Auckland, New Zealand — The University of Auckland has opened applications for its prestigious India High Achievers Scholarship, offering Indian students up to $20,000 in tuition fee support for 2026.
This annual scholarship program attracts academically talented Indian nationals to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies at one of New Zealand's top-ranked universities.
Applications for the Semester 2 intake open on February 19, 2026, and close on April 2, 2026.
Key Facts
• Up to $20,000 in annual tuition fee support; 30 scholarships awarded biannually
• Eligibility: New international students from India enrolling full-time in undergraduate degrees, postgraduate diplomas, or one-year-or-more master's programs
• Application deadline: April 2, 2026 (11:59 PM NZT) for Semester 2/Quarter 3 & 4 intake; applications open February 19, 2026
The University of Auckland established this India High Achievers Scholarship in 2022 with a mission to reduce the financial burden of international tuition fees for talented students from India. The scholarship covers one academic year of study and is available exclusively to new international students enrolling full-time at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the university's official Māori name.
Selection is based on multiple criteria evaluated by a Selection Committee comprising the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Strategic Engagement, the Director of the International Office, and two Faculty Associate Deans for International affairs. Academic merit serves as the primary consideration, but the committee also evaluates the quality of the application letter, referee endorsements, and how well the proposed program aligns with the university's strategic objectives.
The scholarship provides substantial financial relief for Indian students navigating the high costs of international education in New Zealand. With only 30 awards distributed each year across two intake periods, competition remains selective, emphasizing the program's commitment to attracting high-caliber students.
Eligible programs span diverse fields across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including bachelor's degrees, postgraduate diplomas (PGDips), and master's degrees lasting at least one year. New international students planning to enroll in these programs should apply online approximately six weeks before the closing date to allow sufficient processing time.
Applicants must submit academic transcripts, proof of Indian nationality, and details of their intended program of study. The university's AskAuckland online help center provides comprehensive support for applicants needing clarification on eligibility requirements, application procedures, or necessary documentation.
Once selected, scholarship recipients have the awarded amount applied directly toward their tuition fees for the academic year, providing immediate financial relief. The university granted NZ$85 million in scholarships during 2025, with NZ$15 million specifically allocated for international students across all scholarship programs.
According to the University of Auckland's official scholarship information,
Indian students interested in world-class education at an internationally ranked institution should act promptly, as the application window closes April 2, 2026. Early submission is recommended given the limited number of awards and the application's requirement for thorough documentation and careful completion.
Do You Know?
The University of Auckland is consistently ranked among the world's top 100 universities by QS, Shanghai, and Times Higher Education rankings, making this scholarship an opportunity to access globally recognized academic credentials while significantly reducing study costs for Indian families.
Key Terms
• Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip): A one-year postgraduate qualification typically undertaken after completing an undergraduate degree, providing specialized professional training
• Tuition Fees: Direct costs charged by the university for enrollment in academic programs, not including living expenses or other ancillary fees
• International Students: Students from outside New Zealand who require student visas and pay international fee rates, typically higher than domestic student fees
• Biannual: Occurring twice per year; in this case, scholarship awards are offered for two main university intake periods annually
Image from Wikimedia Commons