The Nanaaki NZ Scholarships continue to open doors for professionals across ASEAN and the Pacific by offering high‑impact, fully funded short courses designed to strengthen leadership, technical expertise, and sector‑specific capacity. The 2026 cycle features a diverse set of programmes delivered either online or in New Zealand, each tailored to address critical development priorities such as public health, trade policy, geothermal energy, disaster risk reduction, and public sector leadership.
This comprehensive article provides a broad, SEO‑optimized overview of all available programmes, including delivery format, course dates, application deadlines, and detailed eligibility requirements. It is designed to help applicants understand the full scope of opportunities and prepare for a successful application.
Overview of Available Programmes for 2026
The 2026 Nanaaki NZ Scholarships offer the following short courses:
- Public Health Management (Online)
- Trade Policy (In New Zealand)
- Public Sector Leadership – Mid Level (In New Zealand)
- Geothermal Energy Project Management (In New Zealand)
- Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience – Online (1)
Each programme targets mid‑level professionals with at least five years of relevant experience and intermediate English proficiency.
1. Public Health Management (Online)
Delivery: Online Course Dates: 19 October – 20 November 2026 Applications Open: 2 August 2026
Programme Description
This online course equips mid‑level public health professionals with advanced management skills to strengthen health systems, improve service delivery, and enhance public health outcomes. Participants gain exposure to global best practices, leadership strategies, and practical tools for managing public health programmes.
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship from: ASEAN Secretariat, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, or Viet Nam
- At least five years of relevant work experience in a public health management role
- Intermediate English language proficiency
2. Trade Policy (In New Zealand)
Delivery: In New Zealand Course Dates: 19 October – 6 November 2026 Applications Close: 19 July 2026
Programme Description
This course strengthens the capacity of trade policy professionals to analyze, negotiate, and implement trade agreements. Participants engage with New Zealand’s trade experts, explore global trade frameworks, and develop practical skills in policy formulation and international economic cooperation.
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship from: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, Viet Nam, Indonesia, Philippines, ASEAN Secretariat, Timor Leste, or Malaysia
- At least five years of relevant work experience in the trade policy sector
- Intermediate English language proficiency
3. Public Sector Leadership – Mid Level (In New Zealand)
Delivery: In New Zealand Course Dates: 12 October – 6 November 2026 Applications Close: 12 July 2026
Programme Description
This programme focuses on enhancing leadership capabilities among mid‑level public service officials. Participants learn strategic planning, governance, ethical leadership, and public sector innovation, preparing them to lead reforms and improve public service delivery.
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship from: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, Viet Nam, Indonesia, Philippines, ASEAN Secretariat, Timor Leste, Malaysia, Brunei, or Singapore
- At least five years of relevant work experience in the public service
- Intermediate English language proficiency
4. Geothermal Energy Project Management (In New Zealand)
Delivery: In New Zealand Course Dates: 19 October – 17 November 2026 Applications Close: 26 July 2026
Programme Description
This specialized course supports professionals in the geothermal energy sector by strengthening their project management, exploration, drilling, procurement, and strategic planning skills. Participants engage with New Zealand’s world‑leading geothermal experts and visit operational sites.
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizenship from: Indonesia or the Philippines
- At least five years of relevant work experience in geothermal energy
- Suitable roles include: exploration manager, drilling manager, procurement manager, construction manager, project manager, or strategic planning roles
- Intermediate English language proficiency
5. Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience – Online (1)
Delivery: Online Course Dates: 21 September – 23 October 2026 Applications Close: 12 July 2026
Programme Description
This online course strengthens the capacity of disaster risk reduction (DRR) practitioners to build resilience, reduce vulnerabilities, and improve preparedness. Participants explore risk assessment, early warning systems, community resilience, and climate‑related disaster management.
Eligibility Requirements
- At least five years of relevant work experience in disaster risk reduction
- Intermediate English language proficiency
Why These Programmes Matter
These short courses are designed to:
- Strengthen regional capacity in critical development sectors
- Support mid‑career professionals in advancing their leadership and technical skills
- Foster collaboration between New Zealand and ASEAN member states
- Promote sustainable development, resilience, and innovation across the region
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their applications through the official Nanaaki NZ Scholarships portal once applications open. Each programme has its own deadline, so applicants should prepare early and ensure all documents meet the requirements.
Apply here
For more information about this opportunity visit here
Discover more scholarship opportunities here
