Scholarship Programs for students in 2026
Are you ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in 2026? The Goethe-Institut New Zealand offers fantastic scholarship programs that promise unforgettable experiences, personal growth, and lifelong memories. Whether you dream of exploring Germany, competing on an international stage, or immersing yourself in the German language right here in New Zealand, we have something for you.
Theatertage: Theatre Workshop Scholarship - 22-24 May 2026 (Auckland)
- Level: Suitable for high school students learning German (approx. A1–B1)
- Eligibility: Students must be enrolled at a New Zealand secondary school and learning German (full eligibility criteria to be confirmed)
- Application deadline: 15 December 2025
- Duration: 3 days, 22-24 May 2026
- Location: Aarangi Motel in Auckland
- Available Spots: Up to 16 students
- Includes: Flights, accommodation, workshop participation, all materials, and all meals
- Scholarship value: Approx. 550 EUR
- Description: Take part in a dynamic three-day theatre workshop facilitated by a German speaking Kiwi actor. Develop your German language skills through creative expression, improvisation, and performance. This unique program offers an inspiring environment to build confidence, collaborate, and bring German to life on stage.
International German Olympics (IDO) - 13-22 July 2026 (Mannheim)
- Eligibility: Eligible Students must not have German as a heritage language, students must not have lived in Germany for more than six consecutive months after the age of three + obenstehende Zulassungskriterien für alle Programme
- Application deadline: 15 December 2025
- Duration: 8 days plus travel days
- Location: Mannheim, Germany
- 2 spots available
- Scholarship value: Approx. 5150 EUR
- Description: Represent New Zealand in the International German Olympics 2026 in Mannheim. Compete against students of German from around the world. Show off your language skills and cultural knowledge on this global stage. Students will be accompanied by a teacher. To get an impression of the IDO, see this video and this impression from the IDO 2024 in Göttingen
PASCH-Jugendkurs
- Level: Suitable for students at any level of German (beginners to advanced).
- Eligibility: Eligible students must be enrolled at one of our PASCH-schools in New Zealand (Lynfield College, Pakuranga College, Heretaunga College, Burnside High School, Ashburton College, John McGlashan College, Columba College) + eligibility criteria for all programs above
- Application deadline: 15 December 2025
- Duration: TBC, likely between June and July
- Location: TBC, somewhere in Germany
- Available Spots: 1 student each from our 7 PASCH-schools in New Zealand
- Includes: Flights, accommodation, travel insurance, the cost of all meals and 25 EUR pocket money per week.
- Scholarship value: Approx. 6240 EUR
- Description: Spend an unforgettable summer in Germany with fellow PASCH-school students from across the globe. Enjoy daily German lessons, explore the country's cultural treasures, and make friends for a lifetime.
Calling All Teachers: We encourage you to promote these incredible scholarship opportunities within your schools, offering your students a chance to embark on exciting educational journeys. These scholarships are designed to enrich their knowledge of the German language, culture, and society, fostering personal growth and international connections.
“The time I spent in Bremen will stick with me forever! Not only did I make amazing lifelong friends from around the world, I also learned the most German I ever have there through immersion and fun, engaging lessons. Being there also helped me to become a more confident person - not only in using German but also in everyday life! Ich kann diesen Kurs nicht genug empfehlen!!”
