pdf SCHOLARSHIPS File size

New Zealand Scholarship Scholar Handbook 1

Scholar Handbook

New Zealand SCHOLARSHIPS

2 New Zealand Scholarship Scholar Handbook

Name:

Contact Details:

My Key Contacts:


Congratulations and welcome!The purpose of your scholarship 7

About your scholarship 7

Preparing to come to New ZealandResearching life in New Zealand 9

Immigration and visas 9

International Student Office (ISO) adviser 9

Initial travel arrangements 10

Insurance 10

Accommodation 10

Pre-departure briefings 10

Pre-award deferrals 11

Pre-award deferral criteria 11

Pre-award deferral process 11

Deciding whether to bring family to New Zealand 12

Student Loans and Student Allowances – information for New Zealand citizens 13

Arriving in New ZealandArriving and setting up in New Zealand 15

Arrival 15

Role of the ISO adviser 15

Arrival briefing 15

Orientation 15

Establishment allowance 16

CONTENTS


Your Scholarship - Studying in New ZealandYour responsibilities 19

Scholarship conditions 19

Conduct 19

Finance 19

Change of circumstances 19

StudyLink – Student Loans and Allowances (New Zealand citizens) 20

Getting help 20

Support from ISO Advisors 20

Adjusting to life in a new country 20

Student counselling 21

Health services 21

Allowances and Entitlements 22

Scholarship awardees (excluding New Zealand citizen awardees) 22

Establishment allowance 23

Stipend 23

Tuition fees (excluding New Zealand citizens) 24

Stipends cease 24

Other New Zealand Government benefits 24

Allowances and Entitlements – New Zealand citizens 25

New Zealand citizen awardees (from the Cook Islands, Niue and Samoa) 26

Medical assistance and insurance 27

Academic success and progress 27

Succeeding in the New Zealand academic environment 27

Scholarship continuation criteria 27

Individual support programmes 27

Withdrawing from papers 28

Failing to meet requirements 28

Additional tutoring 28

Changes to your scholarship 29

Extensions 29

Summer school 30

Course changes 30

Deferrals 30

Scholarship termination 30

Termination process 31

Travel arrangements 31

Air travel and travel arrangements 31

Home-leave travel 32


Reunion travel 32

Compassionate travel 33

Overseas travel for work practicums or overseas fieldwork 33

Private travel 33

Travel costs you must pay 33

Postgraduate student information 34

Postgraduate research allowance 34

Postgraduate thesis allowance 34

Home-located research for postgraduate research students 34

PhD student information 36

Plan for the final stages of the PhD 36

PhD oral examinations 36

Awaiting the oral examination 36

Completing thesis-related tasks 36

Information for dependants 36

Defintion of dependants 36

Health care for dependants 36

Schooling 37

Immigration requirements for dependants 37

Employment for partners 37

Immigration and visas on award 37

Passports and visas 37

New Zealand permanent residency 37

Working in New Zealand 38

Debt to the New Zealand Government 38

Evaluation of your scholarship 38

Preparing to return homeReturning home 41

Reintegration briefings 41

Getting ready to return home 41

Departure 41

Graduation and completion ceremonies 42

Student Loan repayment – New Zealand citizens 42

AnnexesCode of Scholarship Student Conduct 45

Useful terms 46

Useful websites 47


Congratulations on your success in obtaining a New Zealand Government scholarship. This scholarship is recognition of your previous achievements as well as your potential to assist in the development of your country.

This handbook has been written for you as a recipient of a New Zealand Scholarship (NZS), New Zealand Development Scholarship (NZDS), New Zealand ASEAN Scholars (NZAS) award, New Zealand Pacific Scholarship (NZPS), or Commonwealth Scholarship.

Your scholarship is funded through the New Zealand Aid Programme and is managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). Further information about the New Zealand Aid Programme can be found at www.aid.govt.nz.

The New Zealand Aid Programme provides scholarships as part of our mission to support sustainable development in order to reduce poverty and contribute to a more secure, equitable, and prosperous world.

This handbook is designed to assist you while you prepare to come to New Zealand, while you’re here studying on scholarship, and as you prepare to return to your home country at the end of your scholarship. If you want to discuss any of the information in this handbook or require more information, please contact the International Student Office (ISO) adviser at your New Zealand Institution.

MFAT wishes you every success with your studies and for your time in New Zealand. We hope that you have a safe, successful, and enjoyable stay while you are in New Zealand.

CONGRATULATIONS & WELCOME!



THE PURPOSE OF YOUR SCHOLARSHIPThe purpose of your scholarship is to provide you with academic training so you can gain new skills and knowledge to assist in the social and economic development of your country upon your return home at the completion of your scholarship.

Throughout your scholarship we encourage you to plan and prepare for how you will use your new skills and knowledge to benefit your country once you return home.

ABOUT YOUR SCHOLARSHIPThe New Zealand Aid Programme funds scholarships for individuals from selected developing countries to undertake studies at tertiary education institutions in New Zealand.

The scholarships enhance the skills, training, and knowledge of individuals, and build their capacity to contribute to the sustainable development of key areas in their home country. Further information about the New Zealand Aid Programme can be found at www.aid.govt.nz.

Scholarships are offered in the specific subject areas that are most relevant to the development needs of your country. This is so you can contribute to making a real and positive difference to your country

when you return home at the end of your scholarship.

There are approximately 1000 scholarship awardees funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme studying towards undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications at New Zealand tertiary institutions each year. They come from most countries in the Pacific, as well as from selected countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and other developing regions.



PREPARING to Come to New Zealand


Find out more about life as a student in New Zealand:

www.studyinnewzealand.com

Make sure you have a passport and all the

paperwork you need: www.immigration.govt.nz

Connect with people at your pre-departure briefing

– these will be important relationships


RESEARCHING LIFE IN NEW ZEALANDBefore you come to New Zealand it is a good idea to spend some time researching what life and study will be like in New Zealand. This will help you be prepared and ready to transition to life in New Zealand.

The website of your institution in New Zealand is a good place to start, and your institution may also provide you with written information about their institution

and the city you will be living in.

You can also learn more about what it is like to live and study in New Zealand online at www.studyinnewzealand.com/live.

The New Zealand Embassy or High Commission in your country or region may be able to provide you with information about life in New Zealand.

IMMIGRATION AND VISAS Entry to New Zealand is controlled by Immigration New Zealand: www.immigration.govt.nz.

You must apply to Immigration New Zealand for a student visa well in advance of coming to New Zealand. You should apply as soon as you receive your Letter of Scholarship Offer. The visa application process may require you to supply medical and police certificates, which can take time to obtain.

You should not enter New Zealand on a visitor visa. You must ensure that you hold a valid visa throughout your stay in New Zealand.

The New Zealand diplomatic post nearest to you may help you apply for your student visa. If a New Zealand diplomatic post assists you with your visa application, they will pay the cost of your visa application fee. You will need to pay for the associated medical and police clearance costs.

If you apply for a visa directly through Immigration New Zealand you may seek reimbursement for the visa application fee through your ISO adviser once you have arrived in New Zealand. To receive a reimbursement you must provide a receipt.

You can use your Letter of Scholarship Offer to provide evidence to Immigration New Zealand that you are a NZS, NZDS, NZAS, NZPS, or Commonwealth Scholarship student funded by the New Zealand Government.

You need a current passport to enter New Zealand. You must also ensure that your passport remains valid for at least six months longer than your expected course completion date.

For more information about obtaining a student visa visit www.immigration.govt.nz.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OFFICE (ISO) ADVISERThe International Students’ Office (ISO) adviser with responsibility for New Zealand Aid Programme students at your education institution will manage your scholarship on a day-to-day basis.

They will be in contact with you before you leave your home country to provide you with information about enrolment, accommodation, travel, and your arrival in New Zealand.


The ISO adviser at your institution is authorised by MFAT to implement the conditions and operating guidelines that apply to your scholarship.

For further information and advice on any aspects of your scholarship or study in New Zealand, please contact your ISO adviser.

INITIAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTSYour ISO adviser will arrange your travel bookings to New Zealand, except in the case of awardees from Cambodia and Lao, where the management contractor will arrange your travel. The ISO adviser or management contractor will contact you about your travel arrangements.

You will need to ensure that you have some cash with you to cover incidental costs such as food, phone calls, and taxis while you are travelling to, and on arrival in, New Zealand. Ensure that you have at least $200 in New Zealand currency when you arrive in New Zealand, or more if you arrive on a weekend or public holiday. If you cannot obtain New Zealand currency in your home country, make sure that you change money into New Zealand currency before you leave the airport on arrival in New Zealand.

