To promote a culture of care for scholars and service to the community, Misamis University co-hosted an information session on New Zealand’s Manaaki Postgraduate Scholarship on March 17, 2026. With roots in Mindanao, Ms. Dyan Mabunga (Head of International Development Cooperation, New Zealand Embassy) led the session, which was attended by MU deans, department heads, and students, as well as coordinators from Community Extension and Linkages. In line with promoting a hybrid and inclusive setup, Ms. Mabunga also facilitated a simultaneous Zoom meeting attended by MU faculty and staff, along with colleagues from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

With New Zealand granting scholarships since the 1950s, Manaaki Scholarships wanted diverse sectoral and regional representations across the Philippines. Ms. Mabunga hopes that there will soon be a first New Zealand Scholar from Misamis University and Misamis Occidental. With last year’s applications reaching 3,000, the program increased the number of slots for Filipinos to 44, up from 14.

The New Zealand Manaaki Postgraduate Scholarships is a fully funded program with a 100% online application process, which opened on March 1. Ms. Mabunga urged participants to visit the official website and Facebook page for more information. Applicants can check their eligibility status on the website, and if deemed eligible, they are advised to prepare their top two preferred courses and universities. As a tip, visiting university websites to explore course offerings is highly recommended. Preference is given to programs that align with the applicant’s undergraduate degree and work experience.

The universities to choose from are among the top 2% in the QS World Rankings: Auckland University of Technology, Lincoln University, Massey University, the University of Auckland, the University of Canterbury, the University of Otago, the University of Waikato, and Victoria University of Wellington. The recommended themes include Climate Resilience; Science and the Environment; Economic Resilience and the Private Sector; Food Safety and Agriculture; Governance; and Infrastructure.