New Zealand has announced a significant expansion of its educational collaboration with India, further enhancing opportunities for Indian students and researchers. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon unveiled a scholarship package worth NZ$260,000 under the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025. This initiative aims to support Indian students pursuing higher education in New Zealand, reinforcing the country’s commitment to fostering global academic excellence.
Virtual Internship Programme for IIT Delhi Students
As part of this collaboration, a Virtual Internship Programme has been introduced, allowing 30 students from IIT Delhi to engage in remote internships with New Zealand-based companies. This initiative provides students with hands-on industry exposure and insights into New Zealand’s innovation-driven work culture, bridging academic learning with real-world application.
New Academic Partnerships
A series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed between leading Indian and New Zealand institutions, strengthening academic collaborations and fostering knowledge exchange. The partnerships include:
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)
These agreements aim to facilitate joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, and collaborative academic programs.
New Zealand Centre Innovation Fellowship
A key highlight of this initiative is the launch of the New Zealand Centre Innovation Fellowship, a two-week immersive program designed to promote cross-cultural learning and research opportunities. The fellowship will provide Indian scholars and students with access to New Zealand’s leading research facilities, fostering deeper academic and technological cooperation.
Advancing Joint Research in Key Fields
New Zealand and Indian institutions are intensifying collaborative research in critical areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, disaster resilience, and advanced engineering. One notable example is the University of Canterbury’s partnership with IIT Delhi, which focuses on leveraging geospatial data to develop innovative solutions for climate change—aligning with India’s sustainability goals.
New Zealand: A Preferred Destination for Indian Students
With over 59,000 international students enrolled across its universities, polytechnics, and private institutions, New Zealand continues to be a favored destination for Indian students. Indians now make up 10% of the total international student population, drawn by the country’s high academic standards and diverse range of study programs.
Popular fields of study among Indian students include management, IT, engineering, aviation, food technology, and business studies. Additionally, New Zealand’s favorable immigration policies enable graduates holding a Level 4 or higher qualification to secure a Post-Study Work Visa for up to three years, facilitating career development and potential long-term settlement.
Celebrating Cultural and Alumni Contributions
The recent event at IIT Delhi commemorating this collaboration featured notable alumni such as singer and actress Shirley Setia (University of Auckland) and Ashwani Batla, Assistant Director at Dharma Productions (University of Waikato), who shared their experiences studying in New Zealand. The event also showcased a traditional Kapa Haka performance, adding a rich cultural dimension to the occasion.
New Zealand’s commitment to strengthening its educational ties with India underscores its vision of fostering global talent, innovation, and research excellence. With new scholarships, internships, and academic partnerships, this collaboration marks a significant step toward deeper engagement between the two nations in the field of higher education.
Recent Random Post:
