New Zealand PM announces scholarships and internship opportunities for Indian students to strengthen academic collaboration

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced a NZ$260,000 scholarship package under the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025 as part of an effort to deepen educational relations.

The purpose of this program is to assist Indian students seeking higher education in New Zealand.

Building on previous collaborations, a Virtual Internship Program has been launched, offering 30 students from IIT Delhi the opportunity to work remotely as interns for businesses in New Zealand.

This program provides insights into the creative work culture of New Zealand and offers real-world industrial experience.

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed between institutions in India and New Zealand to further academic collaboration.

These agreements include partnerships between the University of Auckland and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), the University of Auckland and IIT Kharagpur, and the University of Auckland and Tech Mahindra.

Additionally, the University of Waikato has partnered with Bennett University, while Whitecliffe has signed MoUs with the National Institute of Design (NID) and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

Collaborative research between New Zealand and Indian institutions is making strides in areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, disaster resilience, and advanced engineering.

For instance, a project between the University of Canterbury and IIT Delhi is using geospatial data to combat climate change, aligning with India's sustainability goals.

The event at IIT Delhi also featured an engaging discussion with New Zealand alumni, including singer and actress Shirley Setia (University of Auckland) and Ashwani Batla, Assistant Director at Dharma Productions (University of Waikato).

They shared their academic journeys and career insights, and the event also included a captivating Kapa Haka performance.

Luxon said, "New Zealand and India share a reciprocal education partnership, built on academic excellence and cultural exchange. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, we remain committed to equipping students with the skills needed to succeed on the global stage."

Indian students seeking top-notch education and exciting career opportunities are increasingly choosing to study in New Zealand.

India accounted for around 10% of the more than 59,000 international students who enrolled in New Zealand's eight universities, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs), and Private Training Establishments (PTEs) in 2024.

Courses in management, accounting, information technology, engineering, aviation training, agricultural studies, food technology, and business studies are particularly popular among Indian students.

International students benefit from New Zealand's immigration laws.

A post-study work visa enables graduates to work full-time in New Zealand for up to three years if their degrees are at level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.

This visa offers a great route for students seeking real-world experience and the opportunity to live in New Zealand.

Additionally, New Zealand’s inclusive society and high safety rankings make it an appealing destination for students looking for a supportive environment during their studies.