If you have to make a compulsory stop

overnight in New Zealand or another country on the way to or from your home, the accommodation and transfer costs (i.e. airport/hotel/airport) will be paid. If you need a visa for the country where you are required to stopover, this will also be paid for by MFAT.

You must use any pre-booked stopover accommodation, including accommodation within New Zealand. If you do not use this accommodation, the cost of the accommodation will be deducted from your stipend when you return to New Zealand.

Unless changes to your travel arrangements are for reasons beyond your control, such as flight schedule changes or delays, bad weather, illness, etc, you will have to meet the costs of changes to your travel.

INSURANCEYour New Zealand institution will arrange travel and medical insurance for you, and will provide you with information about

the insurance before you depart for New Zealand.

ACCOMMODATIONYour New Zealand institution will assist you with arrangement for initial accommodation and will get in contact

with you regarding accommodation arrangements before you depart for New Zealand.

PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFINGSA pre-departure briefing is provided for scholarship awardees from most countries. This is an essential aspect of your preparation. The briefing enables you to learn more about your scholarship, your obligations under the scholarship,

and what it’s like to study in New Zealand. It also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and, in many cases, meet former or current scholarship students.

In most countries in the Pacific, the pre-departure briefing will be provided by the


New Zealand diplomatic post. The New Zealand diplomatic post in your country will contact you with information about the date and location of the briefing.

In Lao, Cambodia, Timor Leste, the Philippines, and Indonesia, the pre-departure briefing will be provided by a management contractor. This may be

the same organisation that manages the scholarship application process in your country. They will contact you with information about the date and location of the briefing.

In most other countries the pre-departure briefing will occur over the phone or through email.

PRE-AWARD DEFERRALSYou are required to take up your scholarship in the academic year for which it is offered. However, in exceptional circumstances, you may be granted a pre-award deferral to postpone the start of your scholarship for up to a maximum of one year.

PRE-AWARD DEFERRAL CRITERIAPre-award deferrals are only permitted in the following circumstances:

• significant temporary personal or family problems

• temporary medical problems.

• pregnancy.

Other circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis; for example, visa delays that are outside your control.

Pre-award deferrals are not permitted in the following circumstances:

• for your convenience or change of mind

• if you fail to meet the unconditional entry requirements of the institution, including English-language requirements.

PRE-AWARD DEFERRAL PROCESSIf you wish to apply for a pre-award deferral and meet the criteria listed above, apply as follows.

• Apply in writing to either the New Zealand diplomatic post for your country (www.nzembassy.com) or the New Zealand Aid Programme at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade ([email protected]). Your letter should describe the reasons you are requesting a pre-award deferral and the proposed duration. Deferrals can be for either one sememster or one year.

• MFAT will consider your request and make a decision. They may seek additional information from you, your institution, your employer, or your home government if required.

• The decision will be communicated to you in writing. If the deferral is approved, you will receive a pre-award deferral letter that outlines the timeframe of the deferral, and what steps you must complete to re-instate your scholarship at the end of the deferral period.

• If your pre-award deferral request is declined, you may either take up the scholarship as scheduled or withdraw from the scholarship.

• If you cannot commence study at the end of the deferral period, the scholarship offer will be withdrawn.


DECIDING WHETHER TO BRING FAMILY TO NEW ZEALANDMFAT does not provide any funding for you to bring your dependants (defined as spouse/partner and children) with you to New Zealand or to support them while they are here.

The funding you receive from MFAT is not sufficient to cover the costs of supporting dependants in New Zealand. You cannot bring your family with you unless you have access to other funds. Immigration New Zealand will require evidence of funds when your dependants apply for visas. MFAT, your institution, or any New Zealand government agency will not be able to provide you with financial assistance to support your family in New Zealand.

Before you decide whether to bring your dependants with you to New Zealand, think carefully about whether you will have sufficient funds available to support them adequately. The costs of living in New Zealand may be much higher than what you’re used to in your home country. Your institution may provide you with information about costs of living in their city.

Also consider how your family will adjust to life in New Zealand, including schooling and employment that is different from that at home. If your dependants do not speak English they may feel very isolated. Your studies may be impacted if your family is unhappy in New Zealand.

If you leave all of your dependants in your home country, you may be entitled to a reunion airfare for you to travel to your home country at the end of each academic year. Refer to page 31 - Travel arrangements for more information.

Your partner/spouse may be able to obtain a New Zealand work visa for the duration of your scholarship. Refer to page 36 – Information for dependants for more information. It may be difficult for your partner/spouse to find work in New Zealand. The work that is available may not be in the profession that they worked in at home or it may not provide an income that is sufficient.

If you decide to bring your dependants with you to New Zealand, we strongly recommend that you wait at least six months before they join you in New Zealand. This gives you enough time to settle into life in New Zealand, focus on your studies, and find appropriate accommodation and schooling in preparation for your family’s arrival.

If you are completing a bridging qualification or English language training (ELT) in New Zealand prior to gaining entry into a main qualification, you are strongly advised to wait until you have completed this and have gained entry into the main qualification before bringing your family to New Zealand. If you bring your family to New Zealand and then do not gain entry into the main qualification, you and your family will have to return home soon after arriving in New Zealand. This may be very disruptive to your family and may cause you significant financial hardship.

If you decide to bring any of your dependants to New Zealand you must advise your ISO before they arrive.


STUDENT LOANS AND STUDENT ALLOWANCES – INFORMATION FOR NEW ZEALAND CITIZENSIf you are a New Zealand citizen from Niue, or the Cook Islands, or a dual New Zealand/Samoan citizen on an NZPS scholarship you will access funding for your fees and part of your living allowance through a Student Loan and/or Student Allowance from StudyLink, and not directly from your NZPS scholarship. StudyLink is a service of the New Zealand Ministry of Social Development.

The Student Loan component of the funding you receive from StudyLink will be paid back by MFAT following your return to your home country and completion of your scholarship obligations (refer to the conditions in your Letter of Scholarship Offer). The Student Allowance payments are an entitlement and do not need to be repaid to either MFAT or StudyLink.

Before you leave your home country you need to apply to StudyLink as early as possible to obtain a Student Loan and/or Student Allowance. You will also need to apply to the New Zealand Inland Revenue Department for an IRD number. Details about Student Loan and Student Allowance eligibility and entitlement, and how to apply, can be found on the StudyLink website: www.studylink.govt.nz. Information about applying for an IRD number can be found at www.ird.govt.nz/how-to/irdnumbers/.

If you wait until you arrive in New Zealand to begin these processes, you are likely to experience significant delays in receiving payments from StudyLink, which may cause you financial stress. Please also ensure that you bring all the documents required by StudyLink with you to New Zealand. This may include certified documents such as evidence of your parents’ income. When you apply to StudyLink, they will tell you what documents you need to bring with you to

New Zealand.

The New Zealand High Commission in your country will provide you with some support and information for the StudyLink and IRD number application processes before you leave your country. This is to ensure you have these processes as far advanced as possible before arriving in New Zealand to begin your scholarship. Your education institution will also help you complete the IRD number and StudyLink application processes when you first arrive in New Zealand, if required.

MFAT will supplement the StudyLink funding you receive with a weekly top-up stipend and other entitlements under your scholarship. For more information about the scholarship allowances and entitlements available to New Zealand citizens under the NZPS scholarship refer to page 25 – Allowances and entitlements – New Zealand citizens.

NOTES:

14 New Zealand Scholarship Scholar Handbook14 New Zealand Scholarship Scholar Handbook

ARRIVING

Studying in New Zealand

Get settled by attending your arrival briefing and your

orientation programme

Meet your International Support Officer (ISO) – they will

support you in New Zealand


ARRIVING AND SETTING UP IN NEW ZEALANDARRIVALYour education instutition in New Zealand will organise transport from the airport to the temporary accommodation that has been arranged for you.

ROLE OF THE ISO ADVISERAn adviser at the ISO of your education institution is responsible for NZS, NZDS, NZAS, NZPS, and Commonwealth Scholarship students. This ISO adviser will provide you with support while you are in New Zealand. Please contact the ISO adviser if you have any questions or concerns regarding your scholarship, your study, or your welfare. They are there to help you. For more information refer to page 20 – Getting help.


