Massey University Vice-Chancellor's Doctoral Scholarship
The Massey University Vice-Chancellor's Doctoral Scholarship is one of New Zealand's most generous PhD funding packages — a NZD 27,000 annual stipend plus full domestic tuition fees for up to three years. International candidates pay domestic-fee rates rather than international rates, which is a significant additional benefit (NZ PhD students universally pay domestic fees). Awards are made twice yearly across all Massey research areas.
Massey University
University-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Living Stipend
NZD 27,000/yr (tax-free)
Duration
Up to 3 Years
Tuition
Full Domestic-Fee Coverage
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Admission to Massey PhD
You must have applied for or hold an offer for a Massey PhD programme. Supervisor support is essential — secure a confirmed supervisor before the scholarship application.
Strong Research Background
Equivalent to a New Zealand First-Class Honours degree or Master's degree with distinction. Research publications, conference presentations, or a strong honours/Master's thesis materially improve your ranking.
Open to All Nationalities
Open to domestic and international applicants. Sri Lankan citizens applying from Sri Lanka are eligible and pay the same domestic-fee rate as NZ students for the PhD.
English Proficiency
Meet Massey's PhD English language requirement — typically IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 (higher thresholds apply for some research areas).
account_tree Application Process
Identify a Massey Supervisor
Browse the Massey research staff directory, shortlist potential supervisors, and email them with your CV and research proposal. Securing supervisor support is essential before applying.
Apply for the Massey PhD
Submit your Massey PhD application via the online portal — research proposal (2-3 pages), supervisor confirmation, transcripts, two academic references, English-test result.
Submit Doctoral Scholarship Form
Apply via the Massey Doctoral Scholarships portal alongside (or shortly after) your PhD application. Submit your research proposal, full CV, references, and a personal statement.
Selection Panel Decision
The Doctoral Research Committee ranks all applicants on academic record, research potential, and supervisor strength. Outcomes are typically released 6-10 weeks after each round deadline.
Why Massey University?
New Zealand's only university with a presence across the entire country (Auckland, Wellington, Manawatu), Massey is recognised globally for veterinary science, agriculture, food technology, aviation, and design. NZ doctoral programmes allow PhD candidates' partners and dependent children to live and work freely in NZ.
#239
QS World Ranking 2026
5-Star
QS Overall Rating
Top 100
QS Agriculture & Veterinary
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