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.
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
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
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