2025 Manaaki Post-Grad Filipino Scholars are Mindanaoans

FIFTY percent of the Filipino recipients of the 2025 Manaaki Post-Graduate Scholarship from the New Zealand Government are from Mindanao, underscoring a growing emphasis on advancing education and development opportunities in the southern region, particularly among disadvantaged communities.

New Zealand Honorary Consul for Mindanao Vicente “Vic” Lao shared the development during the Business Forum Matters held at Hukad, Abreeza Mall, saying the move is part of a broader goal to uplift Mindanao’s human capital and, in turn, contribute to the region’s long-term economic growth.

“We want to elevate the quality of education in Mindanao and help students realize their full potential,” Lao said, further noting that the move can drive lasting improvements in the region’s economic landscape.

Lao emphasized the importance of including students from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm), where access to higher education remains limited due to longstanding socio-economic challenges. Assisting scholars from Barmm, he explained, aligns with the vision of fostering inclusive development and ensuring peace and progress across Mindanao.

He also noted that as Mindanao’s economy and tourism sector continue to grow, education must keep pace to sustain progress and empower communities.

The Manaaki Scholarship Program, New Zealand’s flagship international scholarship initiative, will offer 44 slots to Filipino scholars in 2025 — an increase from 16 last year. This marks the largest number of scholarship granted to the Philippines under the program, which aims to provide postgraduate study and training in key development areas.

Applications opened from February 1 to 28, 2025, through New Zealand’s International Development Cooperation (IDC) Programme, with studies beginning in early 2026.

New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Catherine McIntosh said the scholarship aims to promote academic excellence, cross-cultural collaboration, and deeper bilateral ties. 

The program’s expansion comes as New Zealand and the Philippines move toward establishing a comprehensive partnership by 2026.

“This significant increase reflects New Zealand’s commitment to its foreign policy goals in the region, and to our shared mission of inclusivity, development, and stronger people-to-people connections,” McIntosh said in a recent national media interview.

The Manaaki Scholarship, named after the Māori word for care and support — covers full tuition, living costs, and travel. It offers four postgraduate study tracks: six-month certificates, one-year diplomas, one- to two-year master’s degrees, and PhD programs.

Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit, but preference is given to applicants under 40. Candidates are assessed based on academic merit, leadership potential, and the expected impact of their studies on community development.

A two-year return service requirement ensures that scholars apply their knowledge back home, particularly in fields such as renewable energy, good governance, climate resilience, and food security. DEF