A World Class Opportunity: New Zealand universities provide the opportunity to study under internationally recognised academics and researchers in a wide range of disciplines. A Doctoral qualification from a New Zealand university ranks with the best internationally.

New Zealand degrees have a reputation for academic excellence and are acknowledged as world-leading. Students educated in the New Zealand education environment have a reputation as a new breed of innovative thinkers and are enjoying success the world over.

Educational Partnership: The New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships reflect the New Zealand Government’s commitment to deepening New Zealand’s educational partnerships. The New Zealand education system provides students with the knowledge and skills to achieve results equal to the world’s best. The scholarship programme is about sharing this excellence with the rest of the world, and bringing the best from elsewhere to share their knowledge with New Zealand.

Up to 10 scholarship places (overall) will be awarded on an annual basis for students undertaking doctoral research at any of New Zealand’s eight universities.
AUT University
Lincoln University
Massey University
University of Auckland
University of Canterbury
University of Otago
University of Waikato
Victoria University of Wellington

Scholarship Value: New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships are awarded for a maximum tenure of three years (36 months) in relation to full-time study for a doctoral research degree.
The scholarship funding covers:
- Full tuition fees and associated student services levies
- Annual living allowance (NZ$25,000 per annum)
- Annual health insurance allowance (NZ$600)
- Book and thesis allowance (NZ$800) – across 3 year tenure
- Travel allowance (NZ$2,000)
- Establishment allowance (NZ$500) – once only

Funds are not available to support accompanying dependants.

Eligibility: Applications will be considered from international doctoral candidates who meet the below criteria.  Candidates must be international students

Hold an ‘A’ average in their studies to date (equivalent minimum GPA 8.0/9.0)

Meet the requirements for direct entry into a research based doctoral degree programme at a New Zealand University. (Please note that this will include proof of English Language proficiency).

Provide evidence that they have been in contact with the relevant department of their chosen institution and discussed their proposed research, research interests and the availability of appropriate supervision.

Hold one of the following English language test scores, achieved no longer than two (2) years prior to the time of application. Please note that some disciplines of research may require a higher score:
- An IELTS Academic Test with an overall score of at least 6.5 with no band less than 6; or
- A TOEFL test score of at least 575, including a score of 4.5 in the Test of Written English; or
- A score of 233 in the Computer based TOEFL, including an Essay Writing score of 4.5; or
- An overall score of 100 in the Internet based TOEFL; or
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) – Grade B;
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) – Grade C

The NZIDRS may not be held by ‘Distance’ students
Please note that citizens of Fiji may not apply for the NZIDRS until further notice.

Selection Process: A selection committee of senior academics, appointed by Education New Zealand, will consider applications. Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

The applicant has a record of sustained academic research excellence, particularly in their chosen field of study, as supported by academic transcripts and letters of reference.

The applicant has a well-defined research programme or research interests, and wishes to study at a New Zealand University with the expertise and resources to support that research.

The applicant meets all stated eligibility requirements with appropriate supporting documentation.

Applicants must have received final confirmed grades for their most recent qualifying degree in order for their application to be considered.

If the applicant has already commenced a Doctorate in New Zealand, he/she must be within the first 6 months of PhD enrolment as at the application close date (15 July each year).

Incomplete applications and electronically submitted applications will not be considered under any circumstances. This is non-negotiable.

Applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of the selection process within one week of the annual selection meeting.

How to Apply: Download the Terms & Conditions, Application form and FAQ-www.newzealandeducated.com/nzidrs 

Complete the application form in English. Sign and date the declaration.

Attach the supporting documents as requested within the application form (see checklist).

Send two (2) hard-copies of your NZIDRS application to the ENZ Scholarships Manager. One ‘Master’ copy of your application form containing original or Notarised/Certified official supporting documents, together with one (1) photocopy of the application and all supporting documents.

Postal Address (If sending via Airmail)
Attn: Scholarships Manager
Education New Zealand
PO Box 12-041
Wellington
New Zealand 6144

OR Courier Address (If sending via courier)
Attn: Scholarships Manager
Education New Zealand
9th Floor, 15 Murphy Street
Thorndon
Wellington 6011
New Zealand
Phone: +64 4 472 0788

Application close date: Applications must be received by Education New Zealand no later than 5pm (NZ Time) on 15 July each year. In those years where the 15th falls upon a weekend, applications will be accepted until 5pm the Monday immediately following the 15th.

Scanned, e-mailed or faxed application forms and official documents will not be accepted under any circumstances. This is non-negotiable.

More information: For more information on the New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS), please email the Education New Zealand Scholarships Manager at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can visit www.newzealandeducated.com/nzidrs.

NZIDRS Terms and Conditions: The following terms and conditions apply to all scholarship holders:
Scholarship holders must be enrolled for a research based doctoral programme of study at a New Zealand University. The scholarship may not be held by ‘Distance’ students.

The scholarship is conditional upon gaining direct entry to a research based doctoral degree programme at a New Zealand university.

The NZIDRS shall be tenable until the date of submission or until 36 months of active scholarship support has been provided, whichever is the earlier.

Scholarship holders may not change their degree programme during tenure of the scholarship without written permission from their host university and Education New Zealand.

Scholarship holders may not simultaneously hold other scholarships funded by the New Zealand Government. This includes, but is not limited to Commonwealth and NZAID Scholarships. See the NZIDRS ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ for further information.

Scholarship holders are responsible for securing an appropriate entry visa to New Zealand and for any fees associated with the visa, including a medical examination. The offer of a scholarship does not guarantee that such a visa will be granted.

To comply with the full-time study requirement of the NZIDRS, the amount of additional and paid work a Scholar may undertake may not exceed the maximum number of hours stipulated by Immigration New Zealand. This is not more than 20 hours per week, and not more than 500 hours per calendar year. Scholarship holders must also comply with the rules set down within the University Statute surrounding paid employment for scholarship recipients. Any employment undertaken is expected to take place within the host university in a teaching or research capacity and fall within the recipient’s field of study.

Scholarship holders must maintain satisfactory progress and good standing as stipulated by their host university and degree programme, or the scholarship will be withdrawn.

Scholarship holders must follow the rules and regulations of their host university and degree programme. Any suspension from the university will result in immediate suspension of the scholarship.

Monthly stipends are not payable during suspensions, including suspension due to illness.

Scholars may defer/suspend their NZIDRS funding for up to one year during the 3 year (36 month) tenure of the scholarship. Should scholars wish to suspend their studies for a period of more than 12 months (overall) during the tenure of their award, the scholarship shall cease. Retrospective suspensions will not be approved. Should a retrospective suspension be applied for, if approved by the university, theScholarship funding will cease with immediate effect.

Candidates who hold New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency may not apply under any circumstances. Should a recipient apply for permanent residency or citizenship during the tenure of their scholarship, the scholarship will be withdrawn.

A scholarship shall lapse in the event that a person to whom an award has been made fails to become admitted into their doctoral programme by the date set down by Education New Zealand in their letter of offer.

Recipients shall comply with the Terms and Conditions in place for the year in which they applied.