ARRIVAL BRIEFINGWithin your first few days in New Zealand,

the ISO adviser will provide a group or individual briefing to provide you with practical information and assistance to support you with settling in smoothly to your studies and life in New Zealand.

The briefing will cover a range of topics, including:

• setting up a bank account

• the role of the ISO adviser

• advice on accommodation responsibilities including bond, tenancy agreements, and payments

• an introduction to services available at your institution

• assistance with enrolment and other course-related issues

• information about orientation programmes at your institution

• for New Zealand citizen NZPS awardees – completing the IRD number and StudyLink application processes.

ORIENTATIONYour institution will provide a comprehensive multi-day orientation and academic preparatory programme especially for each intake of New Zealand Aid Programme - funded scholarship Awardees. New awardee attendance is required.

The orientation programme will help you successfully transition to tertiary study in New Zealand, and provide essential study, computer, and life skills. The orientation programme will include a range of topics, including:

• scholarship conditions and expectations, including the scholarship student code of conduct

• IT skills training, including institution IT systems

• New Zealand academic learning

environment

• academic and personal issues and support systems at the institution, including

– introduction to campus and campus facilities

– introduction to the city

– culture shock and adjustment to New Zealand culture and language

– study skills

– health services, including sexual health and family planning

– alcohol, drugs, and gambling

– domestic violence


ESTABLISHMENT ALLOWANCEAn establishment allowance is paid when you first arrive in New Zealand, and a lesser amount is paid at the beginning of each subsequent year of study (excluding any extension period).

The initial establishment allowance is intended to cover some of your immediate costs on arrival, including:

• course expenses, including textbooks (textbook prices range from approximately $50.00 to $150.00 each)

• temporary accommodation costs on arrival in New Zealand

• accommodation bond (usually

equivalent to two to three weeks rent), rent in advance (usually two weeks rent), and occasionally rental agents’ fees

• utility bonds (for electricity and telephone services, if moving into rental accommodation)

• purchase of suitable clothing

• purchase of household items, if moving into rental accommodation.

Your ISO advisor may pay your first year establishment allowance in two installments.


NOTES:


YOUR SCHOLARSHIP

Studying in New Zealand

You are entitled to a range of financial, study and

social support

If you feel you need help, talk to your ISO – we want

you to succeed

This is your chance to represent your country – make

the most of all opportunities


YOUR RESPONSIBILITIESYou are responsible for your own success, but ask for help when you need it – assistance and support is available for study or personal issues. Ask your ISO adviser.

SCHOLARSHIP CONDITIONSWhile on scholarship, it is your responsibility to know and understand the conditions of your scholarship. Please ensure you have a copy of your Letter of Scholarship Offer, which includes the scholarship conditions.

In particular, you agree to:

• regularly attend class, submit all compulsory assignments, and sit all examinations

• adhere to the Code of Scholarship Student Conduct

• inform the ISO adviser immediately of any academic or personal factors that may affect your ability to continue with your studies or scholarship

• ensure the ISO adviser has your current residential and postal details, in New Zealand and in your home country

• contact the ISO adviser by August if you are entitled to home leave or a reunion airfare, to discuss booking travel to your home country at the end of the academic year. Refer to page 31 – Travel arrangements.

CONDUCTAs a representative of your home country, the scholarship, and your institution, we expect and require a high standard of behaviour from you at all times during your scholarship.

While you are on scholarship, you must adhere to the Code of Scholarship Student Conduct at all times. Required behaviour includes treating people with respect,

behaving with honesty and integrity at all times, obeying the laws of New Zealand, and not engaging in violent behaviour. The full Code of Scholarship Student Conduct is in the annex at the back of this handbook, and you must ensure that you are familiar with it.

If you’re unsure about anything in the Code of Scholarship Student Conduct or about what behaviour is acceptable while you’re on scholarship, please discuss this with your ISO adviser.

FINANCEWhile you are on scholarship, you are responsible for managing your money, including the allowances and entitlements you receive under the scholarship.

Your institution may have short courses available about making a budget and managing your money. We encourage you to attend these courses, particularly if you are away from home for the first time or have family members with you. Please contact your ISO adviser for more information.

While on scholarship you must:

• budget within your available funds (please note that no emergency funds are available under the scholarship)

• pay for your accommodation and other living expenses

• pay any loans, debts, and fines you may incur while studying

• deal with tax, if relevant

• provide adequate financial support for any dependant family members you bring with you to New Zealand.

CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCESIf your personal circumstances change while you are on scholarship (for example, if you get married, become pregnant,


have a child, or become seriously ill) you must let your ISO adviser know. They can provide you with support and advise you of any impacts on your scholarship.

STUDYLINK – STUDENT LOANS AND ALLOWANCES (NEW ZEALAND CITIZENS)

If you are a New Zealand citizen receiving either Student Allowance or Student Loan payments, you are responsible for advising StudyLink when your circumstances change, such as:

• if your income or your partner’s income changes

• if you or your partner travel overseas

• if you withdraw from a course, fail or drop a paper, or change your study programme

• in any other circumstance as required by StudyLink.

GETTING HELPSUPPORT FROM ISO ADVISORSAn adviser at the ISO of your education institution is responsible for NZS, NZDS, NZAS, NZPS, and Commonwealth Scholarship students. This ISO adviser will provide you with support while you are in New Zealand. Please contact the ISO adviser if you have any questions or concerns regarding your scholarship, your study, or your welfare. They are there to help you.


The ISO adviser will monitor your academic performance and carry out twice-yearly interviews to discuss your academic and general progress. The ISO adviser will keep MFAT informed about your progress.

The ISO adviser will provide information or assist you with a range of situations, including:

• access to resources to resolve study or personal issues

• requests for additional tutoring during the academic year if you are having difficulty with your studies (refer to page 27 – Academic success and progress)

• academic performance standards and continuation criteria (refer to page

27 – Academic success and progress)

• requests to change your scholarship offer, such as a deferral (refer to page 29 – Changes to your scholarship)

• change of subjects or qualification (note: course changes are only permitted in exceptional circumstances and only with the prior approval of MFAT; refer to page 29 – Changes to your scholarship)

• compassionate travel (refer to page 31 – Travel arrangements)

• travel arrangements for return to your home country (refer to page 41 – Departure)

• advice on organising the production of your thesis, if you are a postgraduate student (refer to page 34 – Postgraduate student information).

ADJUSTING TO LIFE IN A NEW COUNTRYWhen you come to study in New Zealand it will take you time to adjust to the lifestyle and culture here. You will be surrounded by new and different languages, cultures, and foods. There are different climatic conditions to adjust to. New Zealanders may look and act differently to what you are used to. What you considered normal in your own home country might be looked at differently in New Zealand, and our social customs, etiquette, and mannerisms


might not be what you consider appropriate or normal. These differences and variations can all have an effect on you and may affect your academic progress and general wellbeing.

Culture shock affects people in different ways. For example, you may become bored or homesick, be indifferent to the local food, or find you are unable or reluctant to mix with other people. You may suffer physical side effects such as stomach pain, headache, or insomnia. There is no instant cure for culture shock. Usually, with time, it will go away as you become more comfortable with the New Zealand lifestyle and environment.

It helps to talk to other students, especially other international students and people from your home country. The ISO adviser at your institution can put you in contact with other students from your country or region. They might be feeling the same as you, and talking about it may help you both.

Try to get out and about and generally try to stay busy. Health and counselling services are also available. Ask your ISO adviser about the support services available at your institution.

STUDENT COUNSELLINGYour education institution has counselling services to help you overcome any problems you may experience while studying. These may be study problems, homesickness, culture shock, or difficulties with socialising, budgeting, or other personal matters including domestic violence, gambling, drugs, and alcohol. If you are experiencing any of these problems, seek help immediately at the ISO, the student counselling service, or through someone else that you trust at your institution, and use the help that is available free of charge.

HEALTH SERVICES Your health and wellbeing are important. Your education institution has a student health service to assist you with any health problems or concerns you may have while studying. If necessary, the student health service will refer you to a specialist.

The student health service can also provide you with confidential information about family planning and sexual health. The student health service or your ISO adviser can also help you access family planning information from your community or religious group.

Medical insurance is provided as part of your scholarship. Your ISO adviser will explain your insurance coverage to you during orientation.

NOTES:


ALLOWANCES AND ENTITLEMENTSYour scholarship includes a range of allowances and entitlements. Your ISO adviser will explain the payment dates and procedures that apply at your institution. Your stipend will be paid by direct credit into your New Zealand bank account (refer to page 15 – Arriving and setting up in New Zealand).

