Ag Emissions Centre PhD Scholarships 2025 in New Zealand (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the Ag Emissions Centre PhD Scholarships 2025, offering five fully funded opportunities for students passionate about reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and tackling climate change. These scholarships support research in fields such as environmental science, agricultural science, microbiology, and more, with a focus on New Zealand’s agricultural sector.

The application deadline is 31 October 2025, and there is no application fee. Open to New Zealand citizens, residents, and international students meeting visa requirements, this program provides a generous stipend, tuition coverage, and additional benefits to support innovative PhD research over three years. Check more MS and PhD positions

Key Details

• Scholarship Type: Fully funded
• Number of Scholarships: 5
• Fields of Study: Environmental science, agricultural science, animal science, microbiology, soil science, engineering, genetics, social science, or related fields
• Nationality: New Zealand citizens, residents, or international students
• Application Deadline: 5:00 PM, 31 October 2025
• Application Fee: None

Scholarship Overview

The Ag Emissions Centre PhD Scholarships aim to support passionate individuals who are committed to tackling climate change through innovative research in agricultural emissions reduction. Scholars will:

• Contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
• Explore individual research interests aligned with the Centre’s priorities.
• Experience personal and professional growth through PhD research.
• Build networks with internationally recognized experts in New Zealand.
• Pursue diverse career paths in agriculture and research post-graduation.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship package is designed to support students throughout their PhD journey:

• Tax-free stipend: $44,000 per year for up to three years.
• Tuition and fees: Up to $10,000 per year for New Zealand university tuition and student levies, for up to three years.
• Research costs: Up to $10,000 total over three years for research and publication expenses.
• Travel allowance: Up to $5,000 total for presenting at an international conference.
• Capability development: A tailored program to develop skills like communication, commercialization, and leadership, connecting scholars with peers and industry experts.

Check this: The Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships at University of West London

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarships are open to a diverse range of applicants, including:

• Backgrounds: Environmental science, agricultural science, animal science, microbiology, soil science, engineering, genetics, social science, or related fields.
• Citizenship: New Zealand citizens, residents, or international candidates who meet visa requirements.
• Academic requirements: Applicants must be eligible for a Doctoral degree at a New Zealand institution by 30 December 2025.
• Study commitment: Typically full-time PhD enrollment over three years, with flexibility for individual circumstances.
• Exclusions: Candidates with an existing doctorate in a related field are not eligible.

Also check: Chatham House Leadership Masterclass Programme 

Research Priorities

The Ag Emissions Centre focuses on advancing science to develop practical, on-farm mitigation tools. Applicants are encouraged to align their research with one of the following priority areas, though other relevant topics contributing to agricultural greenhouse gas reduction are welcome:

1. Breeding low methane-emitting animals
2. Chemical inhibitors of methane emissions
3. Understanding rumen processes for methane mitigation
4. Reducing nitrous oxide emissions and carbon losses from soils
5. Future Farm Systems

Research can incorporate te ao Māori elements, with a dedicated Māori research program available.

Application Process

Applications for 2025 (Round One) are open from 25 August to 31 October 2025. Follow these steps to apply:

Step 1: Find a Topic

Browse the Ag Emissions Centre research priorities to identify a topic that aligns with your interests and expertise.

Step 2: Find a Supervisor

Connect with a profiled supervisor from the Ag Emissions Centre or identify your own supervisor at a New Zealand university.

Step 3: Develop Your Research Project

Collaborate with your supervisor to create a PhD research proposal. Download and complete the application and submit by 5 pm, 31 October 2025 to [email protected]

Also check: Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarships 2025-2026

Application Requirements

• Submit a complete Expression of Interest (EOI) form by the deadline.
• Ensure all sections of the EOI are filled out, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
• All applications must be submitted by 5 pm, 31 October 2025 to [email protected]
• Applications are evaluated based on:
  • Relevance to Ag Emissions Centre research priorities.
  • Academic merit (e.g., grades and achievements).
  • Evidence of independent thinking and initiative.
  • Passion for climate change research, particularly greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
  • Strong support from the proposed supervisor and university/research institute.