Manaaki scholarship applicants must demonstrate work experience and commitment to service as applications open in March 2027
DAVAO CITY (October 30) — Mindanao professionals, university graduates and other eligible applicants seeking advanced education overseas can begin preparing for the 2027 Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, with applications scheduled to open on March 1 and close on March 31, 2027, New Zealand time.
The scholarship program was presented to faculty members, staff, graduating students, alumni and professionals during an information session at Ateneo de Davao University on Oct. 27, highlighting opportunities for further study in New Zealand and the expectations attached to receiving the award.
The session was organized by the university’s Ateneo Internationalization for Mindanao in collaboration with the Embassy of New Zealand in the Philippines. It brought together university officials, New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh, embassy representatives and a scholarship alumnus to discuss the program and its application requirements.
For prospective scholars, the opportunity involves more than gaining an overseas qualification. Applicants must demonstrate relevant work experience, a commitment to service and completion of the online application, according to Dyan Mabunga, the embassy’s international development cooperation manager in Manila.
These requirements place public service and the potential contribution of graduates to their communities among the considerations prospective applicants should examine as they prepare their applications.
From overseas education to community service
University President Fr. Karel S. San Juan, SJ, opened the information session, followed by McIntosh, who introduced the scholarship program.
New Zealand representatives highlighted the country’s educational environment, including its universities, student support systems and emphasis on work-life balance.
Secretary Joanna Bishop cited New Zealand’s performance in work-life balance, the international standing of its universities and its approach to student pastoral care.
Roman Rey, a Manaaki scholar, shared his experience of studying and working in New Zealand, offering participants a personal account of life under the scholarship program.
Mabunga also explained the meaning of manaaki — to cherish, conserve and sustain — as a principle associated with the program.
The session introduced Indigenous scholars from Mindanao, the Cordillera and Cagayan, drawing attention to the participation of Indigenous communities in international education opportunities.
For Mindanao applicants, the availability of scholarship information through a local university may help them better understand the program and prepare for the application process.
However, prospective applicants still need to check the official eligibility criteria, eligible fields of study and country-specific requirements before applying.
Preparing for the March application period
The March 2027 application window gives prospective scholars time to review the requirements, prepare supporting documents and clarify how their proposed studies align with their professional experience and service commitments.
Applicants should consult the official Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships website for current eligibility rules, application instructions and the list of eligible countries and study programs. The announcement of an information session does not, by itself, establish that every participant or professional is eligible to apply.
The university’s Vice President for Higher Education, Dr. Renante Pilapil, closed the session by thanking the New Zealand Embassy for its partnership with Ateneo de Davao University in supporting human development.
For prospective applicants, the next step is to turn the information shared during the session into concrete preparation — checking eligibility, identifying an appropriate course of study and completing the application within the official deadline.
The wider challenge is ensuring that opportunities for international education translate into skills, leadership and service that can benefit communities in Mindanao and elsewhere in the Philippines.
