Funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the Manaaki New Zealand Short-Term Training Scholarships (STTS) offer mid-career professionals and public officials across ASEAN countries fully funded executive development courses.
Delivered by premier New Zealand institutions both online and in-country, these programs are designed to strengthen leadership capacity across key sectors like governance, renewable energy, disaster resilience, and sustainable agriculture.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the scholarship program, covering upcoming deadlines, eligibility criteria, benefits, and direct application links.
Quick Program Breakdown
| Category | Program Details |
| Funding Level | 100% Fully Funded (Tuition, flights, accommodation, and allowances covered) |
| Target Audience | Mid-to-senior level public officials, researchers, and private-sector leaders |
| Application Windows | Rolling By Sector (Varies across late 2026 to early 2027 cohorts) |
| Eligible ASEAN Countries | Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and ASEAN Secretariat staff |
| Delivery Formats | Hybrid / Online OR In-Country (New Zealand) |
Key Thematic Courses & Upcoming Application Deadlines
Unlike standard university programs, Manaaki Short-Term Training Scholarships open in specific sector waves. Below are the upcoming course dates and application timelines:
| Specialization Track | Delivery Format | Course Dates | Application Window |
| Geothermal Energy Project Management | In New Zealand | Oct 19 – Nov 17, 2026 | Closes July 26, 2026 |
| Sustainable Agri-Food Systems (Cohort 1) | In New Zealand | March 1 – March 23, 2027 | Opens Aug 17, 2026 |
| Public Sector Leadership (Senior Level) | In New Zealand | March 8 – March 19, 2027 | Opens Sept 21, 2026 |
| Good Governance | Online | March 8 – April 2, 2027 | Opens Sept 21, 2026 |
| Renewable Energy | In New Zealand | March 15 – April 13, 2027 | Opens Oct 5, 2026 |
| Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience | In New Zealand | May 3 – May 28, 2027 | Opens Nov 23, 2026 |
Detailed Eligibility Checklist
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of an eligible ASEAN member state or Timor-Leste and have resided in your home country for at least two years prior to applying.
- Work Experience: Must have at least 5 years of relevant work experience in a mid-level or senior-level professional, administrative, or managerial capacity.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of award commencement. While there is no upper age limit, preference is given to candidates under 40 years of age.
- Degree Required? No specific degree title is mandated, but candidates must demonstrate relevant professional experience and basic computer literacy/numeracy skills.
- Return Commitment: Scholars must agree to return to their home country for at least 2 years following the completion of the training to contribute to local economic and social development.
Coverage & Hidden Expense Breakdown
The Manaaki NZ Short-Term Training Scholarship is 100% fully funded, with zero hidden charges or application costs.
What is 100% Covered:
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of all training costs, study materials, and institutional fees.
- Airfare: Full round-trip economy air travel from your home country to New Zealand (for in-person courses).
- Accommodation & Meals: Hotel/lodging accommodations and daily living stipends (allowances) are provided during in-country modules.
- Travel Medical Insurance: Comprehensive medical and travel coverage for the duration of the in-country training.
- Visa Processing: Direct assistance and reimbursement for New Zealand training visa fees.
What You Cover Out-of-Pocket:
- Personal Documentation: Obtaining or renewing a valid passport or notarized documents prior to departure.
- Home-Country Domestic Travel: Personal travel expenses from your hometown to your capital city’s international airport.
- Hardware & Internet: For online/virtual modules, participants must have access to a personal computer and a stable internet connection.
- Direct Portal Link: Manaaki New Zealand ASEAN Short Courses Directory | Education New Zealand Official Portal
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