Other (Vocational Short Term Training)Fully Funded

Vocational Short Term Training Scholarships

The New Zealand Government offers Vocational Short Term Training Scholarships to professionals from eligible countries to learn new skills in New Zealand, contributing to their country's social and economic development. The scholarships cover training from one week to 12 months, including courses, work placements, or online training, focusing on New Zealand's priority themes such as Climate Change and Resilience, Good Governance, and Economic Resilience. Benefits include full tuition, training-related costs, a weekly allowance, and travel expenses. Eligibility is restricted to citizens of specific countries, with requirements for residency, age, work experience, and no prior scholarship terminations. Applicants need to contact their local New Zealand Embassy or High Commission for application details and deadlines, as these vary by country. Required documents include passport, CV, job description (if employed), academic transcripts, and English proficiency proof. Applicants must ensure their chosen program aligns with their country's development needs and New Zealand's priority sectors.

Provider: Manaaki New Zealand
Host country: New Zealand
Deadline: The application deadline varies by country. Applicants are advised to contact their local New Zealand Embassy or High Commission for specific dates.

Official source

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Vocational Short Term Training Scholarships is open to African students applying to study in New Zealand at the Other (Vocational Short Term Training) 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 (Vocational Short Term Training) · applicants for New Zealand
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Other (Vocational Short Term Training)
Deadline: The application deadline varies by country. Applicants are advised to contact their local New Zealand Embassy or High Commission for specific dates.

Key eligibility criteria

To be eligible, applicants must be citizens of specific Pacific and Asian countries (e.g., Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Timor-Leste), have resided in their country for at least two years, be at least 18 years old, and possess at least one year of full-time or two years of part-time work experience. They must also not be citizens of certain developed countries (with specific exceptions) and have no prior Manaaki Scholarship terminations.

What the fully funded award covers

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Return airfare
Language preparation

About the Vocational Short Term Training Scholarships (2026)

