New Zealand is internationally recognised not only for its natural beauty but also for its excellence in advanced research and innovation. The Wellington Doctoral Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington offers a fully funded opportunity for outstanding domestic and international students to pursue doctoral (PhD) study at one of the country’s leading research institutions.

Scholarship Overview

The Wellington Doctoral Scholarship is designed to encourage and support high-quality doctoral research across all academic disciplines. Awards are granted on the basis of academic merit and research potential, and are open to candidates from New Zealand and abroad.

Study Areas

Scholarships are available across a wide range of disciplines, including:

  • Architecture
  • Business and Government
  • Design
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Health
  • Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Law
  • Music
  • Science and Technology

Value and Duration

Each scholarship provides:

  • NZD $32,000 annual stipend
  • Full domestic tuition fees
  • Tenure of up to three years

For candidates who have already been enrolled in a doctoral programme at Victoria University of Wellington for more than six months at the time of offer, the length of the scholarship may be reduced at the discretion of the University Research Scholarships Committee.

Approximately 110 scholarships are awarded each year.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Intend to enrol full-time in a PhD programme, or already be enrolled at Victoria University of Wellington;
  • Hold, or expect to complete, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with academic distinction equivalent to a New Zealand First Class Honours degree;
  • Demonstrate a strong academic record, excellent references, and/or clear potential for high-quality research;
  • Be eligible to enrol as a doctoral candidate within three months of submitting the scholarship application.

Applicants from any university worldwide are eligible. Candidates who have completed previous study outside Victoria University of Wellington must submit official academic transcripts as part of their application.

Selection Criteria

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit by the Victoria University Research Scholarships Committee. Selection considerations may include:

  • Academic excellence and research capability;
  • Research publications, where applicable;
  • Alignment between the applicant’s research interests and the strategic priorities of the School, Institute, or Centre;
  • Potential for collaboration, innovation, or engagement with external research and industry partners.

Application Rounds and Timeline

There are three application rounds each year, with closing dates on:

  • 1 March
  • 1 July
  • 1 November

Applications must be submitted online by 4:30 pm (NZ time) on the relevant closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applicants are normally notified of outcomes within six to eight weeks of the closing date.

Conditions of Award

Key conditions include:

  • Recipients must maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory academic progress;
  • Paid employment is limited to 600 hours per calendar year, subject to approval;
  • Scholarships cannot normally be deferred beyond six months (domestic) or nine months (international);
  • Recipients must sign a Wellington Doctoral Research Scholarship Contract;
  • Six-monthly progress reports are required throughout the tenure of the scholarship;
  • Scholarship recipients are expected to act as ambassadors for Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington when requested.

The scholarship may be held alongside other awards, although co-tenure above a specified threshold may result in a reduction of the stipend.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a completed online doctoral admission and scholarship application through Victoria University of Wellington. Detailed guidance on doctoral study and funding applications is available via the Faculty of Graduate Research website. on the learn more button below.

Contact Information

For further enquiries, applicants should contact the Doctoral Admissions Office, Faculty of Graduate Research:
[email protected]