University of Waikato Research Masters Scholarship
The University of Waikato Research Masters Scholarship supports international and NZ students enrolling in a research-Master's (thesis-based MSc, MMS, MA, ME). It covers domestic tuition fees plus a tax-free living stipend of around NZD 15,000 for the duration of the Master's (typically 12-15 months). Sri Lankan applicants with strong Bachelor's results and a confirmed supervisor are competitive — Waikato has particularly strong programmes in Environmental Sciences, Computing, Management, and Maori Studies, and is one of NZ's most international-friendly universities.
Open for 2026 entry — applications via the Waikato Scholarships portal (3 cutoffs per year)
University of Waikato
University-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Stipend
NZD 15,000 (tax-free, full term)
Tuition
Domestic rate (~NZD 7,000-8,500 / yr)
Duration
12-15 months (research-Master's)
Awards
Limited per round — competitive
info How this award actually works
Who awards it
University of Waikato — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.
How you are considered
Through your admission application. Awards like this are usually assessed automatically from the application you already submit — there is typically no separate scholarship form to fill in.
What it covers
NZD 15,000 stipend + Full domestic tuition. This is a reduction in tuition, not a full ride. You still fund the remainder, plus living costs and the balance your visa requires you to show.
Where we come in
We make the admission application strong enough to be competitive — course choice, documents, references and deadlines. The funder makes the decision.
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Strong Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's degree with a high upper-second / first-class honours in a relevant discipline. Sri Lankan first-class honours from a national university is typically competitive.
Confirmed Waikato Supervisor
You must identify and contact a potential supervisor whose research aligns with yours BEFORE applying. The supervisor's written support is part of the scholarship application.
Open to International + NZ
Sri Lankan citizens are eligible alongside NZ residents. International awardees pay only the domestic tuition rate (a major saving on the standard international fee).
Enrol in a Research-Master's
The scholarship is restricted to thesis-based research Master's programmes. Coursework-only Master's are not eligible — check the Waikato programme list for research-stream options.
account_tree Application Process
Identify a Waikato supervisor
Search Waikato's research profiles and email potential supervisors with your CV, transcripts, and a short research interest statement. Secure written supervisor support before the scholarship application.
Submit programme + scholarship application
Submit your Master's application via the Waikato online portal — transcripts, references, English-test (IELTS 6.5+), and your supervisor's support email. Then submit the Research Masters Scholarship form via the Waikato Scholarships portal.
Scholarship round review
Waikato runs 3 scholarship rounds per year. Complete applications submitted before each round cutoff are reviewed by the Scholarships Committee — decisions typically within 6 weeks.
Accept + visa
Accept the scholarship and use it alongside the admission offer for the NZ Fee-Paying Student Visa application. The award covers tuition + a living stipend that exceeds the visa's funds requirement.
Why Waikato?
The University of Waikato in Hamilton (90 minutes south of Auckland) is consistently ranked top 350 globally and is NZ's youngest research-intensive university. Strong international support team and one of the lowest costs of living among NZ university cities.
Top 350
QS World Ranking 2026
13,000+
Total Students
Since 1964
Institution Founded
Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?
Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.
Work out your real number
Tuition, living costs, visa funds and flights for your destination — so you know the gap you are actually trying to close.
Open the cost calculator arrow_forwardSort courses by lowest fee
The full catalogue, cheapest tuition first. Changing course or country saves far more than most awards are worth.
Browse lowest-fee courses arrow_forwardWhat NZ actually costs
Tuition, living costs and the total first-year figure for NZ, in LKR as well as local currency.
See the cost breakdown arrow_forwardCheck your proof of funds
Every student visa requires you to show funds. Find out what you need before you commit to an application.
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