Please note that changes to allowances and entitlements may occur during your scholarship. You should therefore check with your ISO adviser for the most up-to-date information.

New Zealand citizen awardees receive some different entitlements. Refer to page 25 – Allowance and entitlements – New Zealand citizens.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES (EXCLUDING NEW ZEALAND CITIZEN AWARDEES)AS AT 1 JANUARY 2014

Tuition feesFull tuition fees for the approved study programme, including enrolment, orientation, and student union fees.

Travel between the home country and New Zealand at the start and end of the scholarship

Standard economy-class air ticketing by the most direct route from the home country to the airport closest to the institution.

Establishment entitlement

NZ$3,000 in the first year, to meet textbook costs and to assist with other set-up costs in New Zealand. At the beginning of each additional calendar year, NZ$1,000 will be paid to cover the full year.

Living allowance (‘stipend’)

For undergraduates: NZ$415 per week paid over 42 weeks per year (NZ$17,430 per year).

For postgraduates: NZ$415 per week paid over 52 weeks per year (NZ$21,580 per year).

Medical and travel insurance To meet basic healthcare cover for the student only.

Additional tutoring If required. Discuss with your ISO adviser.

Postgraduate research allowanceFor PhD students and Masters students if research component is 120 credits or greater (NZ$1,000).

Postgraduate thesis allowancePhD students (up to NZ$1,500). Masters students if research component is 120 credits or greater (up to NZ$850).

Home-leave travelUndergraduate students without dependants may be entitled to home-leave travel at the end of each academic year.

Reunion airfareStudents who have left all dependants in their home country may be entitled to a reunion airfare to visit their home country at the end of each academic year.


ESTABLISHMENT ALLOWANCEAn establishment allowance is paid when you first arrive in New Zealand, and a lesser amount is paid at the beginning of each subsequent calendar year of study (excluding any extension period). Refer to page 16 – Establishment allowance.

From the beginning of your second year of study, the establishment allowance payment is provided at the beginning of each calendar year of study to assist with expenses such as housing costs, course-related costs, and research costs.

If your scholarship finishes in the middle of a year of study, you may be eligible for the full establishment allowance payment if you have completed at least one semester of study during that year.

You are not eligible for an establishment allowance during a scholarship extension.

STIPENDThe stipend is a contribution to living costs for day-to-day expenses, including:

• accommodation (rent or board)

• food costs

• utility expenses (e.g. telephone, electricity, and water bills)

• transport to and from the institution

• personal items, such as toiletries

• incidentals, such as clothing and entertainment.

The stipend also covers your less regular expenditure on:

• general course expenses: stationery, internet charges, printing, equipment and photocopying course-related clothing (e.g. uniforms and protective wear)

• stationery, photocopying, and other course-related costs

• field trips, projects, workshops, conferences and seminars

• some research costs, e.g. for

photographic development, questionnaire photocopying, library interloans, and telephone, internet and fax charges;

It is important that you budget for all these costs. If you need help preparing a budget, discuss this with your ISO adviser, who can refer you to the institution’s student support services. Depending on your living costs and course-related costs, you may need extra funds over and above the amount of stipend you receive.

Your stipend (living allowance) is paid from the start date of your scholarship (as stated in your Letter of Scholarship Offer) provided you have arrived in the city where you will be studying. The stipend will be paid up until the day of your departure from your study city following completion of your scholarship. It is paid directly into your New Zealand bank account each fortnight in arrears.

The undergraduate stipend will be paid over 42 weeks per year. This 42-week period covers the study period and any orientation and pre-study programmes, which many awardees undertake. It does not cover the long Christmas / New Year period. Undergraduates will return home on home-leave airfares or find employment in New Zealand over the long study break. Undergraduates will be funded for additional weeks, over and above the 42-week period, if they are required to complete further study or work requirements as part of their study programme.

Undergraduates whose study programme has a full academic year of less than 42 weeks will receive their stipend for 42 weeks. For undergraduates whose study programme includes periods of less than a full academic year (for example, a qualification of three and a half years) the stipend will be paid until the scholarship ends.


The postgraduate stipend will be paid for 52 weeks per year or until the scholarship ends.

Your ISO adviser may deduct certain costs from your stipend or establishment allowance before it is paid to you (e.g. for an accommodation deposit at halls of residence). The ISO adviser will advise you whether any deductions will be made from your allowances and, if so, what these are for.

TUITION FEES (EXCLUDING NEW ZEALAND CITIZENS)MFAT funds the major course costs of your study such as tuition, enrolment, and orientation fees. These are paid directly to the institution.

STIPENDS CEASEYour stipend and entitlements will stop in the following situations:

• you have an unexplained absence from New Zealand

• you fail to return to New Zealand from private international travel

• you are on compassionate leave for more than four weeks

• you are hospitalised for more than three weeks

• you are an undergraduate student undertaking a compulsory work practicum (e.g. a teaching practicum) in your home country, and you stay beyond the required period (stipends are paid up to a maximum of 12 weeks depending on the practicum)

• your scholarship is deferred; your allowance will be paid up to the day you leave New Zealand, which must be within 14 days of the date of the deferral

• you are employed full-time as part of a compulsory course requirement

• your scholarship is terminated or suspended for any reason

• you breach the conditions of your scholarship and you apply for, or are granted, New Zealand permanent residency or a work visa (note: this action is treated very seriously – refer to page 37 – Immigration and visas).

OTHER NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT BENEFITSNon-New Zealand citizens and their dependants cannot apply for or receive other benefits funded by the New Zealand Government while on scholarship. If you apply for, or receive, other New Zealand Government benefits, your scholarship may be terminated and you will be required to repay the New Zealand Government the total cost of your scholarship (refer to page 38– Debt to the New Zealand Government).

Some New Zealand-citizen students may be eligible to apply for and receive New Zealand Student Allowance payments through StudyLink.


ALLOWANCES AND ENTITLEMENTS – NEW ZEALAND CITIZENSIf you are a New Zealand citizen from Niue, or the Cook Islands or a dual New Zealand/Samoan citizen who began a NZPS scholarship from 2012 onwards, you will access funding for your fees and part of your living allowance through a Student Loan and/or Student Allowance (subject to the eligibility and entitlement requirements of StudyLink). The loan and/or allowance will provide funding for fees, course-related costs, and weekly living costs. Refer to page 13 – Student Loans and Student Allowances for further information.

MFAT will supplement the funding available to you while you are in New Zealand as per the chart below. The undergraduate supplement will be paid over 42 weeks per year. This 42-week period covers the study period and any orientation and pre-study programmes.

It does not cover the long Christmas / New Year period. Undergraduates will return home on home-leave airfares or find employment in New Zealand over the long study break. Undergraduates will be funded for additional weeks over and above the 42-week period if they are required to complete further study or work requirements as part of their study programme. The postgraduate supplement will be paid over 52 weeks per year.

The Student Loan component will be paid back by MFAT following your return to your home country on completion of your scholarship (refer to page 42 – Student Loan repayment). The Student Allowance payments are an entitlement and do not need to be repaid to either MFAT or StudyLink.

NOTES:


NEW ZEALAND CITIZEN AWARDEES (FROM THE COOK ISLANDS, NIUE, AND SAMOA) AS AT 1 JANUARY 2014

Tuition feesMet under the New Zealand Student Loan scheme – arrangements to be made by awardee.

Travel between the home country and New Zealand at the start and end of the scholarship

Standard economy-class air ticketing by the most direct route from the home country to the airport closest to the institution.

Establishment entitlement NZ$3,000 in the first year, to meet textbook costs and to assist with other set-up costs in New Zealand. At the beginning of each additional study year, NZ$1,000 will be paid to cover the full year.

Living allowance Met from a Student Loan or a Student Allowance from StudyLink – arrangements to be made by awardee. In addition:

For undergraduates eligible for student allowances: weekly supplement paid by MFAT of NZ$203 per week paid over 42 weeks per year (NZ$8,526).

For undergraduates eligible for student loan only: weekly supplement paid by MFAT of NZ$242.49 per week paid over 42 weeks per year (NZ$10,184.58).

StudyLink will advise you whether you’re eligible for a student allowance, a student loan, or both.

For postgraduates eligible for student loans: weekly supplement paid by MFAT of NZ$242.49 paid over 52 weeks per year (NZ$12,609.48)

(Note StudyLink’s current policy is that postgraduates are eligible for student loans but are not eligible for student allowances).

