New Zealand and India Collaborate on AI and Quantum Computing Through Key Partnerships

$260,000 Scholarship and Innovation Fellowship Announced for Indian Students

The Prime Minister of New Zealand announced the launch of the July 2025 New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) during an event held at IIT Delhi. This event marked a significant step in strengthening academic ties between New Zealand and India, as several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between New Zealand universities and Indian institutions to promote collaboration in education and research.

As part of the NZEA 2025 initiative, a partial scholarship package worth NZ$260,000 was unveiled to support Indian students pursuing higher education in New Zealand. Furthermore, the launch also introduced a Virtual Internship Programme, offering 30 IIT Delhi students an opportunity to intern remotely with New Zealand companies, gaining valuable industry experience and insights into New Zealand’s innovative work culture.

In addition, the New Zealand Centre Innovation Fellowship was launched to enhance collaboration between the two nations in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship. This fellowship will provide a two-week immersive experience in India’s innovation ecosystem, covering travel, accommodation, and a stipend. According to 2024 data from the Ministry of External Affairs, approximately 7,300 Indian students are currently studying in New Zealand, highlighting the country’s growing appeal as a destination for quality education. This increasing popularity is largely attributed to affordable tuition fees and the availability of post-study work permits, making New Zealand an attractive option for students seeking both academic and career opportunities.

To qualify for the NZEA scholarships, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements. They need to be at least 18 years old at the time of application and must hold Indian citizenship. Additionally, applicants should not be citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand or Australia, and they must reside in India during the application process. They are also required to meet Immigration New Zealand's student visa requirements and secure an unconditional offer of admission from a New Zealand university for an eligible course. Some universities may have additional criteria, which are outlined on their official websites. The application deadline for the scholarships is April 30, 2025.

During the event, the Prime Minister, along with Professor Rangan Banerjee, announced several MoUs aimed at fostering academic and research collaborations. Notable agreements included partnerships between the University of Auckland and the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), as well as IIT Kharagpur. A key MoU between the University of Auckland and Tech Mahindra launched a pilot internship program to strengthen academia-industry ties and accelerate research in areas such as AI, machine learning, and quantum computing.

Further collaborations were established through an MoU between the University of Waikato and Bennett University, which aims to expand opportunities for students through joint programs in disciplines such as law, business, computer science, and engineering. These programs also include immersive short-term learning experiences. In the domains of design and innovation, Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design entered into agreements with the National Institute of Design (NID) and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). These partnerships focus on joint research, consultancy projects, faculty and student exchanges, and initiatives such as guest lectures, workshops, and participation in international exhibitions.

Complementing these developments, Immigration New Zealand updated its Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) eligibility criteria to provide greater flexibility. Under the revised guidelines, students who complete a 30-week Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) and directly progress to a Master’s degree without meeting the 30-week requirement can now apply for a PSWV based on the PGDip. To qualify for a three-year PSWV, students must complete at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand while enrolled in a Master’s program. Applicants are required to meet all eligibility criteria and submit their applications within the designated timeframe. This event exemplified the deepening academic and cultural partnership between New Zealand and India, reinforcing education’s pivotal role in driving innovation, collaboration, and transformative societal progress.

Editor's Note:

Education has always been seen as a key driver of progress, and the July 2025 New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) emphasise this in many ways. The announcements made at IIT Delhi highlight New Zealand’s growing reputation as a top destination for quality education and show how academic partnerships can connect countries. From scholarships that help Indian students study abroad to exciting research and innovation collaborations, these initiatives reflect the shared commitment of both India and New Zealand to creating a brighter future through education.  Programs like the Virtual Internship Programme and the New Zealand Centre Innovation Fellowship show how both nations are looking ahead to nurture talent and encourage global exchange. 

Skoobuzz believes that NZEA scholarships provide more opportunities for Indian students to pursue higher education in New Zealand and gain valuable global experiences.