New Zealand Development Scholarship (NZDS)

The New Zealand Development Scholarships (NZDS) scheme is financed by the New Zealand Aid Programme and the scholarships are offered for full-time, postgraduate study at the Postgraduate Diploma, Masters or Doctorate (PhD) levels. NZDS are a central part of the New Zealand Government’s development assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean.

The purpose of the NZDS scheme is for scholarship holders to gain knowledge and skills in specific subject areas that will assist in the development of their home country by contributing to identified human resource development training needs.

For the 2014 Academic year NZDS scholarships will be offered at postgraduate level for study related to Sustainable Economic Development with preference given to study in sectors of:

• Agriculture development; and
• Geothermal development.

Successful candidates will commence their studies around February 2014. Applicants with relevant paid or unpaid work experience, for example in public, private sector, development organisations, civil society/non-government organisations (NGOs), will be prioritised.

It is a pre-condition of accepting a NZDS award that scholarship holders return to their home country for a minimum period of two years.

Allowances and Entitlements

The scholarships include financial support for tuition, living costs while in New Zealand, and airfares there is no additional funding provided for the awardee’s family members to support family members accompany the awardee to New Zealand.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must meet the following NZDS eligibility criteria before their application will be considered against the selection criteria.

To be eligible to be considered for a NZDS, applicants must: be 40 years or under before the scholarship start date; be residing in their country of citizenship, preferably for at least two years prior to application; satisfy the admission requirements of the New Zealand education institution at which the qualification is to be undertaken, including English language criteria (minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS); and have been working in their home country, preferably for at least two years prior to application; among other requirements.

For the complete eligibility criteria please refer to Information for applicants from Latin America and the Caribbean for study commencing in 2014.

Application processes

• complete an NZDS application form (available from a New Zealand Embassy, http://www.aid.govt.nz, or New Zealand education institutions);
• indicate the level and field of study required, and the preferred education institution (For more information on study options in New Zealand please visit http://www.nzeducated.com or the eligible New Zealand education institute’s webpage.);
• attach to the application form an original or certified copy of the documents necessary to substantiate educational qualifications (i.e. full academic transcript and completion certificate), and an official translation of each document in English;
• attach to the application form three references (no more than 24 months old) on official letterhead, supporting the application to study in New Zealand under a NZDS. One reference should be from a current employer and one from a former academic supervisor or lecturer;
• ensure the relevant section of the application form has been signed and stamped by their employer;
• ensure all other relevant supporting documents have been included, including the original and current IELTS or TOEFL exam result; and
• forward the completed original application form and all relevant supporting documentation, plus one photocopy of the completed application form and all supporting documents, to the New Zealand education institute where you wish to complete your study.

Closing dates

The application process has closed.