New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarship

India Education

Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) is a global programme under which commonwealth member countries offer scholarships to the citizens of other countries. The “New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships” is a part of this programme, administered by “Universities New Zealand – Te P�?kai Tara”.

A number of scholarships are awarded by the New Zealand CSFP Committee to students who want to pursue Masters and PhD programmes in select New Zealand universities. These scholarships are known for being highly competitive and are offered only to the best talent.

Also read: Compelling reasons to study in New Zealand

This scholarship can be availed only in these universities of New Zealand:

Auckland University of Technology
Lincoln University
Massey University
University of Auckland
University of Canterbury
University of Otago
Victoria University of Wellington
University of Waikato

Also read: Cost of living in New Zealand

Academic Disciplines

For Indian applicants, preference will be given to those who apply to study in any of the following disciplines and related areas, for the academic year 2017-2018:

Agriculture Development
Renewable Energy

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the New Zealand Aid Programme:

A bachelor’s degree/ master’s degree in the subject or allied fields with a minimum of 65%.
Not be more than 38 years of age as on March 30, 2017.
Should have secured admission to a university in New Zealand
Have adequate geographical and cultural knowledge about India and New Zealand
Possess good written and spoken English language skills
The candidate should not hold another scholarship during the term of this scholarship.
Undertaking that the candidate will return to India upon completion of their studies to contribute in the social/economic development of India for a minimum period of two years.

Application Procedure

Apply online to India’s Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) at http://www.proposal.sakshat.ac.in/scholarship/. Fill in details on thick plain paper and submit the application with the following documents:

Attested copy of certificate of age
Attested copies of marksheets/certificates/transcripts of degree examinations
Plan of study in 250 words (for Ph.D students)
Names of 3 referees
Employed candidates must send their application through their employers with a ‘No Objection Certificate’
A recent passport-size photograph

Applications must be submitted to:

The Under Secretary (ES),
Scholarship Division,
Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Higher Education,
West Block-I, Wing-6, 2nd Floor,R.K. Puram,
New Delhi – 110066

Once applications are submitted, the selection committee shortlists candidates, who must then appear for an interview. At the time of interview, candidates must carry along the recommendation letters from the 3 referees and evidence of admission at a university in New Zealand.

You can download the NZ application form here, fill it and submit it to the Ministry of HRD at the time of your interview.

Scholarship Application Deadline

You must apply online to MHRD on or before 30 March, 2017.

Though each nominating agency of a country (in case of India it is the Ministry of Human Resource Development – MHRD) sets its own date for receiving the applications, the nominations should reach “Universities New Zealand” on or before 30 March, 2017.