New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship
About this scholarship
The New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship (NZIDRS) supports international students to undertake doctoral study at a New Zealand university. Administered through Education New Zealand, it is aimed at attracting top research talent from around the world by funding tuition and living costs for the duration of a PhD.
The award is fully funded, covering tuition fees, an annual stipend of around 27,300 New Zealand dollars, health and travel insurance, and a contribution toward research costs, for three years. Scholars undertake full-time, on-campus doctoral research at a New Zealand university in a field aligned with the institution’s research strengths.
Eligibility is for international students (not citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand or Australia) with a strong academic record (around a GPA of 3.7, or an A to A+ average) and a confirmed unconditional offer of place for a full-time, on-campus PhD, who meet the English requirement. You submit the NZIDRS application with the required supporting documents and a research proposal aligned with the selection criteria by the annual deadline, and awards are made on academic excellence and the research’s value to New Zealand. For talented international doctoral researchers, it is a strong, fully funded opportunity; confirm current availability on the official site before applying.
Eligibility
- International student who is not a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia.
- A strong academic record (around GPA 3.7, or an A to A+ average).
- A confirmed unconditional offer of place for a full-time, on-campus PhD at a New Zealand university.
- A research proposal aligned with university research strengths.
- English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or above).
Benefits & Coverage
- Annual stipend of around NZD 27,300.
- Tuition fees waived.
- Health and travel insurance.
- Research costs contribution.
Required Documents
- Unconditional offer of place for a PhD.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Research proposal aligned with the selection criteria.
- Two academic reference letters.
- English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or above).
- Curriculum vitae.
- Passport copy.
How to Apply
- Confirm you are an international student (not from New Zealand or Australia) with a strong academic record and a confirmed unconditional PhD offer.
- Submit the NZIDRS application with the required supporting documents and a research proposal by the annual deadline.
- Awards are made on academic excellence and the research's value to New Zealand (confirm current availability and the date on the official site).
Frequently asked questions
Is New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship fully funded? +
This scholarship is listed as fully funded. The listed award is: Full tuition plus annual stipend of around NZD 27,300; Health and travel insurance and a research cost contribution.. Coverage can change between cycles, so confirm the details on the official page.
What degree levels does New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship cover? +
This scholarship is listed for: PhD.
When is the application deadline? +
The application deadline listed here is October 1, 2026. Deadlines move, so always verify the date on the official page before planning your application.
Who can apply? +
Key eligibility points from this listing: International student who is not a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia; A strong academic record (around GPA 3.7, or an A to A+ average); A confirmed unconditional offer of place for a full-time, on-campus PhD at a New Zealand university; A research proposaโฆ See the Eligibility section above for the full requirements.
How do I apply? +
Apply directly through the official portal linked on this page. Legitimate scholarships never charge an application fee, so treat any request for payment as a scam and use official channels only.
Answers are based on this scholarship's listed details. Always confirm on the official page.