For undergraduates and postgraduates on a compulsory pre-sessional course during which awardees are not eligible for student loan/allowances: NZ$415 per week during the pre-sessional course.

Medical and travel insurance To meet basic healthcare cover for the student only.

Additional tutoring If required. Discuss with your ISO adviser.

Postgraduate research allowance For PhD students and Masters students if research component is 120 credits or greater (NZ$1,000).

Postgraduate thesis allowance PhD students (up to NZ$1,500).

Masters students if research component is 120 credits or greater (up to NZ$850).

Home-leave travel Undergraduate students without dependants may be entitled to home-leave travel at the end of each academic year.

Reunion airfare Students who have left all dependants in their home country may be entitled to a reunion airfare to visit their home country at the end of each academic year.


MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND INSURANCENZS, NZDS, NZAS, NZPS, and Commonwealth Scholarship students are entitled to the same government-funded health assistance in public hospitals as New Zealand citizens. In addition, the

ISO adviser will organise your health insurance, which includes basic healthcare cover, and will explain these entitlements further.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND PROGRESSSUCCEEDING IN THE NEW ZEALAND ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENTThe learning environment in New Zealand may be different than in your home country, and being successful academically may require different ways of learning and studying than what you’re used to. In New Zealand you will be expected to be an independent learner. This means that you are expected to take full responsibility for managing your time, keeping up with your studies, seeking help when you need it, and meeting all your academic obligations.

Students in New Zealand are expected to question ideas and information, form their own opinions, apply what they’ve learned to a range of situations, and think critically about what they hear and read. Postgraduate students in particular will be expected to apply critical thinking, writing, and reading skills and carry out independent research.

SCHOLARSHIP CONTINUATION CRITERIAAt the end of each semester your education institution will assess whether you have met the criteria to remain on scholarship. You will be permitted to continue on your scholarship if:

• you are on track to complete the qualification(s)

– within the original scholarship duration stated on your Letter of Scholarship Offer; or

– within the original scholarship duration stated on the Letter of Scholarship Offer plus one potential

extension (within the criteria and durations set out in page 29 – Changes to your scholarship): or

– within a revised duration approved by MFAT for compassionate reasons (e.g. resulting from an on-award deferral); and

• you meet the education institution’s continuation criteria, such as the minimum grade-point average required to continue to the next stage; and

• you have adhered to all the scholarship conditions including the Code of Scholarship Student Conduct.

If you do not meet all of the scholarship continuation criteria your education institution will recommend to MFAT that your scholarship is either terminated or changed to a lower-level qualification at the same institution. Your ISO adviser will discuss this with you first.

If you meet the scholarship continuation criteria but you require an extension, or if your overall academic performance is poor, the institution may recommend to MFAT that changes are made to your scholarship such as an extension, a course change, or a change to a lower-level qualification at the same institution. Your ISO adviser will discuss any recommended changes with you first. An individual support programme will also be put in place.

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT PROGRAMMES Your ISO adviser may put an individual


support programme in place for you in order to maximise your chance of successfully completing your studies within the period of scholarship. This may be needed because of your academic performance, personal issues, or adjustment difficulties.

The purpose of an individual support programme is to provide you with the support you need to improve your performance. The details of the support programme will be given to you in writing by your ISO adviser. Your ISO adviser will tailor the support programme to your individual needs, and it may include tutoring, mentoring, study skills training, regular appointments with your ISO adviser, or other support.

We encourage you to participate fully in a support programme that is put in place for you to help you achieve improved academic performance. If your academic performance does not improve, your scholarship may be terminated.

WITHDRAWING FROM PAPERSIf you are considering withdrawing or changing papers, you must first discuss this with your ISO adviser. Remember that you need prior approval from your ISO adviser and MFAT to change your course.

If you gain approval for a course change and as a result officially withdraw from a paper, it will not affect your academic results.

FAILING TO MEET REQUIREMENTSThe requirements of each paper are set by the institution. In most cases, to meet the requirements of a paper you must attend classes and tutorials, submit assessments, and sit examinations.

At most institutions, if you fail to meet the requirements of a paper without officially withdrawing, your progress will be assessed as if you had continued with a full course load, and you will receive a ‘fail’

grade for that paper.

ADDITIONAL TUTORINGFor various reasons you may struggle with some aspects of your coursework. The work may be difficult, you may have difficulty understanding the accent of your lecturers, or you may be homesick.

Whatever the reason, you should discuss this with your ISO adviser as soon as you think you need help. They will be able to refer you to someone who can give you specific help or provide tutoring, some of which may be paid for by your scholarship (see below). Your main aim while studying in New Zealand is to do your best, and your ISO adviser will endeavour to assist you in this regard. Do not wait until you are behind with coursework or have failed examinations.

You may receive some additional tutorial assistance funded by your scholarship when you have:

• obtained prior approval from your ISO adviser

• fulfilled the current study requirements for your study programme

• made full use of available institutional facilities and services, such as extra tutorials and study support

• received recommendation from your institution that the support is essential for your satisfactory progress.

If you are a postgraduate student undertaking research, you may apply for assistance for proofreading and/or editing of your final thesis draft. Approval from the ISO adviser must be sought before these arrangements are made.

If there are medical or personal reasons affecting your study, you may be eligible to defer your studies for up to 12 months (refer to page 29 – Changes to your scholarship). In the event that health


problems or an illness will affect your ability to sit an examination you should contact your course supervisor or student counsellor, and the ISO adviser, before or on the day of the examination to explain the situation. You may be eligible to apply for an aegrotat or compassionate pass for your examination so that you will

not jeopardise the continuation of your scholarship. The ISO adviser will have information on aegrotat or compassionate passes.

If you fail to seek help and do not sit the examination, you risk having your scholarship terminated.

CHANGES TO YOUR SCHOLARSHIP EXTENSIONSIf you have met the scholarship continuation criteria (refer to page 27 – Academic success and progress) but you are not able to finish your qualification by the expected completion date, you may apply for a short extension to your scholarship to enable you to complete.

You should not assume that you will be granted an extension. Extensions are granted in exceptional circumstances only and must be approved by MFAT. In most cases you will have to demonstrate that you have improved your academic performance before the extension is approved. You must also demonstrate effort and commitment to your studies.

If you are considering applying for an extension you should discuss this with your ISO adviser. Applications are carefully considered and must have the full support of your course supervisor and the ISO adviser.

Approval for a scholarship extension is subject to:

• whether it is the only option that will allow you to complete your approved study programme

• consideration of the reasons why the extension is needed (supported by a statement from your course supervisor and your ISO adviser)

• your attitude, commitment, and academic progress to date

• the additional cost of the extension

and availability of funds

• the length of the required extension

• confirmation from your institution that you will be able to complete your qualification within the extended scholarship duration.

The maxmimum scholarship extension durations are as follows.

• Coursework students: one additional semester. A one-year extension will be approved only if the degree comprises compulsory full-year papers.

• Masters research students: three months maximum.

• PhD students: three months, or more at the discretion of the institution. A PhD extension must not result in the scholarship exceeding a maximum of four years total to the date of thesis submission. No extensions will be considered for PhD students that will take their scholarship duration beyond four years.

A request for a second extension will not be approved unless the request has resulted from institution or other factors outside your control. If the qualification is not completed by the extended completion date, then the scholarship will end and you will be required to return home.

An extension may not be granted if travel or employment has impacted significantly on your academic performance.


If your application for an extension is declined, in some instances it may be possible to complete your study by distance. Generally, however, if a scholarship extension is declined and the qualification is not complete then your scholarship will be terminated.

SUMMER SCHOOLYou can apply to attend summer school if it is essential to the progress of your study (e.g. to make up papers for any you failed during the year). Undergraduate students will receive a stipend during summer school only if your ISO adviser agrees that attendance is essential in order for you to complete your qualification within the duration of your scholarship. Undergraduate students are encouraged to return home on home leave during the summer break to reconnect with family and community rather than take unnecessary summer school papers.If you wish to take papers at summer school, contact your ISO adviser by August. Requests to take papers at summer school will normally be approved if:

• it is essential to the progress of your degree

• you have kept your ISO adviser updated regarding any academic difficulties you are experiencing

• you have provided the ISO adviser with related evidence (e.g. medical certificate or reports) confirming your situation

• you have passed all previous summer school papers, if relevant

• you have evidence of support from your course supervisor that taking summer school papers is beneficial to the progress of your degree and that you are likely to pass the papers.