# Vocational Short Term Training Scholarships ## Overview The Vocational Short Term Training Scholarships, offered by the New Zealand Government through Manaaki New Zealand, provide professionals from eligible countries with the opportunity to acquire new skills in New Zealand. These skills are intended to contribute to the social and economic development of their home countries. The scholarships cover training programs ranging from one week to 12 months, which can include training courses with certified New Zealand providers, work placements, or online/in-country training. The chosen training program must align with the human resource development needs of the applicant's country and with New Zealand's priority themes and sectors, including Climate Change and Resilience (e.g., climate change and environment, disaster risk management, food security and agriculture, renewable energy), Good Governance (e.g., governance, law and justice), and Economic Resilience (e.g., economic resilience/private sector, information communications technology, tourism, fisheries). It is important to note that not all courses are open to all eligible countries. ## Benefits Successful scholars of the Vocational Short Term Training Scholarships receive comprehensive financial support. This includes full coverage of tuition fees for their chosen training program, enabling them to focus on their studies without financial burden. Additionally, the scholarship covers training-related costs, ensuring that all necessary expenses associated with the program are met. Scholars also receive a weekly allowance (stipend) designed to cover basic living costs during their stay in New Zealand. Furthermore, travel and related costs are provided as necessary, which can include airfares and other essential travel expenses. These benefits are available for both individual and cohort scholarships, ensuring broad access to the program's advantages. ## Eligibility To be eligible for the Vocational Short Term Training Scholarships, applicants must meet several criteria. They must be a citizen of one of the following countries or territories: Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna. Applicants must have resided in their country of citizenship for at least two years. Exceptions apply for diplomatic corps members and their dependents. Applicants cannot be citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand, Australia, or a long list of other developed countries, with specific exceptions for Niue, Tokelau, French Pacific Territories, and New Zealand-Samoan and Timor-Leste Portuguese dual citizens. Applicants must be at least 18 years old when the scholarship commences, not be currently serving in the military, and not have had a Manaaki Scholarship terminated in the past five years. A minimum of one year of full-time or two years of part-time work experience (paid, unpaid, or voluntary), relevant to their career or proposed training, is also required. Additionally, applicants must have employer endorsement (if applicable) and expect to meet the academic and English language entry requirements for their chosen program. ## Required Documents Applicants for the Vocational Short Term Training Scholarships must submit several supporting documents. These include a certified copy of the personal pages of their passport or an alternative form of photo identification. A current curriculum vitae (CV) in English is mandatory. If employed, a current job description (in English) stating their position title, responsibilities, and duties is required. Certified copies of academic transcripts and completion certificates (in English) for all completed or in-progress qualifications, along with the grade assessment schedule used at each institution, must be provided. For English proficiency, applicants need certified copies of International English proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) from within the last 18 months, if available. Alternatively, evidence of completing all primary education and at least three years of secondary education at English-medium schools, or five years of secondary education at English-medium schools, can suffice. ## How to Apply The application process for the Vocational Short Term Training Scholarships varies depending on the applicant's country of origin. Some countries may have year-round application periods, while others have specific opening and closing dates. To begin the application process, prospective applicants should contact their local New Zealand Embassy or High Commission. Embassy and High Commission staff can provide information on application dates, furnish the application form, and offer assistance in completing it. Once a scholarship is approved, successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer detailing the conditions of their scholarship, which they must accept and abide by. ## Key Dates Specific key dates for the Vocational Short Term Training Scholarships, such as application opening and closing dates, are not uniformly advertised on the official page. The application process and associated timelines can differ based on the applicant's country. Therefore, applicants are advised to directly contact their local New Zealand Embassy or High Commission. These offices will have the most current and accurate information regarding the application periods for their specific region. This approach ensures that applicants can obtain precise details tailored to their circumstances, rather than relying on generalized information. ## Selection Criteria The selection for the Vocational Short Term Training Scholarships is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant's profile against the program's objectives and specific requirements. While explicit "selection criteria" beyond eligibility are not exhaustively detailed, it is implied that a strong application will demonstrate how the proposed training aligns with the human resource development needs of their home country and with New Zealand's priority themes and sectors (Climate Change and Resilience, Good Governance, Economic Resilience). Applicants' work experience, academic background, and their ability to meet the academic and English language entry requirements of their chosen training program are implicitly crucial. Endorsement from an employer, if applicable, also indicates a commitment to applying the acquired skills. The overall aim is to select individuals who are most likely to utilize their new skills for their country's social and economic development. ## Tips When applying for the Vocational Short Term Training Scholarships, it is highly advisable to thoroughly review all eligibility criteria and gather all required documents well in advance. Proactively contacting your local New Zealand Embassy or High Commission is crucial to ascertain specific application dates and to obtain the correct application form. Seek assistance from Embassy or High Commission staff if you encounter any difficulties in completing the application. Ensure that your chosen training program clearly aligns with both your country's development needs and New Zealand's priority sectors. Highlight your relevant work experience and academic achievements, and if applicable, secure a strong endorsement from your employer. Finally, prepare adequately for any English language proficiency requirements, whether through official tests or demonstrating your educational background in English-medium institutions. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Vocational Short Term Training Scholarships, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, and contact details for your local New Zealand Embassy or High Commission, please refer to the official website of Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships: [https://www.nzscholarships.govt.nz/vocational-short-term-scholarships/](https://www.nzscholarships.govt.nz/vocational-short-term-scholarships/) Additional information regarding other scholarship types, such as English Language Training for Officials, Scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate study, and Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships, can also be found on the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships website.

What the Fully Funded Vocational 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
Return airfare
Language preparation

Vocational 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, applicants must be citizens of specific Pacific and Asian countries (e.g., Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Timor-Leste), have resided in their country for at least two years, be at least 18 years old, and possess at least one year of full-time or two years of part-time work experience. They must also not be citizens of certain developed countries (with specific exceptions) and have no prior Manaaki Scholarship terminations.

Documents required for the Vocational 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 Vocational 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/vocational-short-term-scholarships/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "To be eligible, applicants must be citizens of specific Pacific and Asian countries (e.g., Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Timor-Leste), have resided in their country for a…". 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/vocational-short-term-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 The application deadline varies by country. Applicants are advised to contact their local New Zealand Embassy or High Commission for specific dates. (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.

Vocational 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 Vocational Short Term Training Scholarships?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Other (Vocational Short Term Training) 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 Vocational 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 The application deadline varies by country. Applicants are advised to contact their local New Zealand Embassy or High Commission for specific dates.. 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.

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