Ateneo de Davao University and New Zealand Embassy hold Manaaki scholarship information session

The Embassy of New Zealand in the Philippines presented the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships at Ateneo de Davao University on 27 October, with the next applications set to open on 1 March 2027.

Ateneo de Davao University, through its Ateneo Internationalization for Mindanao unit, held an information session on the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships with the Embassy of New Zealand in the Philippines in Davao City on 27 October, the university and NewsLine Philippines reported on 30 October.

The session was organised with the university's Ateneo Internationalization for Mindanao and was open to faculty, staff, graduating students, alumni and professionals interested in postgraduate study in New Zealand, according to the university.

New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh introduced the scholarship as a pathway for Filipinos to take up graduate education in New Zealand, the university said. Roman Rey, a Filipino who studied in New Zealand, gave a personal account of his time there, including the chance to work while studying and the friendships he built with people from other countries and within the Filipino community.

What applicants need

Applicants must have work experience, complete an online application and show a commitment to serving their communities, according to Dyan Mabunga, whom NewsLine identified as the embassy's international development cooperation manager in Manila.

The university said selection considers the applicant's study plan, a balance across sectors, the allocation for doctoral studies, and age. Both the university and NewsLine reported that applications will open on 1 March 2027 and close on 31 March 2027, New Zealand time.

Education New Zealand's scholarship website lists the Philippines among the eligible countries in Asia. It says the programme's application system may close early to countries with a large volume of applications and recommends applying as early as possible.

Indigenous scholars from Mindanao

The session also introduced Indigenous scholars from Mindanao, the Cordillera and Cagayan who are currently studying in New Zealand, in fields including peace and conflict studies, international relations and diplomacy, geothermal energy, Indigenous studies, development studies and disaster risk resilience, the university said.

During the open forum, speakers said the scholarship seeks to uplift underrepresented communities, although Indigenous scholars still make up a small share of awardees, according to the university. They also said applicants may choose their preferred university, provided they can explain how that choice connects to their intended service.

The university said the scholarship has run since the 1950s under different names.

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