Explore scholarship options
This page has all the information you need to get planning!
Discover our eligible destination countries, funding details and programme types to build an inspiring and impactful scholarship experience.
On this page:
Asia
Our current destinations/countries in Asia are: Greater China (including Taiwan and Hong Kong), Singapore, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, The Philippines and Thailand.
For Asia the minimum programme length is 6 weeks.
Latin America
Our current destination countries in Latin America are: Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Chile.
For Latin America the minimum programme length is 4 weeks.
Scholarship funding
Individuals on an exchange, internship or other independent programme can receive:
Tuition fees to undertake a course in Asia or Latin America (if you are undertaking an exchange where you continue to pay NZ fees, the scholarship will not cover these)
Brokerage fees of approved internship providers (for internships only)
Return economy flights NZ-Asia $3,500 or NZ-Latin America $4,500
Contribution to living and accommodation costs of $470 for each week actively on programme in Asia and $380 each week in Latin America
Travel and medical insurance
Contribution to visa fees up to a maximum of $200
For a group programme application, additional funding of up to $20,000 at the discretion of the selection panel. This will be sourced from within the appropriated funding for the Prime Minister's Scholarships.
Latin America
A one-semester exchange or study abroad programme is supported for 18 weeks: $6,840
A two-semester exchange or study abroad programme is supported for 36 weeks: $13,680
A full year academic programme is supported for 36 weeks: $13,680
A two-year academic programme is supported for 72 weeks: $27,360
Asia
A one-semester exchange or study abroad programme is supported for 18 weeks: $8,460
A two-semester exchange or study abroad programme is supported for 36 weeks: $16,920
A full year academic programme is supported for 36 weeks: $16,920
A two-year academic programme is supported for 72 weeks: $33,840
All figures above are in New Zealand dollars.
Programme types
Choose an internship provider and undertake an internship for up to 6 months in one of the eligible destination countries in Asia or Latin America.
Below are some links to intern providers which have previously been used by successful recipients. Please note, these are provided for information purposes only. This is not an exhaustive list and does not represent a recommendation or endorsement by Education New Zealand. Clicking on each provider's link will take you to an external website not managed by ENZ.
If you are currently enrolled at a New Zealand university or institute of technology or polytechnic, you can undertake a one or two semester exchange programme. Please connect with your institution to find out what opportunities are available in Asia and Latin America before you apply.
If you are currently enrolled in a New Zealand university or institute of technology or polytechnic and your institution doesn't have the right exchange agreement for you, you may be able to undertake a one or two semester non-exchange programme at a partner institution. Please connect with your institution to find out what opportunities are available in Asia and Latin America before you apply.
Undertake a whole postgraduate programme at an overseas institution, up to a maximum of two years in length - for example, a master's programme.
Undertake short term research in one of our eligible destination countries as part of a postgraduate New Zealand qualification.
Short programmes are a great way of getting a taste of Latin America or Asia without having to commit to a long term programme. This could be any type of programme, including a language course, up to 12 weeks in length. Please note the minimum programme length still applies - 4 weeks for Latin America and 6 weeks for Asia.
Not sure if your programme is covered?
Information webinars
In February 2024 we ran a webinar with practical tips for planning a group scholarship programme. If you missed it or want to catch up, you can watch it back here.
In May 2024 we ran a webinar with practical tips for planning your scholarship programme, costs, contacts, and what to expect overseas. If you missed it or want to catch up, you can watch it back here.
During August 2022 we ran four webinars with practical tips for planning your scholarship programme, costs, contacts, and what to expect overseas. If you missed them or want to catch up, you can watch them back here.
Individual and group programmes
We award Prime Minister's Scholarships to both individuals and groups. Here's the difference.
Applying by yourself
Anyone can apply for an individual programme, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. Consider which country you would like to travel to, which type of programme you would like to take, and for how long. Check the How to Apply page for the steps you need to take. If you're enrolled with an education provider, talk through your options with them. If you're stuck, you can email our Scholarships team for help.
We run one scholarship round per year for individuals, generally in the middle / later in the year.
Applying as a group
Group scholarships are awarded for a minimum of three participants. Previously, most of our group scholarships have been awarded to New Zealand education providers, such as universities, wānanga, polytechnics, institutes of technology and private training establishments.
However, we welcome group scholarship applications from any group or organisation who can meet the objectives of the scholarship. Successful group applications have been made by marae, whānau Māori trusts, non-profit organisations and more.
We run one scholarship round per year for groups, generally earlier in the year.
Once a scholarship is awarded, the successful group will run their own process to select participants. Check out the successful programmes from our 2022 group scholarship round here.
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Resources - Asia
Study in China - The official website for international students to China, maintained by the Chinese Ministry of Education.
Living in China | New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade - This page includes useful links and resources for New Zealanders in China. While much of the information is for Kiwis working in China, there are also useful links to social groups and clubs for New Zealanders in China.
Visit Singapore - the official website from Singapore Tourism Board, full of inspiration for what to see and do.
Studying in Singapore - resources and information for international students planning to study in Singapore (website by the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Resources for India coming soon.
Resources - Latin America
Resources for Mexico coming soon.
Learn Chile - information about life as an international student in Chile