COURSE CHANGESScholarships are offered for a specific field, level of study, and qualification that

meets your country’s human resource development training needs. Course changes may be approved if the revised course meets agreed human resource development training needs.

To discuss applying for a course change, contact your ISO adviser. You will need to provide written information about why you want to change your course, and how the proposed course will meet the development needs of your home country.

DEFERRALSAfter commencing your study programme, you may request deferral of your scholarship if your academic performance is being affected by:

• serious family problems, either in New Zealand or in your home country

• a serious medical or mental health condition

• pregnancy

• hospitalisation of more than three weeks during term time.

A deferral can be for the length of one semester or up to one year maximum. Students who defer their scholarship must return to their home country. You cannot remain in New Zealand during the deferral.

You should contact your ISO adviser if you are contemplating applying for a deferral. Deferrals require the prior approval of MFAT.

If your deferral is approved, you will receive a deferral letter that outlines the timeframe of the deferral and what steps you must complete to re-instate your scholarship at the end of the deferral period.

If a request for scholarship deferral is not approved, you have the option to continue or to withdraw from your scholarship.

SCHOLARSHIP TERMINATIONA scholarship is terminated for either of the following reasons:


• if you do not meet the scholarship continuation criteria at the end of a semester (refer to page 27 – Academic success and progress) and a change to a lower level qualification is not suitable or not available

• if at any time you breach any of the scholarship conditions (refer to your Letter of Scholarship Offer) including the conditions of the Code of Scholarship Student Conduct (refer to the annex).

TERMINATION PROCESSYour ISO adviser will advise you of the proposed termination in writing, and in person where possible. They will explain the reasons for the proposed termination to you. The ISO adviser will ask you to provide a written statement if you wish to challenge any of the reasons for the proposed termination.

After you provide a written statement, MFAT will make a decision. You will receive a letter from the ISO adviser informing

you of the decision whether or not to terminate your scholarship.

Once your scholarship is terminated you and any of your dependants with you in New Zealand will be required to return to your home country within 14 days of the date of termination. The education institution will make travel arrangements for you. Your stipend will continue to be paid up to the day of departure and MFAT will fund your final departure air ticket.

Immigration New Zealand will be advised of your scholarship termination and your visa will no longer be valid.

If you and your dependants do not return to your home country within 14 days of termination, you will forfeit all your scholarship entitlements, including the final air ticket, and you will be required to fund your return home. The total cost of your scholarship will then become a debt you owe to the New Zealand Government. Repayment of this debt will be enforced under New Zealand laws.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTSAIR TRAVEL AND TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTSAir travel is always by the most direct and economical route from your home country to the closest city to your institution in New Zealand. Travel must be standard economy class and upgrades are not permitted. Air tickets are not transferable or refundable.

Once you are in New Zealand, all travel bookings must be made through the ISO adviser. If you are going on home leave or reunion travel during the summer holiday, you must contact the ISO adviser by August each year to ensure that the most economical airfare is obtained.

You must not change or adjust travel bookings funded by MFAT and organised by the ISO. If you do change your travel plans and there are extra costs incurred, you will have to pay these costs.


HOME-LEAVE TRAVELHome leave is an entitlement for unaccompanied undergraduate students to return to their home country for the New Zealand summer holiday period (approximately December to February) to spend time with their family. To be eligible for home leave you must have at least one semester of study remaining.

Home leave must be taken during the New Zealand summer holiday period (approximately December to February) and you must ensure that you return to your study centre in New Zealand in sufficient time for the start of the next semester. You are encouraged to take home leave, as it assists you in maintaining contact with your family and home country, and gives you a break from your studies.

You are not eligible for home leave if you:

• are a postgraduate student

• have brought any of your dependants with you to New Zealand

• are a senior medical student between your fifth and sixth year of study

• are a medical or pharmacy student between your final year and internship year.

Please check with your ISO adviser regarding your eligibility for home leave.

REUNION TRAVELTo qualify for reunion travel, you must be an unaccompanied postgraduate student in New Zealand and have left all dependent family members, defined as partner/spouse and children, in your home country. If you do not have dependants or if any of them live with you in New Zealand, you are not eligible for reunion travel.

The reunion travel entitlement is to be used by awardees returning to their home country for a reunion visit and must be taken outside semester time for students in taught courses. The awardee must ensure that they return to their institution in New Zealand in sufficient time for the start of the semester.

Research students who are expected to continue studying outside of semester time should contact their ISO adviser

Scholarship length

Reunion airfare entitlement

End of year 1 End of year 2 End of year 3 End of year 4

1 year or less No

1.5 years No

2 years Yes No

2.5 years Yes No

3 years Yes Yes No

3.5 years Yes Yes No

4 years Yes Yes Yes No

REUNION AIRFARE TABLE:


and research supervisor to determine an appropriate time and duration for their reunion visit.

If you choose to self-fund any of your dependants to live with you in New Zealand you will forfeit all reunion airfare entitlements for the duration of the scholarship. If you bring a dependant to New Zealand to visit for longer than three months, you forfeit the reunion airfare that would ordinarily be available at the end of that year. A reunion airfare cannot be used to bring a dependant to New Zealand.

The number of reunion airfares you are entitled to depends on the duration of your qualification. You must have a full academic year of study remaining after each reunion airfare. A scholarship extension does not entitle you to an additional reunion airfare entitlement.

COMPASSIONATE TRAVELIf you are not covered by your insurance provider, a return economy air ticket may be funded on a case-by-case basis for students to travel to their home country for compassionate travel in response to the death or imminent death of an immediate family member. Immediate family members include your parents, siblings, spouse/partner, children, or grandparents.

Compassionate travel is generally available only once during the scholarship. Your stipend will continue to be paid during your absence for a maximum of four weeks. In some circumstances it may be more appropriate for you to defer your scholarship (refer to page 29 – Changes to your scholarship).

You must contact the ISO adviser if you wish to apply for compassionate travel. You will need to provide medical verification of the family member’s death or imminent death.

OVERSEAS TRAVEL FOR WORK PRACTICUMS OR OVERSEAS FIELDWORKReturn travel will be provided if you are an undergraduate student and you are required to return home for a compulsory work practicum (e.g. a teaching practicum).

Return travel is also provided for postgraduate research students to undertake approved overseas fieldwork (home-located research). Refer to page 34 – Postgraduate student information.

PRIVATE TRAVELIf you undertake any travel outside New Zealand, you must tell your ISO adviser before you leave. You may undertake private travel within New Zealand, at your own expense. All travel must be undertaken in the institution’s holiday period and not during the semester; exceptions to this can be made for research students at the institution’s discretion.

You should not miss any class time or coursework due to private travel, and it must not affect your studies or completion date. You must return to your institution in time to recommence your studies at the beginning of the semester.

Before you undertake any private travel, check your insurance policy to see whether you are covered for the travel. If you are not, you must arrange further cover (either an upgrade or a new policy), at your own expense, for the time of your travel.

TRAVEL COSTS YOU MUST PAYYou must pay the following costs for travel to and from your home country:

• passport costs, including renewal of passports

• transit visa fees for private or unnecessary stopovers

• all stopover costs if your stopover is for longer than the absolute minimum time required


• incidental travel costs, such as snacks, phone calls, and taxis

• unaccompanied and excess baggage costs

• the cost of travel above the most direct and economical route to your home country

• internal travel within your home country

• all travel costs for any dependants who are accompanying you.

In addition, while you are studying you must pay travel costs associated with:

• seminars, conferences, workshops, or other similar events

• daily travel costs to and from your institution

• daily travel costs to your teaching practicum or any other workplace or institution you are attending as part of your studies.

POSTGRADUATE STUDENT INFORMATIONPOSTGRADUATE RESEARCH ALLOWANCEIf you are a postgraduate student enrolled in a PhD or in a Masters degree with a research component of at least 120 credits, you will be eligible for a postgraduate research allowance to contribute towards essential fieldwork or research.

The allowance is paid once during the scholarship, usually at the time that the research or fieldwork component of the qualification is carried out.

POSTGRADUATE THESIS ALLOWANCEThe postgraduate thesis allowance is a contribution towards the costs of proofreading, printing, and binding a thesis for Masters and PhD students.

The allowance will reimburse you for actual and reasonable costs incurred within the maximum available under the allowance. Depending on your actual costs, the amount you receive may be less than the maximum allowance.

