Are you ready to pursue world-class doctoral research in New Zealand? The Wellington Doctoral Scholarship 2026 at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington has officially opened its doors to outstanding international and domestic candidates. With approximately 110 fully funded scholarships awarded each year, this is your golden ticket to join one of the most prestigious research communities in the Southern Hemisphere.
Why This Scholarship Matters?
The Wellington Doctoral Scholarship is more than just funding—it’s a launchpad for your academic and professional future. Whether your field is Architecture, Business, Law, Music, Science, Engineering, Technology, Humanities, or Health, this scholarship supports researchers across a wide spectrum of disciplines.
Each awardee receives:
- $32,000 annual stipend to support living expenses.
- Full coverage of tuition fees for up to three years.
- An opportunity to work under the guidance of globally recognized supervisors.
This combination makes it one of the most generous PhD funding opportunities in New Zealand, designed to attract the brightest minds worldwide.
Eligibility at a Glance
To apply for the Wellington Doctoral Scholarship, you must:
- Be a graduate of any university (within or outside New Zealand).
- Intend to enrol full-time in a PhD at Victoria University of Wellington or already be within the first six months of your PhD enrolment.
- Show a strong academic record, excellent references, or evidence of high-quality research potential (such as publications).
- Align your research interests with those of the University’s schools, institutes, or centres.
Academic staff employed at Victoria University of Wellington or other universities are not eligible.
Application Dates You Cannot Miss
For the Class of 2026 intake, the final closing date is 1 November 2025 (4:30 PM NZT). Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted, so plan ahead!
Application Process
Applying is straightforward but highly competitive. You’ll need to:
- Submit online application: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/scholarships/current/wellington-doctoral-scholarships
- Upload all required supporting documents, including academic transcripts and references.
- Clearly outline your research proposal and alignment with Victoria University’s strategic research goals.
All shortlisted candidates are carefully reviewed by the Victoria Research Scholarships Committee, with offers made to the top-ranked applicants in each round.