The eligibility criteria for the Fully Funded Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are stated below:

1. Must be at least 18 years old

2. Exception for Samoa: Scholars from Samoa can be 17 years old.

3. There is no upper age limit.

4. Student visa requirement and form 

5. Applicants need to choose their preferred courses. Applicants do not need to apply for admission to their preferred education institution and courses until they are notified that they are preferred candidates for a scholarship. However, applicants do need to check that they are likely to meet the minimum academic requirements and the minimum level of English required for the courses.

From an early stage, PhD scholarship applicants should look for and email suitable PhD supervisors at New Zealand Universities. Ph.D. Scholarship applicants who make it to the interview stage will need to provide evidence at the interview that they have either secured a supervisor or are in active discussions with a potential supervisor.

6. Generally, to study for a postgraduate qualification, applicant must have at least:

a) an overall IELTS score of 6.5 and band less than 6.0

b) a TOEFL score of 90 on the internet-based test with a writing score of 21.

c) an overall PTE academic score of 58 with no communicative skills score less than 50

d) a Cambridge Academic English (advanced) overall score of 176 with no bands less than 169

7. Generally, to study for an undergraduate qualification, you must have at least:

a) an overall IELTS score of 6.0 and no band less than 5.5

b) a TOEFL score of 80 on the internet-based test with a writing score of less than 42

c) an overall PTE academic score of 50 with no communicative skills score less than 42

d) a Cambridge Academic English (advanced) overall score of 169 with no bands less than 162

8. Applicants must reside in their home country for two years before commencing their studies. Applicants working for their home country on a diplomatic assignment and dependents of these diplomats traveling with their parents are exempt from this requirement.

9. Postgraduate and mature undergraduate applicants (those who do not meet the below school leaver definition) must have relevant work experience. Work experience can be paid, unpaid, or voluntary and must meet the following criteria:

a) One year of full-time work experience (i.e., 30 hours or more per week), or

b) Two years of part-time work experience (i.e., up to 29 hours per week).