Study in New Zealand: University of Waikato Announces 2026 International Excellence Scholarship for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students

The Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship 2026 at the University of Waikato in New Zealand offers financial support to new international students enrolling in undergraduate or taught postgraduate programs. Valued at up to NZD 15,000 for undergraduate students and NZD 10,000 for postgraduate students, the scholarship is applied directly toward tuition fees. It is open to students from a wide range of academic disciplines, including arts, business, engineering, computer science, education, health, law, and social sciences.

To be eligible, applicants must be new to the university, not currently enrolled, and must have received a conditional or unconditional offer of admission. A minimum academic performance equivalent to a B+ GPA is required. Applicants must not have paid any tuition fees or applied for a student visa before submitting their scholarship application. Sponsored students or those applying through exchange or credit transfer agreements are not eligible.

Applications are accepted throughout the year and are reviewed on a rolling basis. However, students are encouraged to apply by key trimester deadlines, which are typically at the end of November, April, August, and October depending on the intake period. Selection is based on academic merit and the potential to represent the University of Waikato as a global ambassador.

Although the scholarship provides significant tuition support, it does not cover living expenses, travel, or accommodation, so applicants must plan accordingly. Compared to other university scholarships in New Zealand, the University of Waikato’s program is among the most flexible and widely accessible for international students, offering a valuable opportunity to study in a high-ranking institution with financial relief.

If you are an international student seeking a partially funded scholarship in New Zealand for 2026, this program offers both financial benefit and academic prestige in a diverse and supportive learning environment.