Overview:
The Vocational Short-Term Training Scholarships (VSTTS) provide opportunities for individuals from eligible Pacific countries and Timor-Leste to undertake practical skills training or work experience in New Zealand or, with approval, in their home country.
The program supports short-term training of one week to 12 months in areas such as trade skills, technical training, and workplace experience with New Zealand-based institutions or organisations.
These scholarships aim to strengthen the skills and capabilities of participants to meet the human resource and development priorities of their home countries and align with New Zealand’s priority sectors.
VSTTS recipients are expected to apply their learning to contribute to their communities, workplaces, and national development goals.
Application Period:
Opening Date: 13th April 2026 (From 9:00am)
Closing Date: 30th April 2026 (At 9:00m)
Eligibility Criteria:
▪ Be a citizen of Tonga
▪ Have been living in Tonga for at least the last 2 years
▪ Be at least 18 years old at the time training begins
▪ Have a minimum of 1 year full-time (or 2 years part-time) relevant work experience
▪ Not be a current military personnel or citizen/permanent resident of NZ or other high-income countries
▪ Expect to meet visa and academic entry requirements of the proposed training programme
▪ Be committed to returning home for 12+ months to contribute to national development
What the Scholarship Covers:
▪ Tuition fees for eligible short-term training (1 week to 12 months) in NZ
▪ Airfares, visas, travel insurance and accommodation
▪ Fortnightly living stipend and establishment allowance
▪ Additional support for approved work placements, pastoral care, or tutoring needs
Eligible training types:
▪ Technical or vocational training (Certificates, Diplomas up to NZQF Level 6)
▪ Work placements
Application Process:
Please click on this link to the application portal – MNZVSTTS – Manaaki Scholarship Eligibility | MANAAKI NEW ZEALAND SHORT TERM TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME | Docusign or email our Scholarships Officer, Anaseini Ulakai at Anaseini.Ulakai@mfat.govt.nz for any further inquiries.