New Zealand Partners with IIT Delhi, Announces Scholarships and New MoUs

New Zealand has strengthened its collaboration with India by introducing scholarships and virtual internships with IIT Delhi while signing multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Indian institutions. These initiatives aim to expand academic opportunities for Indian students and promote joint research efforts.

• NZ$260,000 in scholarships announced for Indian students under the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025.
• Virtual Internship Programme to provide IIT Delhi students with remote internship opportunities at New Zealand companies.
• New MoUs signed to boost academic and research cooperation between institutions in New Zealand and India.

During his visit, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Hon. Christopher Luxon, unveiled a NZ$260,000 scholarship package to support Indian students in pursuing higher education in New Zealand.

Furthering these efforts, a Virtual Internship Programme will allow 30 IIT Delhi students to gain remote work experience with New Zealand companies, offering them insights into the country’s dynamic work culture.

Additionally, the New Zealand Centre Innovation Fellowship has been introduced, providing students with a two-week immersive experience to enhance cross-cultural learning and research collaboration.

Multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between academic institutions in India and New Zealand to strengthen educational and research collaborations:

• University of Auckland with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
• University of Auckland with IIT Kharagpur
• University of Auckland with Tech Mahindra
• University of Waikato with Bennett University
• Whitecliffe with National Institute of Design (NID)
• Whitecliffe with National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)

Joint Research Initiatives

Collaborative research between New Zealand and Indian institutions is progressing in key areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, disaster resilience, and advanced engineering.

One notable project, a partnership between the University of Canterbury and IIT Delhi, leverages geospatial data to address climate change, aligning with India's sustainability objectives.

The event at IIT Delhi also included an engaging discussion with New Zealand alumni, featuring singer and actress Shirley Setia (University of Auckland) and Ashwani Batla, Assistant Director at Dharma Productions (University of Waikato). They shared insights into their academic experiences and career paths. The event concluded with a vibrant Kapa Haka performance showcasing Māori culture.