Postgraduate scholarships

These are the scholarships at postgraduate level administered by Universities New Zealand – Te Pōkai Tara.

Before starting an application, intending applicants should make sure they are eligible and are familiar with the area of study and objectives of the scholarship.

Applications usually open four months before the closing date.

In using the Universities New Zealand online application system to apply for a scholarship, applicants are confirming they have read, understood and accept University New Zealand's Privacy Notice and Scholarships Appeals Policy.

Scholarships

Auckland Medical Aid Trust Scholarship

This scholarship is under assessment and the trustees have advised it will not be offered for studies in 2022. When further information is available this website will be updated.

BayTrust Kaitiakitanga Scholarship

Relevant to the Bay of Plenty area. Postgraduate study at masters or doctoral level related to protecting and improving the environment for future generations.

Apply online
Applications open: 1 October
Applications close: 1 February

Bing's Scholarship

The Bing’s Scholarship supports research in the fields of medicine, veterinary science, agriculture, psychology, psychiatry or theology.

Apply online
Applications open: 1 August
Applications close: 1 October

Cambridge International Scholarship

A degree in any discipline at Cambridge University.

Claude McCarthy Fellowship

There are two application rounds each year. Please refer to the regulations.
Apply online
Applications close: April and October – check the online application system for exact dates.

DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Scholarship

Full details of the scope, application process and application deadlines are available on the DAAD website.

Dick & Mary Earle Scholarship in Technology

Innovation and product development and/or bioprocess technology.
Apply online
Applications open: 1 March
Applications close: 1 July

Edward & Isabel Kidson Scholarship

Physics or a combination of physics and mathematics, or meteorology; or some other branch of science.
Apply online
Applications open: 1 June
Applications close: 1 October

FMB Reynolds Scholarship in Law to Oxford

Law at the University of Oxford only.
Apply online
Applications open: 1 November
Applications close: 28 February

Frank Knox Memorial Fellowships at Harvard University

Any discipline - Harvard University only.
Apply online
Applications open: 1 July
Applications close: 1 December

Freyberg Scholarship (New Zealand Defence Scholarships)

Areas relevant to national security in the widest sense of that term.
Apply online
Applications open: 1 June
Applications close: 1 October

Gordon Watson Scholarship

To study international relationships or social and economic conditions at a university overseas.
Apply online
Applications open: 1 December
Applications close: 1 April

Henry Kelsey Research Scholarship

Muscular function, including the causes and treatment of muscular dysfunction.
Apply online
Applications open: 1 June
Applications close: 1 October

Judith Clark Memorial Fellowships

To help recent music graduates undertake a special short-term project that will have long-term benefits for their future careers as musicians.

There is more information about the Judith Clark Memorial Fund here.

Apply online
Round 1
Applications open: 15 April
Applications close: 15 August
Round 2
Applications open: 15 October
Applications close: 1 February the following year

Kia Ora Foundation Patricia Pratt Music Scholarship

Classical music performance including vocal or instrumental performance or conducting.
Apply online
Applications open: 1 November
Applications close: 1 March

Kiwi Music Scholarship

Classical instrumental performance (including vocal performance) or conducting.
Apply online
Applications open: 1 November
Applications close: 1 March

LB Wood Scholarship

For study at a university in the UK in any discipline.
Apply online
Applications open: 1 December
Applications close: 1 April

New Zealand Law Foundation Ethel Benjamin Scholarship

Postgraduate research in Law that encompasses the wider objectives of the NZ Law Foundation and that will protect and promote the interests of the public in relation to legal matters in New Zealand.
Apply online
Applications open: 1 November
Applications close: 1 March

Pukehou Poutū

Agricultural or silvicultural sciences.
Apply online
Applications open: 1 June
Applications close: 1 October

Rhodes Scholarships for New Zealand

Applications for the Rhodes Scholarships for 2024 will open on 1 June 2023.

Applications must be made using the online application system which is here.

Applications will close on 1 August 2023.

Shirtcliffe Fellowship

A doctoral degree in any discipline.
Apply online
Applications open: 1 December
Applications close: 1 April

Te Papa Atawhai (Department of Conservation) Postgraduate Scholarships

Conservation related science in Aotearoa New Zealand. Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates whose research focuses on priority questions of importance to Te Papa Atawhai (Department of Conservation)
Apply online
Applications open: 21 August
Applications close: 1 October