Researchers looking to explore public health, policy, and the rapidly evolving cannabis industry now have a rare fully funded PhD opportunity in New Zealand. Massey University’s SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre has announced a prestigious PhD scholarship under the Royal Society Te Apārangi Rutherford Discovery Fellowship programme for 2026, welcoming applications from candidates worldwide.
This fully funded doctoral scholarship focuses on cannabis legalisation and its commercial determinants of health, offering selected candidates the chance to develop independent research within a globally relevant policy field. Hosted at Massey University’s Albany campus in Auckland, the program is designed for motivated applicants who want to examine how emerging cannabis industries shape public health narratives, regulation, and digital information environments.
International applicants are eligible and must be ready to relocate to New Zealand for full-time doctoral research starting in 2026. Only one fully funded position is available under this competitive research scholarship.
What You Get: Financial Plan & Funding Coverage
This PhD scholarship ensures strong financial stability so selected researchers can focus entirely on their academic work and policy research impact.
- Annual tax-free stipend of $35,000 per year
- Full doctoral tuition fees covered for 3 years
- Total funding duration: 3 years full-time PhD
- Flexible research start date from May 2026
- Access to leading research supervision and facilities in New Zealand
Who Should Apply: Eligibility Requirements
Applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply if their interests align with public health and cannabis policy research.
- Must be eligible for admission to a PhD program at Massey University
- Open to international and domestic applicants
- Background in public health, drug policy, social sciences, media studies, business, or digital marketing preferred
- Interest in cannabis policy, regulatory systems, or commercial determinants of health
- Willingness to relocate to New Zealand for full-time research
- Ability to develop an independent PhD research proposal aligned with the programme
Final Call: Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the fully funded PhD Scholarship in Cannabis Policy & Public Health at Massey University is 20 March 2026. And shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews in early April 2026.