Applications for the following doctoral scholarships are now open and will close 15 October.
- UC Doctoral Scholarship (UCDS)
- UCDS for Students with Disabilities
- UC Pacific Doctoral Scholarship
- UC Matariki Doctoral Scholarship
This application round is for students who intend to start their doctoral studies before the 1st July 2027. For students who intend to start after this date, please wait and apply in the next application round (applications opening 20 March, and close 15 May).
All eligible applicants who have applied for one of the above Core UC Doctoral Scholarships in the year of award are also automatically considered for the following scholarships (no separate application is required):
UC Connect Doctoral Scholarships are also currently open
Click here to see the projects available. Applications close 15 September.
UC Commitments Doctoral Scholarships are also currently open
Click here to see the projects available. Applications close 27 October.
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:
- October - for students planning to start before 1st July 2027; opens 20 August 2026, closes 15 October 2026
- May - for students planning to start in the second half of 2027; opens 20 March, closes 15 May .
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 separate 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.
Rātā Foundation Scholarship
Purpose: To support study towards a research doctoral degree in any discipline at UC by students originating from a funding region of the Rātā Foundation.
Value: Financial assistance to a value of $24,500 per 120 points; for up to a total of 360 points.
UC Commitments Doctoral Scholarship
Purpose: These scholarships support students whose projects align with one of the three UC Research Commitments as they study towards a research doctoral degree at the University. New projects become available throughout the year.
Value: Financial assistance to a value of $32,650 per 120 points + tuition fees for thesis-only enrolment for up to a total of 360 points; + an additional $5,000 for research expenses across the duration of degree.
Ben - UC Electrical & Electronic Engineering student
Receiving the UC Doctoral Scholarship is an awesome, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that has transformed my ability to study. It has removed the financial stressors of further education, allowing me to pursue research that I simply would not be able to do otherwise. This financial security made it possible for me to leave my job and dedicate myself entirely to my PhD, an opportunity that I will forever be grateful for.
Beyond financial relief, receiving the doctoral scholarship is a prestigious validation of my academic potential. This boosts my confidence as a student and allows me to immerse myself in research. Pursuing a PhD will open doors for me in my career and makes me far more employable, and the UC doctoral scholarship further strengthens my CV.
Pursuing a PhD has given me the opportunity for my work to contribute to the knowledge base and positively impact New Zealanders.
2026 UC Doctoral Scholarship
2026 UC Electrical and Computer Engineering Research Support Scholarship
2025 Electrical & Electronic Engineering Excellence Prize
2025 EEA Electricity Engineers' Association Scholarship
2025 Aruhiko - Power Engineering Excellence Trust Undergraduate Scholarship
2024 Aruhiko - Power Engineering Excellence Trust Undergraduate Scholarship
The UC Connect scholarship has not only allowed me to pursue my PhD in the first place, but also framed the research around its theme of sustainability.
As I work to broaden the understanding of wastewater ponds, there will be opportunities to make a positive impact in my local community and further the scientific frontier. As such, I strive for my project to contribute to environmental, social, and economical sustainability.
The scholarship has allowed me to work with amazing people, both at UC and at Christchurch City Council. The collaborative nature of UC Connect has been a boon to my time as a student.
2025 UC Connect Doctoral Scholarship
Joachim - UC Civil Engineering doctoral student
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 separate 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
2025 UC Psychology Speech and Hearing Research Support Scholarship
2024 UC Doctoral Scholarship
2024 UC Physical and Chemical Sciences Research Support Scholarship
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How to apply for a UC Scholarship
21 July 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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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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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
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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.
