China and India are the two most popular countries for New Zealand’s Prime Minister’s Scholarship students, which would promote global education and cultural exchange.
China and India: The Leading Destinations for Prime Minister’s Scholars
Most recent recipients of Prime Minister’s Scholarships for studies in New Zealand have headed out to China or India. What these two rising powers offer scholars is an outstanding international learning experience and professional challenges. Scholarships for New Zealanders to help them study or research abroad while interning as well, add to the reinforcement of educational as well as cultural ties around the world.
An International Scholarship Scheme
The Prime Minister’s Scholarships were introduced in 2013 by the National government led by John Key. The scholarships are aimed at providing opportunities for students to gain international exposure. The initiative is aimed at bridging educational and cultural gaps while fostering New Zealand’s strategic partnerships with key global regions.
This program allows students to study, research, or intern in Asia and Latin America, supporting them in acquiring invaluable global skills.
Comprehensive Financial Support for Scholars
These scholarships will offer these scholars complete financial support, which includes the following:
- Overseas institution’s tuition fees
- Travel and fare costs
- Internship fees
- Living Costs
- Accommodation support
- Visa and insurance fees
Students supported through these scholarships can be supported from six weeks to two years at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Scholars can always package their international experiences depending on their academic and professional aspirations.
Popular scholarship destinations
The scholarship program covers a wide array of Asian and Latin American countries.
- Asian Destinations
- China
- India
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Malaysia
- The Philippines
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Latin American Destinations
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Mexico
China: The Most Preferred Destination
China has been the most preferred destination since the launch of the program in 2013, with 858 scholarship recipients opting to study, research, or intern there.
The expansive educational infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and rapidly growing economy of China make it one of the top destinations for scholars to obtain hands-on experience in one of the world’s leading global markets.
India is the second favorite destination, attracting 342 scholars.
India presents an exceptional academic environment, opportunities for diversified internship experience, and exposure to the fastest-growing economies of the world.
One such scholar is Karamvir Talwar, a final-year student at the University of Auckland, who has taken his learning experience to Mumbai, India.
An Inspiring Journey: Karamvir Talwar’s Experience in India
Currently interning at a specialized law chamber in Mumbai, Talwar has found his experience in India to be deeply transformational.
Talwar was born in Lucknow, India. He moved to New Zealand with his family in 2009, along with his five siblings, when he was six years old. Now, he is gearing up to graduate with a conjoint law and arts degree. His internship in Mumbai has provided him with keen insights into the legal system and community-driven initiatives.
“I have learned in India how impactful solutions could be implemented with very little resources, and it was truly efficient,” Talwar said.
His experience in Mumbai has also broadened his perspective on colonial history’s impact on modern societies.
“Mumbai’s cultural landscape reflects its colonial past, and witnessing this firsthand has been eye-opening. Coming from New Zealand, it’s fascinating to see how history shapes daily life in India,” he remarks.
Talwar’s time in India has not only enhanced his professional knowledge but also enriched his personal growth, reinforcing the importance of humility and resilience.
Types of Scholarships Individual versus Group Programs
The Prime Minister’s Scholarships are distributed under two streams:
- Individual Scholarships – Cater for students doing their own-led research or placements overseas.
- Group Programs – Tailored for cohorts of students taking part in coordinated study tours or research projects.
Current Trends: Where Are the Scholars Going?
The program has allocated the following in the past two years:
- 232 individual scholarships
- 357 group program scholarships
Scholarship Preferences 2024
- Thailand was the most in-demand group program destination, with 40 students opting for it.
- Colombia was the top choice for individual scholars, with 14 recipients selecting it
For the 2024-25 period, 118 individual scholarships have been given out:
- • 89 to Asia
- • 30 to Latin America
Applications for 2025 Scholarships Open Soon
Eligible to Apply
If students are eager to take on this once-in-a-lifetime experience, here’s the application period for the 2025 group scholarship round: Open on 26 February, and close on 11 April.
Advice from a Scholar: Making the Most of the Experience
For people looking at India as one of their destination options, here’s some advice from Karamvir Talwar:
“Keep an open mind and take that extra step at every stage of your journey. That’s the best way to truly make the most of your time abroad and bring back knowledge that will contribute to both your personal and professional growth.”
Conclusion
The Prime Minister’s Scholarships continue to mold tomorrow’s world leaders for New Zealand students in exchange opportunities around the globe. With the top two destinations being China and India, this strengthens New Zealand’s global connections as scholars are encouraged to develop cross-cultural competencies, providing real-world expertise.
For those looking forward to broadening their horizons at the academic and professional levels, this scholarship is certainly a stepping stone to an extraordinary international experience.