The New Zealand government has announced that 119 recipients have been awarded as part of the Prime Minister’s Scholarship scheme for 2025. The scholarship grants the opportunity to young New Zealand citizens to study and work across Asia and Latin America with financial aid from the government.
Some 324 individuals applied for the scheme this year, aspiring to participate in exchanges, medical electives, indigenous integration program, internships, and research projects.
“The unprecedented 324 applications received this round highlight the growing enthusiasm for international education and the value of these scholarships,” said Penny Simmonds, tertiary education and skills minister for New Zealand.
“These scholarships foster an exchange of ideas, culture, and expertise, enriching both New Zealand and our international partners. They also showcase the strength of our education system on the world stage,” said Simmonds.
These scholarships foster an exchange of ideas, culture, and expertise, enriching both New Zealand and our international partners
Penny Simmonds, tertiary education and skills minister for New Zealand
The scholars can head to one of many destination countries across Asia and Latin America. The list includes: Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Greater China, India, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and Chile.
Of the 2025 scholarship recipients, 30 will travel to Latin America, and 89 Asia.
Some 3685 scholarships have been granted since 2013 under the scheme which has strengthened New Zealand’s commitment to education and international relations since its inception.
All citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand over the age of 18 can apply for the scholarship. Recipients do not need to be in tertiary education, as the scheme aims to make work experience and educational opportunities more accessible to the public.
The scholarships cover tuition fees for offshore institutions (not NZ fees), flights, and a contribution towards internship fees, living, accommodation, visa and insurance costs.
Te Maiora Rurehe was awarded the scholarship in 2019. While he stayed in Ho Chi Min, he completed an internship with Rouse, a legal firm specialising in managing Intellectual Property, experiencing not just a new culture, but a new business practice.
“It changes your perspective and makes you realise that the world is bigger than the town or country that you live in, that there are no real boundaries between you and another country.”
While he stayed in Ho Chi Min, he completed an internship with Rouse, a legal firm specialising in managing Intellectual Property, experiencing not just a new culture, but a new business practice.
The benefits of these scholarships to the recipients go beyond the quality of their education.
Laetitia Laubscher, a recipient of the Latin American scholarship for 2017/2018, said: “Reading about a culture online is completely different from living it. There’s nothing like understanding a country from the ground level.”
“I believe an exchange is an essential part of the university experience – in today’s world it’s a fundamental skill to be able to appreciate and understand how other cultures approach the same (and different) kinds of problems.”
Laetitia went on to work in Latin America and has forged life-long ties with the continent.
“Expanding New Zealand’s global engagement through world-class international education is a key government priority,” said Simmons.
“We are committed to building deeper ties with the world and ensuring our nation remains globally competitive.”
