Wellington Doctoral Scholarship 2027

The Wellington Doctoral Scholarship is the principal PhD scholarship offered by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

It is designed to encourage and support high-quality doctoral research across the University and is open to both New Zealand and international applicants.
Approximately 110 Wellington Doctoral Scholarships are offered each year across three application rounds.

Successful scholars receive a NZ$32,000 annual living allowance together with tuition-fee coverage for up to three years.

The scholarship is highly competitive and awarded primarily on academic merit. Applicants are considered for the scholarship alongside their application for PhD admission, meaning there is no separate Wellington Doctoral Scholarship application.

PhD candidates undertake original and sustained research under academic supervision and normally complete a substantial doctoral thesis.

The University offers doctoral research opportunities across disciplines including architecture, business, government, design, education, engineering, health, humanities, social sciences, law, music, technology and science.

Applicants can begin preparing their PhD application at any time, but applications are formally considered following the three annual deadlines: 1 March, 1 July and 1 November.

• The scholarship is open to domestic and international applicants.
• Applicants must be applying for full-time PhD study at Victoria University of Wellington.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree are not eligible.
• Applicants must meet the University’s doctoral admission requirements.
• New Zealand applicants normally need a Bachelor’s degree with Honours or a Master’s degree with a GPA of at least 6/B+ or an approved equivalent pathway.
• International applicants must hold qualifications equivalent to the University’s New Zealand doctoral entry requirements.
• Applicants with a four-year Bachelor’s degree graded on a four-point GPA system normally require at least 3.0/4.0.
• Applicants with degrees graded under the British system, including applicants from India, normally require first-class or upper second-class Honours.
• Applicants may alternatively demonstrate other adequate academic training and ability to undertake doctoral research to the satisfaction of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Research.
• International applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate the required level of English proficiency.
• Applicants must have research interests that can be appropriately supervised and resourced by the University.

• NZ$32,000 annual living allowance.
• Tuition-fee coverage.
• Scholarship support for up to three years.
• Opportunity to undertake doctoral research at Victoria University of Wellington.
• Access to University research facilities and academic resources.
• Research supervision from University academics.
• Opportunity to work within an international research environment.
• Access to research communities across a wide range of disciplines.

All PhD applicants normally need to provide:

• Online doctoral application.
• Expression of research interest.
• A 2,000-word sample of academic writing in English or te reo Māori.
• Certified copies of academic transcripts.
• Certified copies of degree certificates.
• Two academic referee reports.
• Information about the proposed research area.

International applicants may additionally need:

• Evidence of English-language proficiency.
• Certified English translations of documents not originally issued in English.
• Scholaro GPA report where the most recent qualification was completed outside New Zealand and the applicant is not a current Victoria University of Wellington student.
• Diploma Supplement for applicants from EU countries.

Some disciplines may require additional material such as:

• Portfolio.
• Creative writing sample.
• Audition.
• Additional research information.
• Prior registration of interest.

Wellington Doctoral Scholarships are awarded competitively based primarily on academic merit.

Factors considered may include:

• Strong academic record.
• Excellent academic references.
• Demonstrated potential for high-quality research.
• Record of high-quality research publications appropriate to the applicant’s experience.
• Academic and research background.
• Quality and feasibility of the proposed research interests.
• Alignment between the applicant’s research interests and the relevant School, Institute or Centre.
• Availability of appropriate supervision and research resources.
• Strategic relevance of proposed research.
• Potential research collaboration with institutions, research organisations or business communities where applicable.

The relevant School Research Committee assesses candidates before recommendations proceed to the University’s Research Scholarships Committee.

• Undertake fully supported doctoral research in New Zealand.
• Receive a substantial annual living allowance.
• Have PhD tuition fees covered.
• Study at a research-intensive New Zealand university.
• Work with experienced academic supervisors.
• Conduct original research in a wide range of disciplines.
• Build international academic and research networks.
• Develop advanced research, analytical and academic skills.
• Gain experience within Wellington’s research, public-sector and innovation environment.
• Strengthen future academic, research and professional career prospects.