UC Doctoral Scholarships help support doctoral candidates undertaking research at the University of Canterbury. The UC Doctoral Scholarships provide funding and research training support to eligible PhD students to help them complete their studies.
The scholarships are provided by the University of Canterbury (UC). The University of Canterbury is the host institution listed on the official scholarship pages and provides information, application guidance and administration for UC scholarships.
Benefits of the UC Doctoral Scholarships
- Annual financial support: Receive financial assistance of up to NZ$32,650 per 120 points.
- Tuition fee support: The scholarship covers tuition fees for thesis-only enrolment.
- Up to three years of support: Funding is available for up to 360 points, which normally covers up to three years of doctoral study.
- Study in any discipline: The scholarship supports research doctoral study in any discipline at the University of Canterbury.
- Additional scholarship opportunities: Eligible applicants who apply for a core UC Doctoral Scholarship are also automatically considered for several other UC doctoral scholarships, with no separate application required.
Eligibility Criteria for the UC Doctoral Scholarship
- Choose a research doctoral programme: You must be planning to study towards a research doctoral degree (PhD) at the University of Canterbury.
- Meet the academic requirements: You need to have an appropriate academic background for doctoral study and meet the University of Canterbury’s admission requirements for your chosen PhD programme.
- Apply for doctoral admission: You must submit a separate application for admission to your research doctoral programme through your myUC account before the scholarship application closes.
- Check your scholarship eligibility: The UC Doctoral Scholarship supports doctoral research in any discipline at the University of Canterbury. Applicants should also check the specific scholarship regulations before applying.
- Apply within the correct application round: For the current round, applicants planning to start their doctoral studies before 1 July 2027 must apply by 15 October 2026.
- Check additional requirements: Some UC doctoral scholarships have additional eligibility conditions. If you are applying for a specific scholarship within the UC doctoral scholarship collection, check its individual regulations before submitting your application.
How to Apply for the UC Doctoral Scholarships
- First, choose a suitable research doctoral programme at the University of Canterbury and make sure you meet the admission requirements.
- Prepare your academic records, research proposal, references, and other documents required for your PhD application and scholarship application.
- Submit a separate application for admission to your chosen doctoral programme through your myUC account. This application must be submitted before the scholarship deadline.
- Complete the online application form for the UC Doctoral Scholarship (UCDS). Eligible applicants can also be considered for several other core UC doctoral scholarships through the same application.
- Review all the information and supporting documents carefully, then submit your scholarship application before the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the UC Doctoral Scholarships. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply based on the official University of Canterbury content.
What are the UC Doctoral Scholarships?
UC Doctoral Scholarships are a collection of centrally funded doctoral scholarships offered by the University of Canterbury (UC), New Zealand. It supports students pursuing a research doctoral degree (PhD) in any discipline at UC.
Who provides the UC Doctoral Scholarships?
University of Canterbury is the host organisation referenced on the official site; they administer and provide details about the doctoral scholarships.
What study levels does this scholarships support?
The UC Doctoral scholarships are described on the doctoral scholarships pages, indicating it supports doctoral (PhD) students.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
You must submit your separate doctoral admission application through myUC before the scholarship deadline. For the general UC Doctoral Scholarships (UCDS), you use the single online scholarship application form. The same form also considers you for several other core UC doctoral scholarships. UC advises applicants to check eligibility and prepare the required supporting documentation before submitting the scholarship application. For the current round, applications close 15 October 2026. This round is for students intending to begin doctoral study before 1 July 2027.
What are the eligibility requirements?
For admission the UC Doctoral Scholarships also requires an appropriate research-focused honours or master’s qualification, normally at First-Class or Second-Class Division I (or equivalent), and international applicants must meet UC’s English-language requirements. You also need to identify a potential UC academic supervisor before submitting the formal PhD application.
What does the scholarship fund cover?
For the UC Doctoral Scholarships, the official University of Canterbury page states that the funding covers: NZ$32,650 per 120 points as financial assistance. Tuition fees for thesis-only enrolment. Funding can cover up to 360 points (normally around 3 years). The scholarship supports a research doctoral degree in any discipline at UC.
When is the application deadline?
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 .
Where can I find the official application page?
The official UC Doctoral scholarships page for doctoral scholarships is hosted on the University of Canterbury website at the provided application link.
Is the scholarship open to international students?
Yes, International students can apply for any scholarships unless the regulations specifically restrict the scholarship to NZ citizens or holders of NZ residence class visas.
Who can I contact for more information?
Refer to the University of Canterbury scholarship pages and contact links on the official site for further enquiries and contact details.
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