- March 18, 2025
India And New Zealand Strengthen Academic Ties As PM Luxon Announces Scholarships And Collaborations – News18
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New Zealand has launched the New Zealand Excellence Awards 2025, providing 29 scholarships for Indian students to pursue studies at top universities.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaking at an event at IIT Delhi.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today announced the launch of the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025 during an event at IIT Delhi. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were also signed between New Zealand universities and Indian institutions, strengthening academic partnerships. As part of these initiatives, NZ$260,000 in partial scholarships has been introduced under NZEA 2025 to support Indian students pursuing higher education in New Zealand.
A Virtual Internship Programme has been launched, offering 30 IIT Delhi students an opportunity to intern remotely with New Zealand companies. This initiative will provide students with practical industry experience and insights into New Zealand’s work culture.
Speaking at the event, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said, “New Zealand and India share a reciprocal education partnership, built on academic excellence and cultural exchange. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, we remain committed to equipping students with the skills needed to succeed on the global stage. Through the initiatives announced today, we are fostering deeper connections and empowering future leaders and innovators.”
Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi said, “At IIT Delhi, we are dedicated to fostering global academic collaborations that drive innovation and research excellence. Our partnership with New Zealand through the New Zealand Centre has facilitated knowledge exchange, joint research, and student mobility. By focusing on areas like sustainability and disaster resilience, we are addressing real-world challenges with a shared commitment to innovation. The introduction of the Virtual Internship Programme and expanded research collaborations will further enhance global exposure and industry experience for our students.”
Eligibility For NZEA Scholarships
A total of 29 scholarships are announced under the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) which are open to Indian students who meet the following criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
- Must hold Indian citizenship and not be a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia.
- Some universities may have specific eligibility criteria, which can be checked on their respective websites.
The last date to apply for the NZEA scholarships is April 30, 2025.
MoUs Between New Zealand And Indian Institutions
To strengthen academic collaboration, several MoUs were signed between New Zealand and Indian institutions, focusing on student mobility, joint research, and academic exchange.
- The University of Auckland signed agreements with the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and IIT Kharagpur to facilitate research collaborations.
- An MoU between the University of Auckland and Tech Mahindra will launch a pilot internship program aimed at bridging academia and industry. The focus will be on AI, machine learning, and quantum computing.
- The University of Waikato and Bennett University signed an MoU to collaborate on study pathways and joint programmes in law, business, computer science, and engineering. They will also develop short immersive programmes for students.
- Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design signed agreements with the National Institute of Design (NID) and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) to promote faculty and student exchanges, guest lectures, workshops, and international exhibitions.
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Launch Of New Zealand Centre Innovation Fellowship
A new New Zealand Centre Innovation Fellowship was also introduced to strengthen ties in innovation and entrepreneurship. The fellowship will offer participants a two-week immersive experience in India’s innovation ecosystem, allowing them to explore potential industry collaborations. The program will cover travel, accommodation, and a stipend, ensuring full participation.
