PRIME MINISTER’S SCHOLARSHIP FOR ASIA

Overview

OVERVIEW

The education system in New Zealand is a three-tier model which includes primary and intermediate schools, followed by secondary schools (high schools) and tertiary education at universities and polytechnics. The academic year in New Zealand varies between institutions, but generally runs from early February until mid-December for primary schools, late January to late November or early December for secondary schools, and polytechnics, and from late February until mid-November for universities.

The Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia (PMSA) is a programme funded by the New Zealand government and administered by Education New Zealand. Applications are now open for the March 2018 round.

SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS

Scholarship award

Individuals on exchange, internship or other independent programmes

Tuition fees for institutions in Asia only (if applicable) – not NZ institution fees
Brokerage fees of Internship providers
Return economy class flights NZ-Asia - NZ$2,500
Contribution towards living and accommodation costs of NZ$250 for each week actively on programme in Asia (if not covered by the internship brokerage fee)
Medical and travel insurance (mandatory - click here for a list of insurance requirements)
Visa and/or vaccine fees of NZ$200

Individuals on Group programmes

Tertiary Education Organisations may apply to the PMSA to fund a group (3+) to travel together to Asia on a specified programme that meets PMSA goals
Group programmes are applied for separately under the PMSA, and have their own application and reporting requirements. Individuals on a group programme must meet specified criteria
An individual’s costs are covered as above, plus additional funding of up to $20,000 per group application may be applied for to cover group-related costs.

Where?

Preference is for applicants undertaking study at:

Top educational institutions in ASEAN countries and other territories, plus China, India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea.
Educational institutions in the above countries and territories with whom a New Zealand educational institution has a formal agreement/partnership.

How long?

Recipients must spend 6 weeks actively on programme in Asia, up to a maximum of two years.

SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and whose study programme clearly meets the goals and requirements of the scholarship will additionally be expected to display academic strengths and personal attributes such as independence, initiative, maturity, and confidence . . . plus:

The potential to succeed in academic study abroad
The ability to represent New Zealand positively; particularly the quality of a New Zealand education experience
The willingness and preparedness to put into practice the objectives of the scholarship.

DEADLINE

There are two PMSA rounds a year. You will not be able to submit applications after the deadlines.
March Round: Applications must be submitted by 30 March
September Round: Applications must be submitted by 30 September