The deadline for the 2025 University of Waikato Academic Pathway Doctoral Scholarship (up to NZ$40,000) is July 31, 2024. -

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In 2021, the University of Waikato launched the Academic Pathway Doctoral Scholarship to assist deserving candidates of Māori and Pacific Islander heritage who are dedicated to pursuing a career in academia at the university.

The scholarship offers a clear route into an academic career at University of Waikato and helps those with understanding of Mātauranga Māori, te reo Māori, and/or knowledge of Pacific language, culture, and communities. Each year, up to five scholarships will be given out.

Concerning University of Waikato
This institution is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and vibrant university experience that is unique in character, seeking strong international linkages to advance knowledge, and offering a portfolio of world-class education and research.

Doctoral Scholarships through the Academic Pathway at Waikato University

The purpose of the University of Waikato Academic Pathway Doctoral Scholarship and its advantages

to assist deserving Māori and/or Pacific Islander students in pursuing academic pursuits.

Typically, the scholarship will be worth:

A living allowance of NZ$40,000 in total every 12 months, payable in monthly instalments for the agreed tenure of the scholarship.
The tuition fees for enrolment in the doctoral qualification during the tenure of the Scholarship at the relevant university;
Student Services Levies, health insurance, removal costs or other additional costs of enrolment at the relevant University as approved by the Scholarships Executive.
A return economy class airfare to the University where study is being undertaken, and relevant costs associated with that airfare, where the airfare is booked through the University of Waikato corporate travel provider.

Academic Pathway Doctorate Scholarship Courses at the University of Waikato

Qualification Requirements for the University of Waikato Academic Pathway Doctorate Scholarship

To be eligible, applicants must be:

Of New Zealand M?ori and/or of Pacific descent;
A New Zealand citizen or permanent resident;
Enrolling in a doctoral qualification (e.g., a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Health Science (DHSc), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)), or Part 2 of a Doctor of Education (EdD);
Intending to study full-time for the duration of their doctoral qualification;
Seeking to obtain their first doctoral qualification;
Planning to undertake their doctoral qualification either:
1. at the University of Waikato, but with a viable plan to spend time studying at another University, or
2. at a University other than the University of Waikato;

Those who apply while they are still employed full-time or part-time by the University of Waikato are not eligible for the scholarship. Work as a sessional assistant or a comparable position could be allowed if the hours put in don’t conflict with Clause 8.3.

Candidates will be considered disqualified if:

The application is incomplete.
Evidence of a clear pathway to study undertaken at another university is not provided.

On-going eligibility for recipients is conditional on:

Formally completing the entry qualifications for, and enrolling full-time in, a doctoral qualification and following the approved programme of study; and
Meeting expectations in all doctoral reports. Doctoral reports, endorsed by the Chief Supervisor, must be submitted to [email protected] at least every 6 months.

If a recipient’s circumstances change in a manner which may affect their continued eligibility for this Scholarship, they must inform their Supervisor and the Scholarships Committee immediately (via [email protected]). Any change of circumstances will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Date, Procedure, and Location of the University of Waikato Academic Pathway Doctoral Scholarship Interview

Selection is based on all of the following:

Academic merit in a discipline of strategic importance to the University of Waikato;
Knowledge of m?tauranga M?ori, te reo M?ori and/or knowledges and languages of their community in the Pacific (as appropriate);
Alignment of the proposed area of study with the strategic staffing plans and research priorities of the University/Divisions/Faculties/Schools and/or Research Institutes; and
In the case that enrolment is at a University other than the University of Waikato, then applications will be judged against the quality, location and strategic alignment to intent of this scholarship of the other university (with a strong preference for the other University to be international).

The University of Waikato retains the authority to request applications from anyone who have the necessary qualifications.

Applications will be considered by the University of Waikato Scholarships Executive who will consult with relevant Faculties/Divisions/Schools, the Director (International) and the Vice-Chancellor before making decisions to award any scholarships.
The Scholarships Executive’s decision is final; no further correspondence will be entered into following the selection meeting.