New Zealand Offers NZ$260000 in Scholarships for Indian Students

New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, announced a NZ$260,000 scholarship package under the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025 at IIT Delhi, strengthening academic ties with India. The scholarships will offer partial financial support to Indian students pursuing higher education in New Zealand. A Virtual Internship Programme was also introduced, allowing 30 IIT Delhi students to intern remotely with New Zealand companies. The event highlighted research collaborations in AI, sustainability, disaster resilience, and engineering, including a climate change project between IIT Delhi and the University of Canterbury.

Multiple MoUs will be signed to boost academic exchanges and research partnerships. Luxon emphasized New Zealand’s commitment to fostering global talent through scholarships and collaborations. IIT Delhi Director Prof. Rangan Banerjee praised the New Zealand Centre at IIT Delhi for enhancing student and faculty interactions. The event featured New Zealand alumni, including singer-actress Shirley Setia and Ashwani Batla, who shared their experiences. With these initiatives, New Zealand aims to attract more Indian students and enhance global career opportunities.

New Zealand Offers NZ$260000 in Scholarships for Indian Students

New Zealand has announced a new scholarship program worth NZ$260,000 for Indian students as part of the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) for 2025. The announcement was made by New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, during an education-focused event at IIT Delhi. This initiative highlights the growing academic partnership between India and New Zealand and aims to support Indian students pursuing higher education in New Zealand.

The scholarships will provide partial financial assistance, making it easier for Indian students to access quality education in New Zealand. Additionally, a Virtual Internship Programme was launched, offering 30 IIT Delhi students the chance to gain industry experience by interning remotely with New Zealand-based companies. This initiative is designed to help students develop practical skills and connect with global industries.

The event also showcased ongoing collaborations between India and New Zealand in key fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, disaster resilience, and engineering. One of the notable projects discussed was a joint climate change mitigation initiative between IIT Delhi and the University of Canterbury, reflecting the shared commitment of both countries to tackling global challenges through research and innovation.

To further strengthen academic ties, institutions from both nations plan to sign multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements will expand opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and collaborative programs. Prime Minister Luxon emphasized New Zealand’s dedication to education, stating that the country aims to provide Indian students with world-class learning opportunities while fostering global talent.

Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, welcomed these initiatives, praising the New Zealand Centre at IIT Delhi for its role in promoting collaboration between students and faculty from both countries. He highlighted the positive impact these programs will have on academic and research opportunities for Indian students.

The event also featured a panel discussion with successful New Zealand university alumni, including singer and actress Shirley Setia (University of Auckland) and Ashwani Batla (University of Waikato, associated with Dharma Productions). They shared their experiences studying in New Zealand and how it shaped their careers, emphasizing the value of international education.

With these new scholarships and academic programs, New Zealand is positioning itself as a top destination for Indian students seeking quality higher education and global career opportunities. The country is known for its excellent education system, welcoming environment, and focus on innovation, making it an ideal choice for students looking to expand their horizons.

In summary, the NZ$260,000 scholarship package, Virtual Internship Programme, and other academic initiatives highlight New Zealand’s commitment to strengthening educational ties with India. These efforts not only provide financial support to Indian students but also offer global exposure, industry connections, and research opportunities. As the India-New Zealand academic partnership continues to grow, it promises to create a brighter future for students while contributing to global problem-solving through education and innovation.