The application round for the following scholarships are now open - applications close 15 May 2026.
- UC Doctoral Scholarships (UCDS)
- UCDS for Students with Disabilities
- UC Pacific Doctoral Scholarship
- UC Matariki Doctoral Scholarships
These are scholarships for students who are intending to start their doctoral degree before the end of 2026. Students who intend to start in 2027, please apply in the October 2026 application round.
This collection of centrally-funded scholarships are grouped into three categories:
- Core
- Prestige
- Recognition - does not include additional monetary value.
These scholarships are a mix of awards, which recognise success within certain categories (academic, women, Māori, Pacific students, etc.). Please note: These scholarships are subject to funding availability and are reviewed each year. Please search our scholarships database for all scholarships currently available.
Students can make an application for the following Core Doctoral scholarships within one of two application rounds:
- May - for students planning to start before end of 2026; opens 20 March, closes 15 May .
- October - for students planning to start in 2027 before 1st July 2027; opens August 2026, closes October 2026
With the exception of the 'UC Doctoral Scholarship for Students with Disabilities', and the' UC Connect Doctoral Scholarships', students can apply for all other core UC Doctoral Scholarships on the single 'UC Doctoral Scholarship' application form. Please check out our 'How to Apply' website for more details on how to make an application for a UC scholarship. A reminder that you must have also submitted your application for admission into your research doctoral degree programme at UC before the closing date for scholarship applications (see point 2.2 of the Regulations) - this is done in your myUC account.
Prestige 'UC Doctoral Scholarships'
The following Prestige scholarships are awarded from the applicants who applied for a Core scholarship in any given academic year (no spparate application required). Because of this, these scholarships are awarded at the end of each academic year. No separate application is required. If an applicant is awarded a Prestige scholarship, its value is added to the value of the Core Scholarship, so for example, a stipend of $32,650 p.a. is increased to $37,650 p.a.
Recognition 'UC Doctoral Scholarship'
The following Recognition scholarship is awarded from the applicants who applied for a Core scholarship in any given application round (no separate application required). This is a recognition-only scholarship, with no additional financial award.
"The UC Doctoral Scholarship has been instrumental in my journey as a PhD student in New Zealand, providing both financial support and academic opportunities that have significantly enriched my research experience.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities this scholarship has provided, as it has not only supported my academic growth but also reinforced my passion for research without the added stress of financial concerns. This support has been a crucial stepping stone in my journey toward making meaningful contributions to both scientific knowledge and clinical applications."
Shima - UC Chemistry student
2024 UC Doctoral Scholarship
2024 UC Physical and Chemical Sciences Research Support Scholarship
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How to apply for a UC Scholarship
09 March 2026
Preparation is key when applying for scholarships. From research and eligibility to application dates and support documentation, find out how to apply for a University of Canterbury Scholarship.
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How to apply for a UC Scholarship
Preparation is key when applying for scholarships. From research and eligibility to application dates and support documentation, find out how to apply for a University of Canterbury Scholarship.
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How to apply for a UC Scholarship
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Scholarship glossary of terms
23 June 2025
From co-tenable to stipend, check UC's scholarship glossary of terms if you're not sure what a word or phrase means.
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Scholarship glossary of terms
From co-tenable to stipend, check UC's scholarship glossary of terms if you're not sure what a word or phrase means.
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Scholarship glossary of terms
