The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), in partnership with the Pacific Cooperation Foundation (PCF), offers current Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship students from the Pacific studying at undergraduate and postgraduate level the opportunity to gain work experience in New Zealand over the summer period.

The purpose of the internships is for Manaaki scholars to gain professional experience through work with reputable New Zealand companies and government organisations, to develop professional networks, and to improve their readiness for employment on return to their home country.

Internships will last 6 weeks from November until February. All internships are unpaid; however, PCF will provide a stipend for the period of the internship to cover the costs of travel to the workplace and clothing. Normal stipends paid through the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme will continue during the internship.

Host employers and organisations will provide work in a specialist field, resources required to undertake that work, supervision, and mentoring for the duration of the internship.

A selection panel considers all applications, and preference will be given to students who are strong academically, of excellent character, have community or volunteering experience, and can clearly articulate why they are seeking an internship and what they hope to learn.

The host employer will then review shortlisted applicants for final placement decisions (interviews may be requested by the host agency). All applicants are advised on the outcome of their application by October.

We welcome applications from right around Aotearoa, NZ. We will endeavour to place you in an employer in your city of study. For example, if you are in Dunedin, we will endeavour to find a host employer in Dunedin to accommodate you.