Where practical, you should also make use of the thesis support provided by your institution, such as:

• postgraduate thesis writing seminars

• individual appointments with student learning support services regarding writing, editing, and proofreading

• reimbursement for thesis costs (available from some faculties and universities).

HOME-LOCATED RESEARCH FOR POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTSIf you are a postgraduate student enrolled in a PhD or a Masters degree with a research component of at least 120 credits, you are expected to undertake your fieldwork in your home country. This is so that the fieldwork is under local conditions and can contribute to your country’s development and research resources. Carrying out fieldwork in your home country can also support you in developing and maintaining professional and employment networks in your home country that will be of assistance when you return home at the end of your scholarship.

If your research requires fieldwork to be undertaken in a developing country other than your own, you will need to make a case outlining why this fieldwork will better contribute to the development of your home country rather than fieldwork in your home country. Contact your ISO adviser for further information about seeking MFAT approval.

In most cases MFAT will not fund fieldwork to be undertaken in a developed country,


including New Zealand. However, MFAT may allow some awardees to undertake fieldwork in New Zealand where there are strong development benefits for your country; for example, laboratory-based work or a comparative study. Contact your ISO adviser for further information about seeking MFAT approval.

You must meet with your ISO adviser to work out a plan for your home-located research and associated travel at least three months in advance of the fieldwork. The plan should include an itinerary, budget, and description of research, and supporting documents from your supervisor. Your ISO adviser will forward a copy of the plan to MFAT and seek approval from MFAT if required.

HOME-LOCATED RESEARCH INFORMATION• Home-located research entitlements

are limited to payment of your airfare to and from the destination of overseas research and a postgraduate research allowance to assist with additional costs related to the fieldwork/research.

• Travel between multiple research locations will not be funded by MFAT.

• The maximum period for home-located research is up to three months for Masters awardees and up to six months for PhD awardees.

• Your stipend will continue to be paid at the same rate up to a maximum duration of the home-located research.

• The fieldwork should not result in the need for a scholarship extension.

• Generally, there is only provision for one period of home-located research over the duration of a scholarship. In exceptional circumstances, MFAT recognises that some research may require two periods of overseas fieldwork – usually for PhD research – but this should be discussed with your

ISO adviser as early in the research planning as possible.

• Check with your ISO adviser that your insurance policy will cover you during your home-located research, and if so, for what duration. Please note the following.

• If your insurance policy provides basic insurance cover for time spent in your home country during your scholarship, and of sufficient duration for you to complete your home-located research, MFAT will not fund any additional insurance cover for the period of home-located research.

• If your insurance policy does not cover time spent in your home country during your scholarship, or does not allow a sufficient duration in your home country for you to complete your research, MFAT will fund the purchase of basic insurance cover for either the entire period of home-located research or for the additional period.

NOTES:


PHD STUDENT INFORMATIONPLAN FOR THE FINAL STAGES OF THE PHDYour ISO adviser will work with you to create a plan for the final stages of your PhD, including thesis submission, travel between New Zealand and the home country if required, oral examinations, and completion of other thesis-related tasks such as publication. Once the PhD plan is completed, your institution will submit the plan to MFAT.

PHD ORAL EXAMINATIONS In most cases PhD candidates are required by their institution to undertake oral examinations in New Zealand. This examination is usually held between one to six months following submission of the thesis. Return travel to New Zealand for oral examinations must be taken within one year of thesis submission.

AWAITING THE ORAL EXAMINATIONIn most cases you will be required to return to your home country to await the oral examination. Allowances and entitlements are not payable while you are out of New Zealand awaiting the oral examination.

If the date for your oral examination is within three months of thesis submission, and if the costs of you remaining in New Zealand for three months are less than the costs of return travel to your home

country, your ISO adviser will recommend to MFAT that you remain in New Zealand to await the oral examination. Your ISO adviser will advise you of MFAT’s decision. If you are approved to remain in New Zealand to await the oral examination, you will continue to receive scholarship allowances and entitlements.

COMPLETING THESIS-RELATED TASKSPhD awardees can seek approval from MFAT (via their ISO adviser) to remain in New Zealand for up to three months after the oral examination if there are essential thesis-related tasks to complete, such as corrections or preparation for publication. Evidence about the nature, duration, and benefits to your home country of the required tasks will be required from your thesis supervisor.

Time in New Zealand for the purposes of oral examinations and/or the completion of thesis-related tasks is additional to the maxmimum four-year duration for a PhD scholarship. It is an additional study period and is not considered an extension. If you are approved to remain in New Zealand following the oral examination, you will be entitled to receive entitlements and allowances that apply to your scholarship, including final travel home.

INFORMATION FOR DEPENDANTSMFAT does not provide financial support for the dependants of scholarship students, but does provide some non-financial entitlements while the dependants are in New Zealand.

DEFINTION OF DEPENDANTSDependants are defined as the awardee’s spouse/partner and children under 19 years of age. A partner is someone you are in a de facto relationship with. You must have been living together at the same

address in a stable relationship – ‘akin to a marriage’ – for at least one year.

HEALTH CARE FOR DEPENDANTSAny dependent family members living with you in New Zealand are entitled to the same government-funded health assistance in public hospitals as New Zealand citizens.

However, if you bring family members with you to New Zealand you must also arrange and pay for health and travel insurance


that covers them. Contact your institution for further information.

SCHOOLING All school-age dependants of New Zealand Aid Programme - funded scholarship students are treated as domestic students in New Zealand schools. As domestic students they are entitled to enrolment at their local zoned state school. MFAT does not provide any funding for school fees or for any other schooling costs for dependent children.

IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEPENDANTSIf you wish to bring your spouse/partner and/or children to New Zealand, you are responsible for ensuring that they meet all

Immigration New Zealand requirements (e.g. hold valid visas, have evidence of sufficient funds). You are also responsible for paying any immigration-related costs and for ensuring that your dependants’ passports remain current during their stay.

EMPLOYMENT FOR PARTNERSPartners of scholarship holders may be granted a full work visa for the duration of the scholarship, provided they meet Immigration New Zealand requirements, including evidence of funds. For further information on current requirements contact Immigration New Zealand: www.immigration.govt.nz.

IMMIGRATION AND VISAS ON AWARDPASSPORTS AND VISASWhile you are on scholarship you must hold a valid passport and visa at all times. Do not let your passport or visa expire while you are in New Zealand. Information about visas is available from Immigration New Zealand at www.immigration.govt.nz.

If you lose your passport or it is stolen, you must re-apply for a replacement at your nearest embassy or consulate immediately. You will also need to apply to Immigration New Zealand for a replacement visa.

Do not change or apply to change your visa type while you are in New Zealand without first obtaining permission from MFAT through your ISO adviser. Special immigration requirements apply to MFAT-funded scholarship awardees and their dependants. Changing your visa type without approval (e.g. from a student visa to a visitor visa) may result in your scholarship being terminated immediately, and you would be required to repay in full the total cost of your scholarship.

NEW ZEALAND PERMANENT RESIDENCYScholarship students and their dependants must not apply for, or be granted, New Zealand permanent residency while they are on an MFAT-funded scholarship or within two years of completing their scholarship.

If you or your dependants apply for, or are granted, New Zealand permanent residency while you are on scholarship, your scholarship will be terminated immediately.

If you apply for, or are granted, permanent residency or a work visa, you will be required to repay the full costs of your scholarship to the New Zealand Government. (Note that a student visa that allows you to work is not considered a work visa.) Your Letter of Scholarship Offer states the estimated cost of your scholarship that will need to be repaid.

All your allowances will cease immediately. Immigration New Zealand will be advised of the termination of your scholarship.


WORKING IN NEW ZEALANDAll NZS, NZDS, NZPS, NZAS, and Commonwealth Scholarship student visas issued by Immigration New Zealand will permit employment of up to a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year, and for full-time hours during holidays within the academic year and the long study break over the Christmas and New Year period.

Some postgraduate students may also be permitted to work full-time during the academic year.

Before deciding whether or not to work while you are studying, carefully consider how it will affect your study. You are strongly discouraged from working 20 hours per week during the year, as this is a significant time commitment and will reduce the time and energy you have to focus on your studies.

If you wish to work part-time during the

year, discuss with your ISO adviser how many work hours per week are realistic for you. Depending on your academic performance and personal circumstances, your ISO adviser may recommend that you do not work at all while studying.

Completing your qualification within the original scholarship offer duration is your priority. Scholarship extensions will not be granted to students who have performed poorly or fallen behind in their studies due to work commitments.

