New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)
The New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) are partial scholarships offered by Education New Zealand in partnership with all 8 NZ universities and selected institutes of technology. Awards typically range from NZD 5,000 to NZD 20,000 toward tuition for the July (Semester 2) intake. NZEA has historically been India-only; Sri Lankan students should check the current participating-country list each cycle, and several NZ universities offer parallel country-specific awards (the University of Auckland's NZEA also covers a Sri Lankan stream in some years).
Education New Zealand
Government-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Value
NZD 5,000-20,000
Duration
1-Year Master's (tuition only)
Intake
July (Semester 2)
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Countries
NZEA is primarily aimed at students from India, with some participating universities extending to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Vietnam. Eligibility varies by university and year — confirm with your chosen institution before applying.
Strong Academic Record
Excellent academic standing in your Bachelor's degree — typically first-class honours or equivalent. Each participating university sets its own academic threshold.
University Offer Required
You must hold (or have applied for) an offer to a postgraduate programme at a participating NZ university for the July 2026 (Semester 2) intake.
Self-Funded Status
Must be classed as an international, self-funded student. Candidates already holding a full government or external scholarship are typically excluded.
account_tree Application Process
Choose a participating university
Visit studywithnewzealand.govt.nz and pick a participating institution that lists Sri Lanka (or your eligibility region) for the current NZEA cycle.
Apply for admission
Submit your standard postgraduate application to the chosen NZ university for the July 2026 intake. Many universities consider you automatically for NZEA at this stage.
Submit NZEA application (where required)
Some universities run a separate NZEA application — typically a short form plus a personal statement. Closing dates vary; many close around 30 April 2026.
Award notification
Each participating university notifies successful candidates directly. Awards are usually credited against tuition for the first or both semesters of study.
About Education New Zealand
Education New Zealand (Manapou ki te Ao) is the NZ government's agency for promoting NZ as a study destination and managing scholarship partnerships with the country's universities and institutes of technology.
8
NZ Universities Participating
Up to NZD 20k
Maximum Award Value
July
Semester 2 Intake
Similar Scholarships
Other curated opportunities for Sri Lankan students.
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
University of Otago International Excellence Scholarship
University of Otago
University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
University of Auckland