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

Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)

Research scholarships to deliver evidence that helps address complex challenges and informs longer-term investment decisions in injury prevention and sustained recovery, specifically in the context of injury compensation.

Apply online
Applications open: 1 June
Applications close: 15 August

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)

This Scholarship has been paused, and is not open to applications, for the 2025 and 2026 rounds. The Ministry of Defence anticipates that funding will resume in 2027.

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

John A. E. Britton Scholarship

Focused on Mental Health Research in Australia and New Zealand.
Applications open
Applications open: 1 July
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: 15 February the following year

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

Mercury Scholarship in Data Analysis

To support graduate students undertaking a research project in either data science or data modelling, or another similar discipline of study.

Apply online
Applications open: 31 January
Applications close: 14 March

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 February