If, in breach of your scholarship declaration, you apply for a work visa to remain in, or return to, New Zealand to work during or within two years of completion of your scholarship, Immigration New Zealand will advise MFAT and your application will be declined.

DEBT TO THE NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENTSome breaches of conditions of scholarship will result in you incurring a debt to the New Zealand Government.

If you incur a debt to the New Zealand Government, the amount of the debt will equal the total cost of your scholarship including actual tuition fees, airfares, allowances, and other costs paid to you or on your behalf by the New Zealand

Government in relation to the scholarship.

To discharge the debt, you will either have to return home and work for a period of two years in your home country or repay the total amount of the debt in one lump sum. Action will be taken to recover this debt.

EVALUATION OF YOUR SCHOLARSHIPMFAT is required to evaluate the effectiveness of its scholarship schemes. Scholarship evaluations may be undertaken either by MFAT staff or their representatives, and may take place in New Zealand while you are studying or following completion of your scholarship in your home country.

In the scholarship declaration, you agree to participate in evaluation of the MFAT scholarships as necessary. Your participation will assist MFAT to ensure that the scholarships meet the goals of the schemes (such as assisting in building human resource capacity of developing countries) as well as provide a positive experience for scholarship students.


NOTES:


PREPARING to Return Home


Now is the exciting part – using your new knowledge

to help your country to develop

As a New Zealand Scholar you are now part of a

worldwide network, so stay connected

Make sure you have completed everything your

institution needs


RETURNING HOMEThe purpose of your scholarship is for you to gain knowledge and skills so that you can contribute to your country’s development when you return home after completing your scholarship.

You and any dependants are therefore required to return to your home country within 14 days of your scholarship completion (once you have completed

your final examination, submitted your final assignment, or submitted your thesis) for a period of at least two years. You are permitted to make short visits to New Zealand on a visitor visa during this time, subject to meeting Immigration New Zealand visa requirements.

REINTEGRATION BRIEFINGSYour institution will provide reintegration briefings for you in your final semester prior to your departure for your home country. The briefings will provide you with practical information and assistance to support you to transition smoothly to life and employment in your home country. Attendance is required. The topics will include:

• preparing for re-entry and reverse culture shock

• CV writing

• interview preparation

• survey of student experience of the scholarship.

If required, your ISO adviser can also provide you with additional information and support to assist you in preparing to return home.

GETTING READY TO RETURN HOMEThroughout your scholarship we encourage you to plan and prepare for using your new skills and knowledge to benefit your country once you return home. The more you prepare, the easier it will be for you to settle back into your community and employment in your home country.

In your final semester, ensure you complete the following.

• Attend all re-integration briefings provided by your institution. This will ensure your CV is up-to-date, and that you have refreshed your job interview skills.

• Contact your employer, potential employers, or recruitment agencies in your home country to discuss job opportunities.

• Contact the New Zealand diplomatic post for your country to find out about scholarship alumni activities in your country or region.

• Make arrangements to pack up your belongings, and decide whether to arrange excess baggage (pre-booked through your airline) or unaccompanied baggage (through a shipping provider).

DEPARTUREYou must leave New Zealand within 14 days of the completion or termination of your scholarship, following your final

examination or following submission of your thesis (for research students). Your allowances and entitlements will be paid


up to a maximum of 14 days following scholarship completion. Your ISO adviser arranges final travel to your home country on completion of your scholarship.

If your study is completed within a shorter period of time than that shown in your Letter of Scholarship Offer, the length of your scholarship will be shortened accordingly and you will no longer be

entitled to stay in New Zealand until the end date in the original offer.

Scholarship students and their dependants are not permitted to remain in New Zealand to seek employment, for medical treatment, to continue education, or for any other reason after the scholarship has been completed.

GRADUATION AND COMPLETION CEREMONIESIf your institution’s graduation ceremony will occur close to the end of your scholarship, it may be possible for you to remain in New Zealand to attend. If you wish to attend graduation you must discuss this with your ISO adviser. Stipends will cease 14 days after the end of your scholarship, but you will retain the return airfare to your home country. Your ISO adviser will seek permission from MFAT on your behalf. You must also contact Immigration New Zealand to ensure your visa is valid.

If your graduation ceremony occurs after you have returned home, you may apply to Immigration New Zealand for a short-term visitor visa for you to return to New Zealand for graduation. No stipends or travel costs are paid by MFAT.

Your institution may arrange an early graduation or completion ceremony for scholarship students who cannot attend graduation. Please contact your ISO adviser for further information.

STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT – NEW ZEALAND CITIZENSWhen you have completed your scholarship obligations you will be entitled to have the balance of your StudyLink Student Loan repaid by MFAT under the conditions stated in your Letter of Scholarship Offer. Repayment excludes any loan balance incurred for study outside of the scholarship.

In order for MFAT to repay your StudyLink Student Loan, MFAT will require you to provide a statement from StudyLink or the New Zealand Inland Revenue Department stating the balance of your StudyLink Student Loan at the end of your scholarship and on request during the subsequent 2 year period. You will receive information about this process prior to your scholarship completion.

If you do not return to your home country within 14 days of your scholarship completion, you will be required to repay your remaining Student Loan balance to the New Zealand Inland Revenue Department as per the Student Loan Scheme Act. This involves either repayments based on your income if you are in New Zealand, or repayments based on your loan balance if you are outside New Zealand. If you do not return to your home country you will be in breach of the conditions of your scholarship, and you may also be required to refund MFAT the total costs of your scholarship (excluding costs paid by StudyLink).


NOTES:


ANNEXES Code of ConductUseful Terms & Websites


Purpose:

1. The purpose of the Code of Scholarship Student Conduct is:

a. To set clear expectations of scholarship student behaviour.

b. To encourage high standards of conduct by scholarship students.

Who the code applies to:

2. This Code of Scholarship Student Conduct applies:

a. To all students who are awarded a scholarship funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme, including any of the following scholarships;

i. New Zealand Scholarship

ii. New Zealand Development Scholarship

iii. New Zealand ASEAN Scholars Award

iv. New Zealand Pacific Scholarship

v. Commonwealth Scholarship

vi. Short Term Training Award

b. From the date of departure from the home country for New Zealand, until arrival in the home country on completion of the scholarship.

Requirements of scholarship student conduct:

3. Scholarship students will:

a. Treat other students, university staff, MFAT staff, and the public with respect.

b. Act with honesty and integrity at all times, including when submitting assignments and information to your education institution and when accessing and using education institution systems.

c. Act in a manner that reflects your role as a representative of your home country, the scholarship, and your education institution.

d. Obey the laws of New Zealand.

e. Comply with the code of student conduct at the institution at which you are studying.

4. Scholarship students will not engage in behaviour that:

a. Damages the reputation of the scholarship programme, their home country, New Zealand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, their family, or themselves;

b. Is disruptive to other students at their institution or to the local community;

c. Results in, or can be reasonably expected to result in, damage to property of any person;

d. Is violent, threatening, intimidating, or constitutes harassment of a person or group.

CODE OF SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT CONDUCTFor scholarships awarded by the New Zealand Aid Programme and managed by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.


NZS New Zealand Scholarship

NZDS New Zealand Development Scholarship

NZAS New Zealand ASEAN Scholars awards

NZPS New Zealand Pacific Scholarship

MFAT Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

ISO International Students’ Office

Awardee Individual who has been offered and has accepted a scholarship

Stipend Living allowance

Dependants Partner/spouse and children under 19

Partner Someone you are in a de facto relationship with. You must have been living together at the same address in a stable relationship – ‘akin to a marriage’ – for at least one year.

Undergraduate A student who has not yet been awarded a bachelor degree and is studying towards a certificate, diploma, or bachelor degree.

Postgraduate A student who has previously been awarded a bachelor degree and is now studying towards a higher degree.

USEFUL TERMS


USEFUL WEBSITES

The New Zealand Aid Programmewww.aid.govt.nz

New Zealand Aid Programme scholarships

www.aid.govt.nz/schols

StudyLink

www.studylink.govt.nz

Inland Revenue Department – IRD number application

www.ird.govt.nz/how-to/irdnumbers/

Immigration New Zealand

www.immigration.govt.nz

www.studyinnewzealand.com


New Zealand SCHOLARSHIPS

www.aid.govt.nz/schols

Date post:	10-Feb-2017
Category:	Documents
Upload:	dokhanh
View:	228 times
Download:	0 times

pdf SCHOLARSHIPS File size

Documents