Manaaki New Zealand Vocational Training Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded Short-Term Skills Training)
The Manaaki Vocational Training Scholarships 2026 provide fully funded short-term skills training in New Zealand for professionals from developing countries. Eligible applicants can gain practical experience through the Manaaki Vocational Training Scholarships in priority sectors such as climate, agriculture, governance, and ICT.
NOTE: If you are looking for full degree programs (Bachelors, Masters, or PhD) instead of short-term vocational training, please check our comprehensive guide on the Manaaki New Zealand Undergraduate & Postgraduate Scholarships 2026.
Quick Facts
- Host Country: New Zealand
- Programme Type: Professional Training / Vocational
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Countries: Selected Pacific countries
- Duration: 1 week – 12 months
- Deadline: Varies by country
About the Manaaki Vocational Training Scholarships
The Manaaki New Zealand Vocational Training Scholarships are fully funded short-term professional development programmes designed for skilled workers and professionals from eligible developing countries.
These scholarships provide hands-on training, technical education, or work placements with certified New Zealand training providers. The goal is to strengthen workforce capacity and support economic and social development in scholars’ home countries.
Training programmes focus on priority sectors such as climate resilience, agriculture, governance, ICT, renewable energy, tourism, fisheries, and disaster risk management.
Participants return home with practical expertise to improve services, institutions, and industries in their countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Manaaki Vocational Training Scholarships, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible Pacific country
- Have lived in their home country for at least 2 years
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a minimum of 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time work experience
- Choose training aligned with national development needs
- Obtain employer endorsement (if employed)
- Meet the training provider’s entry requirements
- Not serving in the military
- Not have had a Manaaki scholarship terminated in the last 5 years
- Not be a resident of restricted high-income countries
Benefits
The Manaaki Vocational Training Scholarships provide:
- Full training or course fees
- Training-related costs
- Weekly living allowance (stipend)
- International travel costs (when applicable)
- Work placement support
- Professional skills development
- International exposure and networking
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Confirm your country eligibility
- Identify a suitable vocational training programme
- Contact your local New Zealand Embassy/High Commission
- Obtain the application form and guidance
- Prepare required documents
- Submit scholarship application
- Await assessment and approval
- Receive scholarship offer letter
- Accept terms and begin training
How to Apply
Professionals seeking short-term international training opportunities can apply for the Manaaki New Zealand Vocational Training Scholarships through their local New Zealand Embassy or High Commission.
Application timelines vary by country and programme, so early contact with the embassy is strongly recommended.
