If you’re starting in September 2025, or by September 12, 2025, if you’re starting in January 2026. Get complete details on how to apply for Vice-Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship for India 2025 along with rewards and eligibility requirements.
The University of Waikato in New Zealand is offering the Vice-Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship for India 2025 to exceptional Indian students who are enrolling in full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programs. To qualify, applicants need to be Indian citizens or permanent residents with a B+ average (or a similar GPA) from their last qualification, and they should already have—or expect to get—an offer from the University.
The scholarship offers between NZD 2,500 and NZD 15,000 (about ₹1.24 lakh to ₹7.47 lakh), which will go toward tuition fees over the first year of study, split over two trimesters.
Interested students need to submit their applications by 31 December 2025. Keep in mind that those enrolling through sponsorships, guaranteed credit arrangements, study-abroad programs, or exchange agreements cannot apply.
Scholarship recipients will act as ambassadors for the University, representing it at events and helping future students. Selection will focus on academic excellence and the quality of the application, and in case of limited funds, students with higher GPAs and longer programs may get priority. This scholarship is a great chance for strong Indian students to reduce their costs and build their profiles at a notable university in New Zealand.
Eligibility Requirement in Detail
The detailed eligibility table for the Vice‑Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship for India 2025 is below:
Eligibility Requirement
Details
Nationality
Indian citizen or permanent resident
Student Status
New international student enrolling full-time in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme (taught or research, except PhD/MPhil)
Offer of Admission
Must have received a conditional or unconditional offer from the University of Waikato
Academic Requirement
Minimum GPA equivalent to a B+ in the qualifying qualification
Not Currently Enrolled
Must not be currently enrolled in any University of Waikato degree
Programme Type Exclusions
Excluded if enrolled via sponsorship, guaranteed credit arrangement, or study-abroad/exchange agreement
Timing Restrictions (Offshore Applicants)
Offshore applications must be received before: • 30 Nov for A Trimester • 30 Apr for B Trimester • 31 Aug for C Trimester • 31 Oct for H/X Trimester
Fee Payment / Visa Application
Must not have paid tuition fees or applied for visa at time of scholarship application
Post-Acceptance Obligations
Enrol within 12 months, remain full-time on campus, retain international student status, and reside in NZ during tenure
Awards and Amount
The table summarizes the benefits and important conditions of the Vice-Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship for India 2025:
Particulars
Details
Scholarship Amount
One-time award between NZD 2,500 to NZD 15,000 (approx. ₹1,24,426 – ₹7,46,558)
Disbursal
Paid toward first 12 months of study, split equally over two trimesters
Fee Payment
Students must pay the full fee minus the scholarship amount
Acceptance Deadline
Must accept the scholarship within 14 days of receiving the offer
Tenure
Scholarship is valid for a maximum of 12 months only
Number & Value of Scholarships
Decided by the Scholarships Committee, based on available funding
Disbursal Conditions
Based on: - Available funding - Intended programme and its duration - Number of credits enrolled - GPA equivalency
Other Costs
Any remaining tuition fees and living costs must be covered by the student
Application Process in Detail
Below is the step by step guide to apply.
Step
What You Need to Do
1. Read Scholarship Guidelines
Review the official regulations and eligibility criteria on the University of Waikato’s website before applying (waikato.ac.nz).
2. Apply for Admission
Submit your enrolment application via the MyWaikato system to receive a conditional or unconditional offer of place.
3. Create MyWaikato Account
If you're new to Waikato, register for a account to access the Scholarships tab.
4. Access Scholarships Tab
Log in to it, navigate to the Scholarships section, and locate the Vice‑Chancellor’s International Excellence award.
5. Complete Scholarship Application
Upload your offer letter, write a personal statement (max 200 words) highlighting why you chose Waikato and how you'll serve as a global ambassador.
6. Submit Before Deadlines
Ensure application arrives at least 4 weeks before the start of your trimester: 30 Nov (A), 30 Apr (B), 31 Aug (C), 31 Oct (H/X).
7. Wait for Decision
Applications are reviewed monthly (excluding December). Decisions are typically communicated within 8–12 weeks via the portal.
8. Accept Scholarship
Once offered, you have 14 days to accept via the portal.. You'll then receive an official scholarship offer letter for visa or fee purposes.
9. Enrol & Commence Study
You must formally enrol and begin full-time, on‑campus study within 12 months of your offer. Deferred start may be possible if within this period.
To apply for the Vice-Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship for India in 2025, you'll need a few documents. Make sure you have:
1. A valid passport or visa 2. Your marksheet or degrees from your previous studies 3. An offer letter from the University of Waikato, either conditional or unconditional.
How are Applicant Selected?
Applications will be reviewed and suggested based on the criteria set by the International Office and sent to the selection panel. This panel will include the chair of the Scholarships Committee and the Director of International or their representatives. The decisions made by the selection panel are final, and there won't be any follow-up after each meeting.
Terms and Conditions for the Scholarship
Below is a tabular representation of the Terms and Conditions for the scholarship.
Clause
Details
Tuition Fee Application
Scholarship is directly applied to the tuition fees upon or after enrolment.
Residency Requirement
Candidate must reside in New Zealand throughout the scholarship tenure.
Enrollment Status
Must remain a full-time international student at the campus. Any change may lead to full/partial cancellation.
Pathway Programme Students
Scholarship applies to the degree programme after successful completion of the pathway programme.
Selection Process
Applications are ranked by the International Office, then reviewed by a Selection Panel. Their decision is final.
No Dual Scholarship Holding
Cannot be held with any other University of Waikato-funded or Education New Zealand scholarship/funding.
Publicity Participation
Candidate agrees to take part in any reasonable publicity related to the scholarship arranged by the university.
Regulation Changes
The Scholarships Committee may amend rules, provided the scholarship’s core purpose is not altered.
Circumstantial Changes
Students must inform the committee of any changes affecting eligibility or compliance.
Termination Clause
Scholarship may be terminated if the candidate violates rules, damages university reputation, or is deemed unworthy; an appeal is allowed.
