Summary
The Wellington Doctoral Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate award provided by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington to support high-achieving domestic and international students undertaking full-time Doctoral (PhD) studies across any academic discipline. Around 110 scholarships are awarded annually on the basis of academic merit and research potential.
Designation
- Award Level: Doctoral / PhD (Fully Funded)
- Recipient Role: Doctoral Research Scholar / PhD Candidate
Overview Table
| Parameter | Details |
| Institution | Victoria University of Wellington (Te Herenga Waka) |
| Award Type | Fully Funded PhD Scholarship |
| Total Positions | Approximately 110 scholarships per year |
| Annual Stipend | NZD $32,000 per annum |
| Tuition Coverage | Full tuition fees covered for up to 3 years |
| Duration / Tenure | Up to 3 years (subject to satisfactory progress) |
| Target Audience | Open to both Domestic (NZ) and International candidates |
| Application Deadlines | 1 March, 1 July, and 1 November (annually by 4:30 PM NZT) |
Research Area
Scholarships are available across all academic disciplines offered at the university, including:
- Architecture
- Business and Government
- Design Innovation
- Education
- Engineering
- Health
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Law
- Music
- Science and Technology
Location
- City/Country: Wellington, New Zealand
- Institution: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Eligibility / Qualification
- First Doctoral Degree: Applicants must be seeking to obtain their first doctoral qualification (candidates holding a previous PhD are ineligible).
- Academic Background: Candidates typically must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with academic distinction equivalent to a First Class Honours degree at a New Zealand university.
- Enrolment Status: Open to prospective candidates eligible to register as a Doctoral candidate at Victoria University of Wellington, or students who have recently commenced their doctoral study.
- Study Mode: Must be enrolled in a full-time research programme (part-time arrangements are only considered for domestic students under compelling personal/social circumstances).
- Merit & Potential: Strong academic transcripts, excellent references, demonstrated potential for high-impact research, or a track record of publications.
Scholarship Description
The Wellington Doctoral Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to enable candidates to focus exclusively on their research:
- Stipend: NZD $32,000 paid annually (disbursed monthly in advance via an NZ bank account).
- Tuition Fees: Domestic tuition fees are paid directly to the university fees office on behalf of the scholar.
- Part-Time Work Allowance: Scholars may undertake approved paid employment (such as tutoring/teaching assistance) for up to 600 hours per calendar year.
- Tenure: Valid for up to 3 years (with progress evaluations every 6 months).
How to Apply
- Explore Research Topics & Supervisors: Identify an area of study and establish alignment with prospective supervisors or schools within the university.
- Online Application Submission: Apply online through the Wellington Faculty of Graduate Research (FGR) application portal.
- Scholarship Consideration: Indicate your interest in the Wellington Doctoral Scholarship directly on your Doctoral admission application.
- Submit Required Documentation:
- Complete academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Research proposal/statement of research interest.
- Academic references (must be submitted directly by referees before the cutoff).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) and publications list (if applicable).
- Enquiries: Contact the Doctoral Admissions Office via
pg-research@vuw.ac.nz.
Last Date for Apply
Applications are evaluated in three distinct rounds each year. Completed applications and supporting references must be received online by 4:30 PM (New Zealand Time) on:
- Round 1: 1 March
- Round 2: 1 July
- Round 3: 1 November
