Half of the 2025 Manaaki postgraduate scholarships allocated for Filipinos reside in Mindanao.
Increase in Manaaki Post-Graduate Scholarships for Mindanaoan Recipients in 2025
A notable increase in the Manaaki New Zealand Postgraduate Scholarships for Filipinos has been announced for 2025, with half of the recipients hailing from Mindanao. This expansion underlines New Zealand's dedication to fostering education and development opportunities in Mindanao, particularly among disadvantaged communities.
New Zealand Honorary Consul Vicente "Vic" Lao unveiled the development during a Business Forum Matters at Hukad, Abreeza Mall. The move forms part of a broader objective to enhance Mindanao's human capital, contributing to the region's long-term economic growth.
"Our primary goal is to elevate the quality of education in Mindanao and aid students in realizing their full potential," Lao stated, emphasizing the impact this could have on the region's economic landscape. Lao further accentuated the importance of including students from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where access to higher education is limited due to persistent socio-economic challenges. Assisting scholars from this region aligns with the vision of fostering inclusive development and ensuring peace and progress across Mindanao.
The Manaaki Scholarship Program, New Zealand's flagship international scholarship initiative, will provide 44 slots to Filipino scholars in 2025 - an increase from 16 in the previous year, marking the largest number of scholarships awarded to the Philippines under this program. The initiative focuses on postgraduate study in key development areas, with studies scheduled to commence in early 2026.
New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Catherine McIntosh, maintains that the scholarship aims to promote academic excellence, cross-cultural collaboration, and deeper bilateral ties. The expansion of the program aligns with New Zealand's commitment to its foreign policy goals in the region and its shared mission of inclusivity, development, and stronger people-to-people connections with the Philippines.
Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, with no upper age limit, although preference is given to applicants under 40. Scholars are required to complete a two-year return service commitment, utilizing their knowledge to benefit their communities. Fields such as renewable energy, good governance, climate resilience, and food security are emphasized.
The Manaaki Scholarship, named after the Maori term for care and support, covers tuition, living costs, and travel, with four postgraduate study tracks available: six-month certificates, one-year diplomas, one- to two-year Master's degrees, and PhD programs.
This significant increase in scholarships for Mindanaoans underscores New Zealand's commitment to supporting human capital development and fostering stronger ties with the Philippines, particularly in regions like Mindanao.
- The government of New Zealand has announced an increase in Manaaki Post-Graduate Scholarships for Filipinos, with a focus on students from Mindanao, highlighting their commitment to education and development in this region.
- The expansion of the Manaaki Scholarship Program aligns with New Zealand's foreign policy goals, aiming to promote education, cross-cultural collaboration, and strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in the areas of business, economics, personal growth, and learning.
- The Philippine government, businesses, and communities can benefit from the return service commitment of scholars, as they will utilize their new knowledge in key development areas such as renewable energy, good governance, climate resilience, and food security.
- The Manaaki Scholarship Program, dedicated to education and self-development, offers various postgraduate study tracks in the Philippines, including certificates, diplomas, Master's degrees, and PhD programs, fostering inclusivity and fostering stronger people-to-people connections between New Zealand and the Philippines.
