Introduction

The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt. Christopher Luxon, has announced the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) for the July 2025 session. These scholarships are exclusively designed for Indian students who wish to pursue higher education in New Zealand. The initiative highlights New Zealand’s commitment to strengthening educational ties with India and supporting talented students with financial assistance.

Along with this scholarship announcement, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed between New Zealand and Indian universities to encourage research collaborations across various disciplines.

This blog provides an in-depth look at the eligibility criteria for NZEA, details on research partnerships, and how Kandor can assist students in securing scholarships and studying in New Zealand.

What is the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)?

The NZEA is a scholarship scheme that provides financial support to Indian students for higher education in New Zealand. It covers a range of academic disciplines and is aimed at promoting cross-cultural academic exchange between India and New Zealand.

Who is Eligible to Apply for the NZEA?

To apply for the New Zealand Excellence Awards, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen and not hold permanent residency or citizenship in New Zealand or Australia.
• Residency: The applicant should be residing in India at the time of application.
• Student Visa: Must meet the student visa requirements set by Immigration New Zealand.
• Admission: Must have an unconditional offer from a New Zealand university for an eligible course.

Additionally, each university may have specific eligibility requirements beyond these general criteria. Students are advised to check the official university websites for detailed information on eligibility.

New Zealand Universities Partner with Indian Institutions for Research

During an event at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, the New Zealand Prime Minister, alongside IIT Delhi Director Professor Rangan Banerjee, announced new research collaborations through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). These partnerships aim to foster research exchange, innovation, and academic collaboration between Indian and New Zealand institutions.

Here are the Indian and New Zealand universities that have signed MoUs:

New Zealand – India Research Collaborations

• University of Auckland – partnered with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and IIT Kharagpur.
• University of Auckland – signed an MoU with Tech Mahindra to strengthen technology research.
• University of Waikato – partnered with Bennett University for research collaborations.
• Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design – partnered with National Institute of Design (NID) and National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Delhi for design and fashion research.

These partnerships will enable Indian students to engage in joint research projects, exchange programs, and innovation-driven academic work.

How Kandor Can Help You Study in New Zealand

Studying in New Zealand involves various steps, including scholarship applications, visa processing, and university admissions. Kandor simplifies the entire process with AI-driven assistance. Here’s how:

• Scholarship Assistance: Helps students identify and apply for scholarships like the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA).
• University Selection: AI-powered tools suggest the best universities based on your academic background and career goals.
• Application Guidance: Step-by-step help in preparing and submitting strong applications.
• Visa Support: Assistance with student visa applications and meeting Immigration New Zealand requirements.
• Post-Arrival Support: Guidance on accommodation, part-time jobs, and adjusting to life in New Zealand.

With Kandor, Indian students can seamlessly plan their study abroad journey and take full advantage of opportunities like NZEA scholarships and research collaborations.

Conclusion

The New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) provide Indian students with an excellent opportunity to pursue higher education in New Zealand with financial support. The recent MoUs between Indian and New Zealand universities also open doors for students to participate in research collaborations and academic exchanges.

If you are considering studying in New Zealand, Kandor can guide you through every step, from scholarship applications to visa approvals. Start your study abroad journey today with expert assistance from Kandor.