Geospatial Research Institute (GRI) PhD Scholarship in New Zealand 2026

Applications are now open for the Geospatial Research Institute (GRI) Toi Hangarau PhD Scholarship 2026 at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. This is a fully funded PhD scholarship in geospatial research. It provides generous financial support for up to three years. The scholarship is open to both New Zealand and international applicants. There is no application fee. The closing date is 29 May 2026 at 17:00 pm NZ Time. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Degree Level: PhD
• Host University: University of Canterbury
• Host Country: New Zealand
• Scholarship Type: Fully funded
• Duration: 3 years full-time
• Application Deadline: 29 May 2026, 17:00 pm NZ Time
• Open to: All nationalities
• Application Fee: None

What this Scholarship Offers:

• Total funding of NZ$35,650 per year for up to 3 years
• UC PhD scholarship: NZ$32,650 per year
• GRI top-up scholarship: NZ$3,000 per year
• Up to NZ$4,000 per year extra for research travel, conferences, or other approved research expenses
• The chance to work on one of four exciting approved geospatial projects with expert supervisors

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Eligibility Criteria:

• Meet all University of Canterbury requirements for PhD enrolment
• Have prior training in geospatial methods (for example GIS, remote sensing, or spatial data analysis)
• Show research experience (at least one peer-reviewed publication is highly regarded)
• Choose and apply for only one of the four approved projects
• Demonstrate clear interest, knowledge, and skills in geospatial research
• Receive approval from the senior supervisor of your chosen project

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Available PhD Projects:

You must select only one project.

• Water & Ice: Exploring impact of terminal lakes on glacier recession
• Using GeoAI and spatial modelling to advance the 3-30-300 rule’s measurement and assess its impacts on equity
• Geospatial Pathways for an Equitable Clean Energy Transition in Aotearoa: A National Atlas for Just Transition Planning
• The human exposome: advancing geospatial and theoretical understandings of health and environmental interactions over time and space

Also Check: Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions at ETH Zurich, Switzerland

How to Apply:

1. Contact the main supervisor of your chosen project to discuss your suitability.
2. Prepare the five required documents:
   • Cover letter explaining your motivation for a PhD and your experience in geospatial methods
   • Completed Application Form
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a list of any publications
   • Contact details of at least two academic or professional referees
   • GPA report from Scholaro (not needed if you have New Zealand or US qualifications)
3. Send everything by email to: [email protected]

Deadline: 29 May 2026, 17:00 pm NZ Time

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