waikato
This university has seen a significant increase in applications from India, with 5240 applications in 2024. The university also provides fee discounts as part of a specific scholarship for Indian students. - Victoria University of Wellington
Te Herenga Waka does not have scholarships solely for Indian applicants but includes Indian students in general international scholarships. The Tongarewa International Scholarship is open to all international students, and in 2024, 40% of recipients were Indian. - University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury offers an India High Achievers Scholarship for students from India with a record of strong academic performance. - University of Otago
Otago’s Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Global Scholarship, established in 2024, grants $15,000 to first-year undergraduates and $35,000 to top-performing students. Postgraduate Indian students with a B+ GPA or higher are awarded $10,000. The University of Otago views India as a key growth market. - Lincoln University
Although it does not have India-specific scholarships, Lincoln offers general scholarships open to Indian students. Indian applicants are also eligible for the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA), a partnership between Education New Zealand and eight universities that offers $320,000 in scholarships. - Te Pūkenga – NZ Institute of Skills and Technology
Te Pūkenga, a network of educational institutions, has over 20 scholarships valued at $10,000 each across 12 of its institutions, open to Indian students as part of their international outreach.
New Zealand Excellence Awards for Indian Students
The New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) program offers a $320,000 scholarship package for Indian students across New Zealand’s eight universities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to attract Indian talent and strengthen the international student base.
FAQs
1. Are there any scholarships specifically for Indian students in New Zealand?
Yes, universities such as the University of Auckland, AUT, the University of Waikato, and the University of Canterbury offer scholarships specifically targeting Indian students. Other universities provide general international scholarships that Indian students can apply for.
2. How has Covid-19 impacted international student numbers in New Zealand?
The pandemic led to reduced international student numbers due to travel restrictions, resulting in financial challenges for universities. Numbers have since improved, and the government is actively investing in strategies to boost international student enrollment.
3. What are the New Zealand Excellence Awards?
The New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) are a collaborative effort between Education New Zealand and New Zealand universities, offering $320,000 in scholarships specifically for Indian students.
4. Which New Zealand universities offer scholarships for South Asian students?
AUT provides a South Asia Scholarship for students from India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives, offering $5,000 for undergraduates and $7,000 for postgraduates.
5. What is the economic impact of international students in New Zealand?
International students contribute approximately $3.7 billion annually to New Zealand’s economy, a significant portion of which benefits universities directly.
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