Wellington Doctoral Scholarships (110 Fully Funded Scholarships in New Zealand)

Applications are now open for the Wellington Doctoral Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington, a prestigious opportunity for aspiring PhD candidates. This fully funded scholarship supports doctoral study across diverse fields, including Architecture, Business and Government, Design, Education, Engineering, Health, Humanities and Social Sciences, Law, Music, Technology, and Science.

With application deadlines on 1 March, 1 July, and 1 November each year, the next round closes on 1 November 2025 at 4:30 PM NZT. Open to both domestic and international graduates with strong academic records or proven research potential, the scholarship offers a $32,000 annual stipend plus full domestic tuition fees for up to three years. There is no application fee. Check more MS and PhD positions

Key Details

• Study Areas: Architecture, Business and Government, Design, Education, Engineering, Health, Humanities and Social Sciences, Law, Music, Technology, Science
• Scholarship Level: Doctoral (fully funded)
• Value: $32,000 annual stipend + full domestic tuition fees
• Tenure: Up to 3 years
• Number Offered: ~110 per year
• Application Deadlines: 1 March, 1 July, 1 November (annually)
• Next Deadline: 1 November 2025, 4:30 PM NZT
• Application Fee: None

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship is open to:

• Graduates of any university (within or outside New Zealand) intending to enroll full-time in a PhD program at Victoria University of Wellington.
• Candidates who have recently commenced their doctoral studies at the university (within six months).
• Applicants with:
  • A strong academic record and excellent references, or
  • Proven potential for high-quality research, or
  • A record of publications in high-quality journals relevant to their experience and education.

Note: You don’t need to find a supervisor before you apply, but encourage you to learn about their researchers and approach them directly to discuss potential projects. The final allocation of supervisors is done by the School, according to research interests and available resourcing.

Also check: IMPRS-ML PhD Program for Future Leaders in Life Sciences

Benefits of the Scholarship

• Financial Support: Receive a $32,000 annual stipend to cover living expenses, plus full coverage of domestic tuition fees for up to three years.
• Research Opportunities: Study at New Zealand’s top-ranked university for research intensity, with access to world-class researchers and collaboration opportunities with government and industry partners.
• Flexible Tenure: Scholarships are tenable for up to three years, with adjustments for students already enrolled in a PhD program.

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

Application Process

Applying for the Wellington Doctoral Scholarship is straightforward but requires careful preparation. Follow these steps to ensure a successful application:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Ensure you meet the academic requirements, typically a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with distinction (equivalent to a First Class Honours degree in New Zealand).
• International applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency and certified academic transcripts from other institutions.

Step 2: Check Program-Specific Requirements

Some programs, such as Architecture, Design, or Music, may require additional materials like a portfolio or audition. Visit here for details on program-specific requirements.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

• Online Application System: Use the Communityforce platform to submit your application.
• Expression of Interest: Write a clear, concise statement (not a formal research proposal) outlining:
  • The nature of your intended study.
  • Your proposed research approach.
  • Why you are suited for doctoral research.
• Required Documents:
  • A 2,000-word sample of your academic writing (in English or te reo Māori).
  • Certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates.
  • For international students: Evidence of English proficiency and certified translations of documents (if applicable).
  • EU applicants: A certified copy of your Diploma Supplement.
  • If your most recent qualification is not from New Zealand, submit a Scholaro GPA report (a small fee applies).

Check this: Pasteur-Paris University International Doctoral Program (PPU) 

Step 4: Secure Academic References

• Request two referees to evaluate your academic ability and research potential through the online system.
• Ensure references are submitted at least two weeks before the deadline.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

• Complete your application via the Communityforce platform by 4:30 PM NZT on the deadline (1 March, 1 July, or 1 November).
• Check the application dashboard to confirm all sections (including references) are complete.
• Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Check this: Ag Emissions Centre PhD Scholarships 2025 in New Zealand

Step 6: After Submission

• You’ll receive an email confirmation once your application is submitted.
• Outcomes are communicated 6–8 weeks after the deadline. Additional offers may be made if initial offers are declined, so final notifications could take up to three months.

Additional Resources

• Doctoral Entry Requirements
• Scholaro GPA Report