NEW DELHI: New Zealand is expanding its academic ties with India through new scholarships, internships, and research partnerships. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced a NZ$260,000 scholarship package under the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025, designed to support Indian students pursuing higher education in New Zealand.
Additionally, a Virtual Internship Programme will enable 30 IIT Delhi students to intern remotely with New Zealand-based companies. This initiative will provide hands-on industry experience and insights into New Zealand’s innovation-driven work culture, fostering stronger academic and professional connections between the two nations.
At the event, Christopher Luxon highlighted the strong educational ties between New Zealand and India. He emphasized their shared commitment to academic excellence and cultural exchange, stating, “New Zealand and India share a dynamic education partnership built on merit and mutual learning. As the world becomes more interconnected, we remain dedicated to equipping students with the skills to succeed globally.”
New Academic Partnerships
Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed between leading Indian and New Zealand institutions, reinforcing academic collaboration:
- University of Auckland – Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
- University of Auckland – IIT Kharagpur
- University of Auckland – Tech Mahindra
- University of Waikato – Bennett University
- Whitecliffe – National Institute of Design (NID)
- Whitecliffe – National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
Furthermore, the launch of the New Zealand Centre Innovation Fellowship introduces a two-week immersive program designed to foster cross-cultural learning and research.
Advancing Joint Research Initiatives
New Zealand and Indian institutions are actively collaborating on research in key fields such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, disaster resilience, and advanced engineering. One notable example is the University of Canterbury’s partnership with IIT Delhi, where researchers are leveraging geospatial data to develop climate change solutions aligned with India’s sustainability goals.
Why Indian Students Are Choosing New Zealand
New Zealand has emerged as a preferred destination for Indian students, who now constitute 10% of the country’s 59,000 international student population. Popular fields of study include management, IT, engineering, aviation, food technology, and business studies.
Additionally, New Zealand’s student-friendly immigration policies allow graduates with a Level 4 or higher qualification to obtain a Post-Study Work Visa for up to three years, offering valuable work experience and settlement opportunities.
The event at IIT Delhi featured notable alumni, including singer and actress Shirley Setia (University of Auckland) and Ashwani Batla, Assistant Director at Dharma Productions (University of Waikato), who shared their experiences of studying in New Zealand. A captivating Kapa Haka performance added a rich cultural dimension to the occasion.
