OtherFully Funded

Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships

The Manaaki New Zealand Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships offer fully funded short professional training courses for mid to senior-level professionals from eligible countries. These courses, lasting two to four weeks, aim to enhance skills in areas like Governance, Climate Change, and Resilience, delivered by reputable New Zealand institutions. Applicants must meet specific citizenship, residency, and age requirements, secure employer endorsement, and be prepared to meet academic and English language entry requirements. The application process is by nomination through the New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in eligible countries, followed by a guided selection process. If shortlisted, applicants will need to provide passport copies and English proficiency test results. The scholarships aim to empower professionals to contribute to their home country's social and economic development using New Zealand's expertise. More detailed information can be found on the official Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships website.

Provider: Manaaki New Zealand
Host country: New Zealand
Deadline: Not specified in the provided text.

Official source

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships is open to African students applying to study in New Zealand at the Other level, with fully funded funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Other · applicants for New Zealand
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Other
Deadline: Not specified in the provided text.

Key eligibility criteria

To be eligible for a Thematic Short Term Training Scholarship, applicants must be citizens of specific countries categorized into Pacific, ASEAN, Africa, and Latin America and Caribbean regions. They must have resided in their country of citizenship for at least two years, with an exception for diplomatic corps and their families. Applicants must not be citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand, Australia, or a number of other developed nations, with exceptions for citizens of Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau. Candidates must be at least 18 years old at the start of the scholarship, not currently serving in the military, and must not have had a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship terminated in the last five years. Furthermore, applicants must have employer endorsement for the training and expect to meet the academic and English language entry requirements of their chosen course.

What the fully funded award covers

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare

About the Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships (2026)

# Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships Brief ## Overview The Manaaki New Zealand Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships are designed for professionals from eligible countries who wish to acquire new skills and knowledge from New Zealand to contribute to their country's social and economic development. These scholarships offer short professional training courses, typically lasting two to four weeks, delivered by reputable New Zealand educational institutions. The courses can be conducted either in New Zealand or online. The program focuses on building knowledge and skills for mid and senior-level professionals in key sectors, sharing New Zealand's expertise in areas critical for global development. ## Benefits This scholarship is fully funded, covering the costs associated with the short-term training program. By participating, scholars gain access to New Zealand's expertise and experience in various sectors, enhancing their professional skills and knowledge. The training aims to empower professionals to contribute significantly to their home countries' social and economic progress. The diverse range of themes, including Governance, Climate Change, and Resilience, ensures that training is relevant to contemporary global challenges and development goals. Scholars also benefit from a structured learning environment provided by reputable New Zealand education institutions. ## Eligibility To be eligible for a Thematic Short Term Training Scholarship, applicants must be citizens of specific countries categorized into Pacific, ASEAN, Africa, and Latin America and Caribbean regions. They must have resided in their country of citizenship for at least two years, with an exception for diplomatic corps and their families. Applicants must not be citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand, Australia, or a number of other developed nations, with exceptions for citizens of Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau. Candidates must be at least 18 years old at the start of the scholarship, not currently serving in the military, and must not have had a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship terminated in the last five years. Furthermore, applicants must have employer endorsement for the training and expect to meet the academic and English language entry requirements of their chosen course. ## Required Documents If shortlisted for a scholarship, applicants will be requested to provide specific supporting documents via email. For in-country courses, certified copies of the personal pages of their passport are required. For online courses, an alternative form of government-issued photo identification is acceptable. Additionally, applicants should provide certified copies of International English proficiency test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, or equivalent, obtained within the last 18 months, if available. These documents are crucial for finalizing the scholarship offer. ## How to Apply The application process for the Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships is a closed and guided one. The New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in eligible countries promotes the available courses and often seeks nominations from government sectors and local organizations for suitable candidates. Nominated individuals are then guided through the application and selection process by the Embassy or High Commission. Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer outlining the scholarship conditions, which they must accept and uphold to partake in the program. ## Key Dates Specific deadlines for the Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships are not provided in the source material. However, candidates should be aware that the application process is initiated through nominations from government sectors and local organizations, promoted by the New Zealand Embassy or High Commission. Therefore, prospective applicants should monitor announcements and reach out to their local New Zealand Embassy or High Commission for information on when nominations open and close for specific training cohorts. ## Selection Criteria While explicit selection criteria are not fully detailed, it can be inferred that candidates are selected based on their potential to contribute to their country's social and economic development using the skills acquired. Employer endorsement is a mandatory requirement, indicating that the training should align with professional development goals and organizational needs. Meeting academic and English language entry requirements for the chosen course is also essential. The New Zealand Embassy or High Commission plays a significant role in guiding nominees through a selection process, suggesting that candidates' professional background, leadership potential, and commitment to applying their learning will be key considerations. ## Tips Prospective applicants should proactively engage with their government sectors or local organizations to express interest in the Manaaki New Zealand Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships. Building a strong professional profile and demonstrating a clear vision for how the training will benefit their country's development are crucial. Ensuring that all general eligibility criteria are met, particularly regarding citizenship, residency, and age, is a fundamental first step. Additionally, preparing to meet English language proficiency requirements and securing employer endorsement early on will streamline the application process should an opportunity arise. Regularly checking the official New Zealand Scholarships website and contacting local New Zealand Embassies or High Commissions for updates on course availability and nomination procedures is highly recommended. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships, please refer to the official Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships website: [https://www.nzscholarships.govt.nz/thematic-short-term-training-scholarships/](https://www.nzscholarships.govt.nz/thematic-short-term-training-scholarships/) This brief is based on the information provided on this official page and does not invent facts or figures not present in the source material.

What the Fully Funded Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare

Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships eligibility for New Zealand applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

To be eligible for a Thematic Short Term Training Scholarship, applicants must be citizens of specific countries categorized into Pacific, ASEAN, Africa, and Latin America and Caribbean regions. They must have resided in their country of citizenship for at least two years, with an exception for diplomatic corps and their families. Applicants must not be citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand, Australia, or a number of other developed nations, with exceptions for citizens of Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau. Candidates must be at least 18 years old at the start of the scholarship, not currently serving in the military, and must not have had a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship terminated in the last five years. Furthermore, applicants must have employer endorsement for the training and expect to meet the academic and English language entry requirements of their chosen course.

Documents required for the Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.nzscholarships.govt.nz/thematic-short-term-training-scholarships/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "To be eligible for a Thematic Short Term Training Scholarship, applicants must be citizens of specific countries categorized into Pacific, ASEAN, Africa, and Latin America and Caribbean regions. They must have resided in…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.nzscholarships.govt.nz/thematic-short-term-training-scholarships/, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by Not specified in the provided text. (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Manaaki New Zealand will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Other level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Manaaki New Zealand, and be able to relocate to New Zealand for the duration of the programme.

Is the Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Not specified in the provided text.. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

Guides for this scholarship

Next steps & guides

Pick the guide that matches where you are right now.

Explore related programmes

Long-form sponsor guides, country pages and category pages connected to this scholarship.

Browse by category & country

Fully funded scholarships
Tuition + stipend + travel

Related hubs

Open the broader hub pages for every country, destination and field this scholarship touches.