All the info you need to get started
A Prime Minister's Scholarship is an opportunity to grow yourself and see the world through a new lens.
Other benefits include:
Learn a new language, or improve existing skills
Become a global citizen
Develop intercultural competencies
Grow your network and connections overseas
Discover new cultures
Enhance your employability
Who are we looking for?
We welcome diverse applicants from all backgrounds. You don't need to be studying, and you don't need top grades.
We are looking for applicants who can display qualities like cultural awareness, initiative and confidence. Being able to act as an ambassador for New Zealand while overseas is important.
Check out this video to see what it means to become a global citizen and have a think about how an overseas experience could shape you as a person.
What scholarships are available?
We offer Prime Minister’s Scholarships for both individual and group applicants.
The group scholarship round opens for applications at the start of the year, and the individual scholarship round opens in the second half of the year. Keep an eye on the home page for the latest news about when you can apply.
Individual programmes
We welcome anyone who meets the eligibility requirements to apply for a Prime Minister's Scholarship.
Previous awardees have participated in a wide range of study options, get inspired with stories about our alumni here.
Who can apply?
The Prime Minister's Scholarship is open to those who meet the following criteria:
- At least 18 years old at the date of applying
- New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- Have been a resident in New Zealand for at least 12 of the previous 24 months
- Not an immediate relative of an Education New Zealand staff member or selection panel member
- Medically fit to travel (successful applicants will need to agree to complete any routine medical checks performed at the border, such as COVID-19 tests)
- Able to attend the full duration of your proposed programme overseas
- Eligible for an entry visa into your host country
- Have not previously received a Prime Minister’s Scholarship of the same type you are applying for (group or individual) (and see myth buster #5 below for more info)
- The host country region or regions you are intending to visit during your programme must be safe for travel (rated either "exercise normal safety and security precautions" or "exercise increased caution" on New Zealand's SafeTravel advisory scale) - noting that travel advisories may change at any time.
The qualities we look for in applicants
Community-minded
You identify with your community and can demonstrate your connection and contribution to this community (for example via volunteering, leadership roles or mentoring others).
Culturally aware
You are able to explain how you expect to contribute to the goal of building mutual understanding whilst overseas (for example by learning about your host country's culture, explaining what it means to be a New Zealander, and building meaningful relationships).
Anticipated collective benefit
You can describe how you will use your experience to benefit your wider community (for example by sharing knowledge, skills, and connections; and taking action for the benefit of your community).
Ambassadorial
You can positively represent Aotearoa New Zealand overseas, as well as your New Zealand education provider (if applicable). You are an effective communicator, emotionally intelligent, and well rounded. You exhibit strong core values, such as integrity.
Adaptable
You have the potential to succeed in a different environment (whether studying or working). You are independent and show initiative, anticipate challenges, solve problems effectively, and are positive and motivated.
Anticipated individual benefits
You are able to articulate how you expect to benefit from the international experience. You may discuss your expected personal growth (for example in terms of new attitudes, skills, confidence, knowledge of other cultures), and anticipated education and career benefits (for example establishing new networks, re-engaging with your studies, opening up new career paths and opportunities to work in areas that strengthen New Zealand's connections to the world).
Resources for individuals
Individual programmes allow you to identify a study-abroad experience suited to your education goals. In the past, successful applicants have participated in short-term exchange opportunities, research abroad, internships and more.
Check out the exciting programmes our 2023 individual scholarship awardees embarked on here.
For more information, browse the individual terms and conditions and individual selection criteria.
Group programmes
Applications have also been made by education providers (universities, institutions, wānanga, iwi, hapū, whānau, institutes of technology and polytechnics, and private training establishments).
We are looking for organisations that can shift the dial for New Zealanders to broaden their horizons, connect with the world and build meaningful relationships overseas that benefit New Zealanders as a whole.
Resources for groups
Group programmes offer a flexible way to organise learning experiences in Asia and Latin America. Groups apply for a certain number of people (minimum three), and once a programme is awarded, the organiser will run their own process to select the members who make up the group.
Participants in a group programme simply need to meet the same eligibility requirements as individuals, including being a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident at least 18 years old at the date of applying.
Need inspiration? Check out the successful programmes from our 2023 group scholarship round here.
For more information, browse our group terms and conditions and group selection criteria.
Myth busters
The scholarship is open to applicants at all stages - you could be studying, a recent graduate, or in the workforce. You do need to be at least 18 years old to apply, but there's no upper age limit.
There's no minimum grade you need in order to apply, and selection is not based solely on academic excellence. However, you do need to be able to demonstrate that you can cope with your studies (or other programme) while overseas.
We've tried to make our application process as simple and streamlined as possible!
Applying for the scholarship involves submitting a few documents, providing two referees, and helping us get to know you with three short written statements and a two minute video.
To help you get familiar with the scholarship, have a look around this website, check out our FAQs for common questions, and take a look at the full steps to apply so you can start getting things ready ahead of the next round opening.
Remember, the effort you put in now could set you on a whole new path. Many of our alumni tell us that their experience on the scholarship changed the course of their life, helped them build professional and personal connections around the world, and opened their eyes to new cultures, languages, and career paths. Check out some of our alumni stories.
You can still apply for the scholarship if you haven’t yet been accepted to the programme you are applying to in Asia or Latin America - whether that's an exchange, internship, language course or something else.
Ideally, you will have at least started applying for your programme overseas at the time of applying for the scholarship. If you are successful with your application, we will then touch base to ask for confirmation that you have been accepted before we pay out scholarship funds.
You can be awarded both a group scholarship and an individual scholarship once. You may not be awarded twice for either.
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