Wellington, New Zealand city skyline and harbour at sunset with high-rise buildings beside the water.

New Zealand Two main rounds per year (typically closing around 1 May and 1 November) plus rolling consideration

University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarship

The University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarship is Waikato's flagship PhD funding award, providing an annual stipend (around NZD 27,500) plus tuition fees for up to three years of full-time doctoral study. As with all New Zealand universities, international PhD students pay the same domestic tuition rate as locals, so a Waikato doctorate is far more affordable than a taught international degree — and the scholarship covers it. Waikato, in Hamilton, is strong in environmental science, computing, management, and Māori and indigenous studies. For Sri Lankan Master's graduates with research experience, a Waikato Doctoral Scholarship is a well-funded, accessible PhD pathway, with post-study work rights for doctoral graduates after completion.

University of Waikato, Hamilton

University-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

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Stipend

~NZD 27,500/yr (tax-free)

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Tuition

Covered (domestic PhD rate)

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Duration

Up to 3 years

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Eligibility

Domestic & international PhD students

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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Strong Research Background

A research Master's (or first-class Honours) with a strong thesis. Sri Lankan applicants with research experience and a clear publication or thesis record are competitive.

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Confirmed Supervisor

Secure a Waikato academic willing to supervise your PhD before applying. Email potential supervisors with your CV and a research proposal early.

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English Proficiency

Meet Waikato's English requirements (IELTS or equivalent) unless waived. Many Sri Lankan English-medium graduates qualify with standard tests.

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Open to Internationals

The scholarship is open to both domestic and international PhD candidates, including Sri Lankans, with international students paying the domestic PhD tuition rate.

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Research Proposal

A well-defined research proposal aligned with your supervisor's expertise underpins both PhD admission and scholarship selection.

account_tree Application Process

Secure a supervisor

Identify a Waikato research group in your field and approach potential supervisors with your CV, transcripts, and a draft proposal. Supervisor agreement is essential.

Apply for PhD admission and the scholarship

Submit your PhD application with the agreed proposal and supervisor support, and apply for the Doctoral Scholarship by the round deadline (around 1 May / 1 November).

Selection

Applications are assessed competitively on academic record and research potential through the university's scholarship rounds.

Award and enrolment

Successful candidates receive a stipend and tuition offer, complete New Zealand's student-visa process, and begin their doctorate.

About the University of Waikato

The University of Waikato in Hamilton is a research-active New Zealand university recognised for environmental science, computing, management, and Māori and indigenous studies. New Zealand's domestic-rate PhD tuition for international students makes a Waikato doctorate an affordable, well-supported research route for Sri Lankan graduates.