Summary
The UC Doctoral Scholarship supports high-achieving domestic and international students pursuing a full-time research doctoral degree (Ph.D.) at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) in New Zealand. The award provides substantial financial support, including an annual living stipend of $32,650 p.a. and compulsory tuition fees covered at the New Zealand domestic rate for up to 360 points (typically 3 years of full-time doctoral study).
UC Doctoral Scholarship at the University of Canterbury
Quick Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Scholarship Name | UC Doctoral Scholarship |
| Host Institution | University of Canterbury (Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha) |
| Designation / Level | Doctoral / Ph.D. Researcher |
| Award Value | $32,650 p.a. stipend + tuition fees at the domestic rate |
| Tenure | Up to 360 points of enrolment (approx. 3 years) |
| Location | Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Applicable Fields | Arts, Business, Law, Education, Health, Engineering, Science (All disciplines) |
| Nationality | Open to both Domestic & International candidates |
| Application Deadlines | Round 1: 15 October 2026 (11:59 PM NZT) Round 2: 15 May 2027 (11:59 PM NZT) |
Designation
- Doctoral Scholar / Ph.D. Candidate (Engaged in a research doctoral degree program).
Research Area
Open to research doctoral topics across all faculties and schools at the University of Canterbury:
- Arts (Humanities, Social Sciences, Creative Arts)
- Business & Law (Commerce, Economics, Management, Legal Studies)
- Education & Health (Teacher Education, Health Sciences, Psychology, Sports Science)
- Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Software, and Computer Engineering)
- Science (Biological Sciences, Physical & Chemical Sciences, Earth & Environment, Mathematics & Statistics)
Location
- Institution: Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
- City/Country: Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
Eligibility / Qualification
- Academic Enrolment: Applicants must be eligible for admission and intend to enroll in a full-time research doctoral degree at the University of Canterbury.
- Citizenship / Residency: Open globally. There are no citizenship or residency restrictions (both domestic and international applicants are welcome).
- Admission Prerequisite: Candidates must submit a formal application for admission to a doctoral program at UC prior to or alongside the scholarship application.
Scholarship Description
The UC Doctoral Scholarship is the flagship funding scheme supporting emerging doctoral researchers at the University of Canterbury. Key provisions include:
- Stipend: An annual tax-free living allowance of $32,650 per annum.
- Tuition Fees: Direct payment of tuition fees for thesis enrolment at the Aotearoa New Zealand domestic rate.
- Duration: Tenable for up to 360 points of doctoral thesis enrolment (standard full-time doctoral degree duration).
How to Apply
- Apply for Admission: Submit an application for admission to a research doctoral degree program at the University of Canterbury.
- Access the Scholarship Portal: Log in to the University of Canterbury Scholarships Database.
- Submit Application Form: Complete the online application for the UC Doctoral Scholarship, providing required academic transcripts, research proposal details, and academic referee contact information before the deadline.
- Inquiries: For queries, contact the Scholarships Office via email at scholarships@canterbury.ac.nz.
Last Date to Apply
The scholarship operates two major selection rounds annually:
- October Round:
- Application Opens: 20 August 2026
- Closing Deadline: 15 October 2026 at 11:59 PM NZT (For candidates commencing before 1 July 2027)
- May Round:
- Application Opens: 20 March 2027
- Closing Deadline: 15 May 2027 at 11:59 PM NZT (For candidates commencing between 1 July 2027 and 1 January 2028)
