New Zealand Regional Development Scholarships
Application process
- Candidates are invited to apply for a New Zealand Regional Development Scholarship (NZRDS) following advertising in their home country. Advertising generally happens between February and April.
- New Zealand Regional Development Scholarship candidates apply directly to a nominating authority in their home country. The nominating authority – often the home government’s scholarships or training department – distributes preliminary application forms and advises applicants of the close-off date to return completed applications.
- The nominating authority undertakes an initial screening of applications. Between June and August, a selection committee
(generally comprising representatives of the nominating authority,
NZAID and possibly AusAID) meets to determine a shortlist of candidates for study in the Pacific region.
- The nominating authority or the New Zealand High Commission sends shortlisted candidates the NZRDS application form to complete and return, along with certified copies of the required supporting documentation.
- The NZRDS applications are sent to the study country by mid October for placement at the relevant education institution.
- NZRDS scholarship offers with the nominating authority and the successful candidates between October and January. To accept the offer, candidates are required to sign the declaration in the NZRDS Offer stating that they will comply with the conditions of the scholarship.
- The New Zealand High Commission assists successful candidates with their travel arrangements to the study country and the visa application process. Successful candidates commence their studies between January and February.
