Sunday, March 10, 2013

The New Zealand ASEAN Scholarship

The New Zealand government is offering post-gradute scholarships to take up development-related studies at selected universities in New Zealand. For official information, click on this link.

I am one of its recipients for school year 2013, and in this blog, I will share my experiences, as well as other important information, you can use in your pursuit of studying in the country that gave us Sir Edmund Hillary, women suffrage and the Lord of the Rings.

First, right off the bat, what kind of degrees and courses are covered? 

The scholarships cover post-graduate certificate (PG Cert), post-graduate diploma (PG Dip), masters degree and PhD.

As for the courses, they vary. As long as you can prove that your course will be able to aid you in contributing to the development of the country, then you're good. This year, a lot of us are taking up development studies. But there are others studying tourism, food science, business, international relations, geothermal energy, public health, agriculture and veterinary medicine.

Next, let's talk about eligibility. Who are eligible for this scholarship? 

The minimum requirements are:
  • Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines
  • Not more than 40 years old at the start of the scholarship
  • Not have citizenship or permanent residence status in New Zealand OR Australia
  • Not hold, nor have held in the preceding 2 years, a New Zealand OR Australian government scholarship
  • Apply to commence a NEW programme of study
  • Apply for a higher-level qualification
  • Have at least 2 years work experience relative to chosen career
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to the development of the Philippines
  • HAVE an UNCONDITIONAL OFFER for a post-graduate course at a PARTICIPATING New Zealand university
  • Can take up the scholarship in the calendar year the scholarship is offered
  • Agree to return to the Philippines for 2 years following completion of the scholarship
Third, what New Zealand universities are participating under this program? 

They are:
  • University of Auckland
  • Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
  • Lincoln University
  • Manukau Institute of Technology
  • Massey University
  • Unitec
  • University of Canterbury
  • University of Otago
  • Victoria University of Wellington
  • University of Waikato
Finally, what are the important dates to remember?

July 15, 2013: Deadline for applications, including ALL documents required.

August 2013: Screening, Shortlisting and Panel Interviews

September 2013: Shortlist submitted to regional committee

October 2013: Results and letters of offer sent to successful applicants

October-December 2013: Pre-departure arrangements

January-February 2014: Pre-departure briefing and departure for New Zealand

So if you're like me and interested to study development in New Zealand, then you better start the application process. Good luck!

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42 comments:

  1. UnknownJune 29, 2015 at 11:03 PM

    Sir how was your experience during the panel interview?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kris AblanJune 30, 2015 at 12:31 AM

      Hi, Marilyn! Okay naman. 3 years ago, three people interviewed me: The NZ Aid Manager, another officer of the NZ embassy, and an NZAS alumnus. They asked me questions about my chosen course, and why I wanted to pursue further studies in New Zealand. So try to build your case why you want to study in New Zealand and how such study will relate to your contribution in the development of the country. Good luck!

      Delete
    2. Rob BaltazarDecember 22, 2015 at 5:51 AM

      Hi Kris! I am really interested with the scholarship. But a question, do they prefer applicants from the best schools in the Philippines?

      Delete
  2. CharmaineAugust 24, 2015 at 5:55 PM

    Hello! I'm so curious about this scholarship. How was the experience? Are you back from NZ? Was the stipend enough for your day to day expenses or did you have to work part time? I've read in other blogs (although it wasn't from a Filipino awardee) that the scholarship covered all their expenses during their stay in NZ (including living expenses, air tickets, etc) and I got hooked right away. Most of the international scholarships offered only cover tuition fees but NZAS include living expenses and tickets? Wow! Did you get your accommodation expenses from the stipend they gave you as well?

    I'm sorry for asking so much questions, I'm just really curious. I bet some of your readers would also want to know such details. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kris AblanAugust 24, 2015 at 6:52 PM

      Hi, Charmaine. The experience was great. I got to study in a top-notch university and travel around a beautiful country.
      To answer your other questions, yes, I am back.
      Yes, the stipend was enough to sustain my daily expenses.
      You can work part time if you want to, to add to your savings or send home.
      NZAS is not the only scholarship that is fully funded. UK's Chevening scholarships and Australia's Endeavor and Australian Awards are also full scholarships, with even higher stipends.
      The stipend, which comes in every 2 weeks, includes accommodation expenses. You just have to balance your budget between accommodation and other expenses.
      Hope I helped. Good luck!

      Delete
  3. UnknownSeptember 14, 2015 at 1:01 AM

    Hi Sir Kris! Do you have any idea on how many qualifies for the panel interview? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kris AblanSeptember 14, 2015 at 7:13 AM

      Hi Marilyn. It varies from year to year. I think almost sure na pag na-panel interview ka. You'd really have to do bad to get cut. Good luck!

      Delete
    2. UnknownSeptember 29, 2015 at 11:06 PM

      Hi ms marilyn you passed?

