- NZ$34,569/yr (tax-free)Annual Stipend
- Tuition fees (up to 36 months)Tuition Coverage
- Health Insurance IncludedAdditional Benefits
- ~2 scholarshipsNumber of Awards
- 36 monthsDuration
- Deadline: 1 November 2026Next Deadline
At a glance
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Funding
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Max amount
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
All countries
Country
University of Auckland
Provider
The Doctoral Scholarships at Ngā Ara Whetū – Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society are offered by the University of Auckland, New Zealand, to support PhD candidates whose research focuses on the intricate relationships between climate change, biodiversity, and society. These scholarships are particularly suited for legal researchers interested in environmental law, climate law, biodiversity law, urban governance, sustainability, and climate policy, provided their proposed research aligns with the Centre's priorities. The University of Auckland, established in 1883, is New Zealand's largest university. Each scholarship provides a substantial financial package, including an annual tax-free stipend of NZ$34,569, subject to annual CPI adjustments. It also covers tuition fees for up to 36 months of full-time study and includes health insurance, making it a comprehensive funding opportunity for doctoral researchers. In the 2027 cycle, the Centre has identified two priority areas for research: Regional Resilience and Urban Living. Prospective applicants, including lawyers and legal researchers, are encouraged to develop interdisciplinary research proposals that address these themes and align with the Centre's broader research agenda. The application deadline for the 2027 intake is 1 November 2026. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Annual Stipend — A tax-free stipend of NZ$34,569 per annum, with annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments.
- Tuition Fees — Full coverage of tuition fees for the doctoral program for up to 36 months (3 years) of study.
- Health Insurance — Provision of health insurance coverage for the duration of the scholarship.
- Additional Funding — Possibility of additional funding, subject to applicable conditions and the scholarship terms.
- Research Support — Support for research within the Ngā Ara Whetū – Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society, focusing on identified priority areas like Regional Resilience and Urban Living.
How to apply
Applying for the Doctoral Scholarships involves a multi-step process, starting with ensuring you meet both university and scholarship-specific requirements. Successful applicants will need to demonstrate alignment with the Centre's research priorities.
- Review Eligibility and Research Priorities — First, confirm you meet the University of Auckland's doctoral entry requirements and understand the research priorities of Ngā Ara Whetū – Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society, especially the 2027 priority areas: Regional Resilience and Urban Living.
- Identify a Supervisor — Identify and establish contact with an eligible supervisor who is affiliated with Ngā Ara Whetū and whose research expertise aligns with your proposed doctoral project. This is a crucial step.
- Develop Research Proposal — Prepare a comprehensive doctoral research proposal that clearly demonstrates how your intended research fits within the Centre's priorities and under the guidance of your identified supervisor.
- Submit Application — Access the official University of Auckland doctoral information and application guidance online to complete and submit your application by the specified deadline.
Eligibility
NationalityAll nationalities eligible to study at the University of Auckland for a PhD.
Study LevelApplicants must be applying for or currently enrolled in a PhD program at the University of Auckland.
Research AlignmentProposed doctoral research must align with the research priorities of Ngā Ara Whetū – Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society, particularly focusing on climate, biodiversity, and society. For 2027, priority areas include Regional Resilience and Urban Living.
Supervisor RequirementApplicants must identify an eligible Ngā Ara Whetū-affiliated supervisor whose expertise matches their proposed doctoral research.
Meeting general doctoral admission requirements alone is not sufficient; the research proposal and supervisory arrangements must also satisfy the specific criteria of this scholarship.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
2027 intake2026-11-01
Selection
Recipients are selected based on their academic merit, the quality and alignment of their proposed doctoral research with the Ngā Ara Whetū – Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society's research priorities, and the identification of an eligible affiliated supervisor. The selection process evaluates the potential impact and feasibility of the research project, particularly in the 2027 priority areas of Regional Resilience and Urban Living.
Verified sources
- University of Auckland Doctoral Study and Application Informationauckland.ac.nzofficial
- Fully Funded PhD Scholarship for Lawyers: University of Auckland Offers NZ$34,569 Annual Stipendlegalmaestros.comannouncement
About the provider
The University of Auckland, established in 1883, is New Zealand's largest university and a leading research institution. Its Ngā Ara Whetū – Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society brings together interdisciplinary research to address critical global challenges.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Ngā Ara Whetū Doctoral Scholarship?
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This scholarship is a fully funded PhD opportunity offered by the University of Auckland's Ngā Ara Whetū – Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society, designed to support doctoral research focused on climate change, biodiversity, and society, with relevance for legal researchers.
What does the scholarship cover?
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The scholarship provides a comprehensive funding package that includes an annual tax-free stipend, full tuition fee coverage for up to 36 months, and health insurance.
What is the value of the award?
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Successful applicants receive an annual tax-free stipend of NZ$34,569, which is subject to annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments to maintain its value.
Who is eligible to apply?
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Eligibility requires meeting the University of Auckland's general doctoral entry requirements, proposing research aligned with the Ngā Ara Whetū Centre's priorities, and securing an eligible affiliated supervisor.
Which countries are eligible for this scholarship?
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This scholarship is open to eligible applicants from all countries who meet the University of Auckland's admission criteria for doctoral study.
Which study levels are covered by this scholarship?
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The scholarship is specifically for students undertaking doctoral (PhD) level research at the University of Auckland.
What is the application deadline for the next cycle?
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The application deadline for the 2027 intake is 1 November 2026. Prospective applicants should begin preparations well in advance of this date.
How do I apply for this scholarship?
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To apply, you must first ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, identify a suitable Ngā Ara Whetū-affiliated supervisor, develop a research proposal aligned with the Centre's priorities, and then submit your application via the official University of Auckland doctoral application portal.
What documents are required for the application?
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Required documents typically include academic transcripts, a CV, a detailed research proposal, and confirmation from your prospective Ngā Ara Whetū-affiliated supervisor. English language proficiency proof may also be needed.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
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Selection is based on academic merit, the relevance and quality of the proposed research to the Centre's priorities (including 2027 themes like Regional Resilience and Urban Living), and the suitability of the identified supervisor.
What is the duration of the scholarship, and can it be renewed?
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The scholarship provides funding for up to 36 months of full-time equivalent study. Additional funding may be possible under specific conditions, which applicants should confirm with the Centre.
Where can I confirm the current details for this scholarship?
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You should confirm all current-cycle details, including specific deadlines and updated eligibility criteria, on the official University of Auckland doctoral study and application information website.