Overview
The NZELTO scheme provide an opportunity for Foreign Ministry officials from a range of African countries to undertake an intensive ten-week English language course in New Zealand. The objective is to enhance the English language skills of participating officials to enable them to represent their countries effectively in international forums where English is the medium of communication, and to strengthen ties with New Zealand and between participating countries.
In-country pre-programme
communication
July – August 2026
Information will be sent to officials.
There will be online meetings to convey key programme information and engage with all participants via Zoom.
There will be pre-departure briefings held online in conjunction with Posts where relevant.
In NZ at Victoria University of Wellington (VUW)
10 September – 20 November 2026
- 10 weeks
- Introduction to New Zealand culture, society, New Zealand’s economy, New Zealand’s system of government and International issues
- Guest speakers and workshops
- Ministry & theme related visits
- Field Trip
Possible Participants
The NZELTO Africa programme is for mid-level Foreign Ministry officials whose current or future work requires dialogue with English-speaking countries and involvement in international forums where English is the primary language.
Eligible countries are:
Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Madagascar, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Republic of the Congo, São Tomé and Principe, Senegal, Togo, Tunisia.
To be elegible for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship, all the following statements must be true:
- From the date my application is submitted, I will have lived in my country of citizenship for the last two years or more.
- Exception for diplomatic corps and their family: A member of the diplomatic corps or a dependant of a member of the diplomatic corps, living outside their own country, can apply for a Scholarship.
- I am not a citizen or permanent resident of any of the following countries: New Zealand, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, any European Union country, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America.
- Exceptions: Applicants who possess dual citizenship where the second citizenship is either Portugal, France or Belgium can also supply
- I will be between the ages of 25 – 45 years old at the time I start the scholarship.
- I am not currently serving in the military.
- Within the last five years, I have not had a New Zealand Scholarship terminated.
Applicants must also acknowledge and agree that:
- They have received endorsement from their employer to attend this training programme
- They expect to meet the academic entry requirements (including English language requirements) for their planned training programme.
Selection Criteria
Individual applicants should meet the following criteria:
- English language proficiency IELTS 4.5 – 5.5 or equivalent
- Foreign Ministry official in a junior to mid-level position (First, Second or Third Secretary or equivalent level)
- Needs to use English frequently for work
- Age range 25 – 45
- Are not currently serving in the Military
Consideration is also given to:
- the balance of representation from across the continent, so that no one geographic area is overrepresented in the intake
- the balance of languages, so that no one language is overrepresented in the intake
- the respective seniority of applicants from any one country; ideally applicants from the same country will be of similar seniority
- equal representation of women and men, as practical