Everything you wanted to know about New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)

The New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS) are prestigious scholarships for top international Ph.D. students to study at any New Zealand university.

The NZIDRS are jointly funded by the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) and participating New Zealand universities.

The NZIDRS aims to:

• Attract and support top international Ph.D. students to undertake research in New Zealand that will make a significant contribution to New Zealand’s economic, social and cultural development.
• Increase international linkages and collaboration between New Zealand researchers and institutions and their counterparts offshore.
• Enhance the international competitiveness of New Zealand’s research and increase the visibility and impact of New Zealand research globally.

The NZIDRS is a vital part of the Government’s International Education Strategy 2018-2030, which aims to grow the economic contribution of international education to New Zealand.

Eligibility requirements for NZIDRS

To be eligible for an NZIDRS, you must:

• Have been accepted for enrolment in a doctoral degree at a participating New Zealand university
• Be a citizen of, and resident in, a country other than New Zealand or Australia
• Meet the academic requirements for entry into a doctoral program at the host institution as specified in the NZIDRS Rules
• Have not previously undertaken any doctoral study at a New Zealand institution
• Not be enrolled in, or have completed, a doctoral program at any other institution
• Meet the English language requirements specified in the NZIDRS Rules.

Scholarship benefits

The NZIDRS provides:

• A tuition fee waiver for three years of full-time study (or equivalent).
• A living allowance of NZ$27,500 (around INR 13,14,000) per year (before tax) for three years of full-time study (or equivalent). If you are enrolled part-time, you will receive a proportionate living allowance.
• An economy class return airfare to New Zealand at the commencement of your scholarship.
• A medical and travel insurance allowance for the duration of your scholarship.
• An establishment allowance of NZ$5,000 (around INR 24,000) on arrival in New Zealand.

You may also be eligible for a top-up scholarship from your university, which would provide additional benefits such as an enhanced living allowance or relocation support. Please check with your chosen institution to see if they offer additional benefits.

The application process for NZIDRS

To apply for an NZIDRS, you must:

• Find out if your chosen New Zealand university is participating in the NZIDRS
• Meet the eligibility requirements specified in the NZIDRS Rules
• Apply directly to your chosen institution, which will assess your application and decide whether to put you forward for an NZIDRS.

Key dates for NZIDRS

Applications for the NZIDRS open on 1 July each year and close on 31 October. Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their scholarships in April of the following year.

Contact us if you have questions about the New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS).

Selection Criteria and Procedure

A merit-based selection process will be used to identify the best-qualified applicants.

The NZIDRS Selection Panel will consider the following:

• Your research proposal
• The alignment of your research with the NZIDRS objectives
• Your academic achievements
• Your potential to complete a doctoral degree within three years of full-time study (or equivalent)
• The benefits of your research to New Zealand and your home country.

The NZIDRS Selection Panel comprises representatives from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), Universities New Zealand – Te Pōkai Tara, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and Education New Zealand (ENZ).

The Panel will recommend the TEC, who will decide on scholarship recipients. The NZIDRS are offered subject to the availability of funding.

Please note that you cannot apply for an NZIDRS if you have already enrolled in or completed a doctoral program at any institution.

Conclusion

The NZIDRS are highly competitive scholarships that are awarded on a merit basis. If you are interested in applying for an NZIDRS, you must meet the eligibility requirements and apply directly to your chosen New Zealand institution. Key dates to remember are that applications open on 1 July each year and close on 31 October, and successful applicants will be notified in April of the following year. Good luck!