
In partnership with The University of Auckland, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, and IndoGenius, we are proud to bring you the 3rd edition of the PMSA Reimagining India Study Tour in 2024!
About the Programme
Reimagining India is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students to engage with India. Alumni from this programme describe it as a life-changing highlight of their University experience.
This carefully curated programme introduces New Zealanders to India's extraordinary diversity and showcases New Zealand culture and education to the people of India.
Following in the footsteps of previous PMSA cohorts, 24 students from across New Zealand (5 from Waikato) will make their way across the Indian subcontinent from Tamil Nadu to the Himalayas, visiting key cities along the way, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Delhi.
The 6-week experiential learning program includes visits to dozens of Indian institutions, companies, NGOs and government bodies, including strategic interactions designed to enhance the NZ-India bilateral relationship as well as the personal development of the students themselves.
Students participating in the six-week intensive course will be expected to gain:
- On-the-ground experience helping you to conceptualize how India fits into your studies and careers.
- A network of Indian mentors and peers helping you to develop relationships and deepen your understanding of the Indian dimensions of your work or study.
- An immersive cultural experience to familiarize you with various customs, norms, celebrations, foods, performing arts, etc.
- An introduction to India's past, present and future from an interdisciplinary standpoint, with a focus on growth and opportunity.
- Introduction to the Hindi language.
Read student stories written by the 2023 cohort.
Programme Itinerary
Before travelling, the group will be introduced to India through a six-week online course combining live sessions and recordings. The 2023 cohort found this very beneficial as it prepared them for the in-country visit and gave them an opportunity to connect with other students on the programme, the IndoGenius team, and various guest experts.
Upon arrival in India, the group will follow an intense schedule that includes expert talks, language/yoga/dance classes, group reflection sessions, and visits to sites of historical and cultural relevance, factories, NGOs, and companies.
Upon return, participants are invited to participate in debriefing sessions that will prompt you to reflect and process your experiences through this journey, bringing the program to a closure.
Travel Itinerary
Students selected for participation in this PMSA-funded group programme will depart from Auckland as a group at 3:15pm on 6 January 2024, with one night spent in the Aerotel in Singapore, before arriving in Chennai at 8:50am for the start of the programme on 7 January 2024. The group will return together, landing in Auckland at approximately 1:20pm on 17 February 2024.
It is important to note that flights have already been reserved and journey alterations will not be possible, so all applicants must be available between these dates.
The detailed programme itinerary for activities in India will be available closer to the start of the programme.
Eligibility
All applicants must be currently enrolled and in good academic standing at the University of Waikato. Applications are open to students from all disciplines and faculties.
In order to travel overseas, applicants must have a valid passport, that is valid until September 2024 or later. Accepted students will be required to provide passport photocopies to the 360 International team at the University of Auckland on or before 15 October 2023. There are currently delays in passport processing times. More information on how to apply for a passport and current processing delays can be found here.
To be eligible to participate in this group programme, applicants must also meet the eligibility requirements for the Prime Minister's Scholarship for Asia, and be:
- At least 18 years old at the date of applying
- Either a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand
- Have been a resident in New Zealand for at least 12 of the previous 24 months
- Not an immediate relative of an Education New Zealand staff member or selection panel member;
- Medically fit to travel (successful applicants will need to agree to complete any routine medical tests performed at the border, such as COVID-19 tests.)
- Able to attend all scheduled pre-departure activities, including completion of the 6-week self-paced virtual programme made available by IndoGenius prior to departure and the full duration of the programme in-country.
- Have not previously received a Prime Minister's Scholarship for group travel, and
- Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
In addition to good academic standing, applicants need to demonstrate that they are:
- Community-minded
- Culturally aware
- Able to demonstrate how they will apply this experience to their wider community
- Ambassadorial
- Adaptable
- Able to explain how participating in this programme will benefit them on an individual and personal level.
Where equally qualified applicants exceed the number of scholarships available, further consideration may be given to:
- Students who have not previously had learning abroad experience (at university or otherwise)
- High-academic achieving students
How to Apply
Applications have now closed.
Ngā Tauira Māori o Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato ki Taiwan - 6 Week Programme (15 Jan - 25 Feb)

About the Programme
Do you want to immerse yourself in the culture of Taiwan?
Want to understand what it truly means to be a Global Citizen from an Indigenous lens, while being able to connect with other Indigenous communities on their own whenua?
Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato has a unique opportunity that allows up 10 Māori students to create meaningful connections with other Indigenous communities in Taiwan, kānohi ki te kānohi. During this exciting 6 week programme, tauira will be able to explore different areas of Indigenous development both significant to Māori and Indigenous nations in Taiwan, including reo me ōna tikanga (language & culture), tōrangapū (politics), pakihi (business), mātauranga (education) and te taiao (environment).
Tauira will be able to visit and go beyond the main centres of Taiwan to gain a holistic understanding of Indigenous culture and life across the region. Additionally, tauira will work on and present a group project that brings together Māori and Taiwan Indigenous values and aspirations, on mutually significant challenges. This combination of knowledge between Māori and Indigenous Taiwanese will uncover new approaches to creating intergenerational wealth and health, for both peoples.
Key elements of the programme also include:
- A robust orientation that prepares tauira for the trip and values whakawhanaungatanga with other participants and travelling staff.
- Introductory language and culture lessons.
- Project presentations in Taiwan and New Zealand to share key findings and experiences.
- Regular check-ins with the project team.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be of Māori descent
- Be a current UoW student
- Be in your second year or above year of an undergraduate degree or higher qualification in 2023
- Be available for the entire programme
- Demonstrate strong leadership potential
- Hold a valid passport at the time of travel
How to Apply
Applications have now closed.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]
Ngā Tauira Māori o Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato ki Colombia - 4 Week Programme (29 Jan - 25 Feb)

About the Programme
Do you want to experience the rich culture of Latin America?
Want to understand what it truly means to be a Global Citizen from an Indigenous lens, while being able to connect with other Indigenous communities on their own whenua?
Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato has a unique opportunity that allows 4 Māori students to create meaningful connections with other Indigenous communities in Colombia, kānohi ki te kānohi. During this exciting 4 week programme, tauira will be able to explore different areas of Indigenous development both significant to Māori and Indigenous nations in Colombia, including reo me ōna tikanga (language & culture), tōrangapū (politics), pakihi (business), mātauranga (education) and te taiao (environment).
Tauira will be able to visit and go beyond the capital of Bogotá to gain a holistic understanding of Indigenous culture and life across the region. Additionally, tauira will work on and present a group project that brings together Māori and Colombia Indigenous values and aspirations, on mutually significant challenges. This combination of knowledge between Māori and Indigenous peoples in Colombia will uncover new approaches to creating intergenerational wealth and health, for both peoples.
Key elements of the programme also include:
- A robust orientation that prepares tauira for the trip and values whakawhanaungatanga with other participants and travelling staff
- Introductory language and culture lessons
- Project presentations in Colombia and New Zealand to share key findings and experiences
- Regular check-ins with the project team.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be of Māori descent
- Be a current UoW student
- Be in your second year or above year of an undergraduate degree or higher qualification in 2023
- Be available for the entire programme
- Demonstrate strong leadership potential
- Hold a valid passport at the time of travel
How to Apply
Applications have now closed.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]