THE NEW Zealand International Development Cooperation (IDC) expects at least 16 Filipino scholars for this year’s Manaaki scholarship program, which officially opens on Feb. 1, 2025.
This year, 14 out of the 16 post-graduate scholars from the 2024 intake are from Mindanao. The scholars will also be awarded scholarships and head to New Zealand to pursue post-graduate degrees.
“This is a result of both the incredible talent in Mindanao and of a sustained promotion effort,” New Zealand Ambassador of the Philippines Dr. Catherine McIntosh said on Wednesday’s Media Forum on Jan 15.
Scholars will be provided with comprehensive support of full tuition, living expenses, establishment allowance, medical and travel insurance, and round-trip airfare travel between the Philippines and New Zealand.
The New Zealand International Development Cooperation (IDC) Programme is behind the scholarship, which offers post-graduate degrees and access to a world-class education to successful applicants.
“The goal is clear, to empower individuals to return home and become change makers. Strengthening their communities in Mindanao and creating a brighter future for all,” McIntosh said.
According to New Zealand IDC manager Dyan Mabunga Rodriguez, the courses to be offered will be the same as last year’s scholarship program with the additions of gender studies, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience.
The online application portal for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship will open at midnight on Feb 1, 2025, and will close at noon on Feb 28, 2025.
