The University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships support outstanding doctoral candidates at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. In 2026, the scholarship provides a tax-free stipend of $35,468 per annum with annual CPI adjustment, tuition fees for up to 42 months full-time equivalent, and the single student Health Insurance compulsory charge if applicable.
Application Deadline:
1 November 2026 (for Round 1 of the 2027 cycle; additional quarterly rounds occur on 1 February 2027, 1 May 2027, and 1 August 2027).
Tell Me About The Program:
The University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship (UoADS) is a highly competitive, university-wide scholarship program run across four quarterly rounds each year. Designed to nurture, recruit, and retain top research talent at Waipapa Taumata Rau (University of Auckland), the scholarship supports outstanding domestic and international candidates undertaking full-time doctoral study across various academic faculties and research institutes.
2027 dates
| Apply by | Scholarship offer by | Enrol by: Domestic candidate/ Domestic qualifying programme | Enrol by: International candidate with international qualifying programme |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 November 2026 | 1 February 2027 | 1 March, 1 April, 1 May or 1 June 2027 | 1 April, 1 May, 1 June, 1 July, 1 August or 1 September 2027 |
| 1 February 2027 | 1 April 2027 | 1 May, 1 June, 1 July or 1 August 2027 | 1 June, 1 July, 1 August, 1 September, 1 October or 1 November 2027 |
| 1 May 2027 | 1 July 2027 | 1 August, 1 September, 1 October or 1 November 2027 | 1 September, 1 October, 1 November 2027 or 1 February 2028 |
| 1 August 2027 | 1 October 2027 | 1 November 2027 or 1 February 2028 | 1 February, 1 March, 1 April or 1 May 2028 |
Which Fields are Eligible?
All academic disciplines, faculties, and research institutes at the University of Auckland (including Arts, Education, Business, Economics, Engineering, Design, Law, Medical and Health Sciences, Sciences, Bioengineering, Liggins Institute, and interdisciplinary research centers).
Type:
Postgraduate Doctoral / PhD Scholarship Program
Who can Apply?
- General Candidates: Open to both domestic and international applicants who apply for and are offered a place in a doctoral degree program at the University of Auckland.
- Guaranteed Scholarships: Automatically awarded to Māori and Pacific applicants who hold a New Zealand university qualifying program GPA of 7.0 or above and receive an offer of admission for a doctoral program.
- Enrollment Rule: Candidates must not be enrolled in the doctoral program prior to being considered for the scholarship.
How are Applicants Selected:
Scholarship selection committees evaluate candidates based on academic merit (qualifying program GPA), research potential, alignment with the university’s Signature Research Areas, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) priorities, and supervisor/faculty research capacity.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
All countries (open to domestic New Zealand citizens/residents and international candidates worldwide).
Where will the Award be Taken?
University of Auckland, New Zealand
How Many Awards:
Multiple competitive awards across four selection rounds annually.
What is the Benefit of the Award:
- Tax-Free Living Stipend: $35,468 per annum (with an annual Consumer Price Index / CPI adjustment).
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of compulsory tuition fees for up to 42 months of full-time equivalent (FTE) study.
- Health Insurance: Coverage for single student compulsory health insurance (for eligible international candidates).
How Long Will the Award Last:
Up to 42 months (3.5 years) of full-time equivalent study.
How to Apply:
- Submit an application for admission to your chosen doctoral program at the University of Auckland.
- In the online admission form, indicate/confirm that you wish to be considered for a University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship (no separate scholarship application is required).
- Ensure your admission application is submitted by the target round deadline (e.g., 1 November 2026 for the initial 2027 intake round).
👉 Visit the official scholarship page for details
