New Zealand PM announces scholarships worth Rs 1.3 million for Indian students, virtual internships

NEW DELHI: New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, at an event at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, announced a scholarship package worth 26,000 New Zealand dollars, emphasising academic collaboration between New Zealand and India. The event marked the progress of the New Zealand centre, which connects all New Zealand universities with IIT Delhi.

PM Luxon announced the scholarship package under the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) 2025. A Virtual Internship Programme was also announced at the event, giving 30 IIT Delhi students the chance to intern remotely with New Zealand companies.

The event also highlighted joint research between New Zealand and India in fields such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, disaster resilience, and advanced engineering.

“Notably, a collaborative project between the University of Canterbury and IIT Delhi is leveraging geospatial data for climate change mitigation, aligning with India’s national sustainability goals and demonstrating a shared commitment to tackling global challenges through innovation and research,” the official press release said.

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New Zealand-India collaboration agreements

The press release further stated that New Zealand and Indian institutions are set to sign multiple agreements to enhance collaboration in student mobility, research, and academic exchange.

The event also featured a fireside chat with distinguished New Zealand alumni, including singer and actress Shirley Setia (University of Auckland) and Ashwani Batla, Assistant Director at Dharma Productions (University of Waikato). They shared insights into their academic journeys in New Zealand and how their experiences shaped their careers.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated, “New Zealand and India share a reciprocal education partnership, built on academic excellence and cultural exchange. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, we remain committed to equipping students with the skills needed to succeed on the global stage. Through the initiatives announced today, we are fostering deeper connections and empowering future leaders and innovators.”