Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington offers the Wellington Doctoral Scholarships to support high-achieving students from around the world. These scholarships are intended to foster research excellence by providing full financial support for students pursuing a PhD in New Zealand. For African researchers looking to contribute to global knowledge in fields like science, engineering, or humanities, this scholarship provides a stable and well-funded environment in the heart of New Zealand’s capital.
Eligibility
- The scholarship is open to both international and domestic students.
- Applicants must be eligible to register for a full-time PhD at Victoria University of Wellington.
- Candidates must have a strong academic record, typically characterized by first-class honors or equivalent.
- Applicants must demonstrate potential for high-quality research through a proposal or previous publications.
- The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and research potential within the chosen discipline.
Benefits
- An annual stipend of $32,000 to cover living expenses for up to three years.
- Full coverage of tuition fees (at the domestic rate for international students).
- Access to a dedicated toolkit including career development and mentoring opportunities.
- Opportunity to conduct research in one of New Zealand’s top-ranked research universities.
- Guaranteed offer of a place in a Hall of Residence (subject to accommodation deadlines).
Application Steps
- Identify a potential supervisor at Victoria University of Wellington and discuss your research interests.
- Complete the online admission application for a PhD program.
- Tick the box to be considered for a Wellington Doctoral Scholarship during the admission process.
- Upload all required documents, including transcripts, a research proposal, and academic references.
- Submit the application by one of the three annual deadlines.
Deadlines
- Cycle 1: March 1, 2026.
- Cycle 2: July 1, 2026.
- Cycle 3: November 1, 2026.
Official Links
- Wellington Doctoral Scholarships: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/scholarships/current/wellington-doctoral-scholarships
