New Zealand PMs scholarship program for Indian students who can apply

The Prime Minister of New Zealand declared the initiation of the July 2025 session for the New Zealand Excellence Awards. Alongside the statements made during an event at IIT Delhi, multiple MoUs were signed between universities in New Zealand and institutions in India, enhancing academic partnerships. As an element of these efforts, a NZ$260,000 partial scholarship scheme was launched under the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025 to assist Indian students seeking higher education in New Zealand.

Applicants must live in India when applying and need to fulfill Immigration New Zealand's criteria for a student visa. Moreover, they need to possess an unconditional admission offer from a New Zealand university for a qualifying course.

In a distinct Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bennett University and the University of Waikato, both entities consented to work together to enhance student opportunities via collaborative pathways and joint initiatives in law, business, computer science, and engineering. Furthermore, the MoU encompasses initiatives to collaboratively create immersive short programs designed to improve students' learning experiences.

The fellowship provides participants with a two-week in-depth experience in India’s innovation landscape, enabling them to discover potential collaborations and build professional networks. It offers extensive assistance including travel, lodging, and a stipend, enabling participants to immerse themselves completely in the program.

In a major update last year, Immigration New Zealand changed the eligibility requirements for the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV). According to the updated regulations, students who finish a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) lasting at least 30 weeks and directly advance to a Master’s degree without fulfilling the 30-week enrollment criteria for the Master's program can now submit an application for a PSWV based on their PGDip. This adjustment offers students enhanced flexibility in their educational path while making certain they qualify to work after graduation. To obtain a three-year Post Study Work Visa, students are required to finish a minimum of 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand while studying in a Master’s program. According to official regulations, applicants need to possess a valid New Zealand qualification, fulfill the necessary study period in the country, and present their applications within the specified deadline.