      Delete
  4. UnknownSeptember 14, 2015 at 1:01 AM

    Hi Sir Kris! Do you have any idea on how many qualifies for the panel interview? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownOctober 7, 2015 at 2:56 AM

    Ascoverseas Provide Service For mba in new zealand study in new zealand engineering in new zealand , graduation new zealand in Top rank Colleges and Universities Admission.

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownJune 4, 2016 at 6:16 PM

    Sir, I'm wondering if you have applied for more than one scholarship when you received an unconditional offer from the UoA..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kris AblanJune 4, 2016 at 8:05 PM

      Hi. No. For UoA, I only applied for the NZAS scholarship. Good luck with your application!

      Delete
  7. UnknownJune 15, 2016 at 1:33 AM

    Hello Sir! I was informed thru email that I have progressed to the next stage of NZ ASEAN Scholarship Application which is a detailed assessment of my qualifications. They will get back to me regarding the results of the assessment and look forward to speaking with me soon. Does this mean I am up for the panel interview? What are my chances of finally getting accepted? - Cara

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kris AblanJune 15, 2016 at 6:12 AM

      Hi Cara. Not yet. It just means they will conduct due diligence on your application and supporting documents. If you pass it, then they'll contact you again for panel interview. Good luck!

      Delete
    2. UnknownJune 15, 2016 at 5:19 PM

      Thank you sir. ☺

      Delete
    3. RJuly 10, 2016 at 6:09 PM

      Hi Cara,

      Have you taken the online exam?

      Delete
    4. JjJuly 25, 2016 at 8:46 PM

      Hi Cara,

      Is there already a result?

      Thanks
      James

      Delete
    5. JjJuly 25, 2016 at 8:53 PM

      Hi Cara,

      Is there already a result?

      Thanks
      James

      Delete
  8. UnknownJune 15, 2016 at 5:18 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownJune 23, 2016 at 11:36 PM

    Hi Kris,

    I also got the same email as carmelita. How long should I wait for a call for a interview ?

    ReplyDelete
  10. RJuly 4, 2016 at 7:01 PM

    Hi Kris,

    I also received the email, and they mentioned that there is a Test. Have you done any test during your application? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kris AblanJuly 5, 2016 at 6:57 AM

      No. This is a new requirement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

      Delete
  11. JjJuly 4, 2016 at 8:16 PM

    Hi Kris,

    I just received an email, and they mentioned that there is a GCATA Test. Have you done this before?

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kris AblanJuly 5, 2016 at 6:58 AM

      Nope. This is a new requirement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

      Delete
  12. JjJuly 4, 2016 at 8:17 PM

    Hi Kris,

    I just received an email, and they mentioned that there is a GCATA Test. Have you done this before?

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RJuly 10, 2016 at 6:08 PM

      Hi James,

      Have you taken the exam already?

      Delete
    2. JjJuly 22, 2016 at 2:02 AM

      Hi Patroclus,

      yes. i have taken the exam already 2 weeks ago.

      Delete
    3. JjJuly 22, 2016 at 2:06 AM

      Hi Patroclus,

      yes. i have taken the exam already 2 weeks ago.

      Delete
  13. UnknownJuly 7, 2016 at 9:32 AM

    Hi Kris,
    Just a quick one. What's the GCATA Test? I dont seem to find any of their sample tests online. Can you help?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kris AblanJuly 7, 2016 at 5:20 PM

      Hi Unknown. Sorry, I didn't take the GCATA Test before so I don't know what its like. Good luck though!

      Delete
  14. UnknownJuly 28, 2016 at 10:19 AM

    Hi Kris, thanks for all the info you have shared. A quick one, was the panel interview done in person or through a telephone call?

    Thanks Again

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kris AblanJuly 28, 2016 at 3:43 PM

      My panel interview was done in person at the Embassy. But I've heard of video conferencing interview for short-listed candidates who live far away from Manila.

      Delete
    2. UnknownJuly 28, 2016 at 6:32 PM

      Thanks Kris

      Delete
    3. JjJuly 28, 2016 at 11:21 PM

      This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    4. JjJuly 28, 2016 at 11:23 PM

      Hi Unknown and Patrick, Did NZAS contacted you already?

      Delete
    5. RAugust 7, 2016 at 9:58 PM

      Hi James,

      There is a status already. Unfortunately, my application was declined. Good luck to you!

      Delete
    6. JjAugust 7, 2016 at 10:06 PM

      Same with me. Tsk. :(

      Delete
  15. JSeptember 5, 2016 at 9:14 PM

    Hi Kris! I had my panel interview a week ago. Would you know when they usually update the candidate of the next steps? Like if it was successful etc? I hesitated to ask when the results will come out as I may seem too pushy ��

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kris AblanSeptember 7, 2016 at 6:42 AM

      I was interviewed 4 years ago, so I don't know if it still holds true, but they should get in touch with you within 2 weeks--1 month the latest. Good luck!

      Delete
  16. UnknownOctober 18, 2016 at 7:12 PM

    Hello sir. May I know how much allowance they give? My husband is also accepted in the scholarship program but he does not have the offer yet and currently, his company is asking for the allowance for some documentation and memo. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete

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