DILI, 22 january 2026 (TATOLI) — The New Zealand Government has opened applications for its 2026 Manaaki New Zealand Thematic Short Term Training Scholarships, offering five specialised programmes for professionals from eligible ASEAN countries aimed at strengthening skills and supporting social and economic development across the region.
The scholarships cover five programmes: Good Governance, Geothermal Energy Project Management, Renewable Energy, Public Sector Leadership and Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience.
The Good Governance course will be delivered online from 30 March to 1 May 2026, with applications closing on 25 January at 11:59pm New Zealand Standard Time.
It is open to citizens of the ASEAN Secretariat and member states, including Timor-Leste, who hold middle or senior management positions with at least five years of relevant work experience and intermediate English proficiency.
The Geothermal Energy Project Management programme will take place in New Zealand from 20 April to 19 May 2026, with applications closing on 18 January at 11:59pm NZST.
It is available to professionals from Indonesia and the Philippines working in geothermal energy in roles such as exploration, drilling, procurement, construction and project management.
The Renewable Energy programme will run in New Zealand from 25 May to 23 June 2026, and applications close on 22 February at 11:59pm NZST.
It is open to mid-level professionals from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Timor-Leste and Viet Nam who are involved in renewable energy projects.
The Public Sector Leadership – Mid Level course will be held in New Zealand from 8 June to 3 July 2026, with applications opening on 26 January.
It targets mid-level public service officials from ASEAN countries, including Timor-Leste, who have at least five years of experience and intermediate English skills.
A fifth programme, Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience, will also be delivered in New Zealand in 2026, although course dates have yet to be confirmed and applications are not currently open.
All programmes require a minimum of five years’ relevant professional experience and intermediate English proficiency.
Further details on eligibility criteria and application procedures are available on the official Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships website.
Journalist: Cidalia Fátima
Editor: Armandina Moniz
Translation: Camilio de Sousa
