The Wellington Master’s by Thesis Scholarship 2027 is a prestigious postgraduate scholarship offered by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington to support outstanding students beginning a research-focused Master’s degree. The scholarship provides a tax-free stipend of NZD 15,000 for one year, together with domestic tuition fees for up to 120 thesis points. The scholarship is awarded on academic merit and is open to both domestic and international students undertaking an eligible Master’s by Thesis programme. International students (other than Australians) are responsible for paying the difference between domestic and international tuition fees.

About the Wellington Master’s by Thesis Scholarship

The Wellington Master’s by Thesis Scholarship encourages high-achieving students to undertake postgraduate research at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. It supports students beginning a full-time Master’s programme with a thesis component worth 90 points or more, including one-year research Master’s programmes and Part 2 of eligible two-year Master’s degrees.

The scholarship is available across a wide range of academic disciplines offered by the University. Students conduct independent research under academic supervision while developing advanced research, analytical, and professional skills that prepare them for doctoral study or research careers. Selection is based primarily on academic excellence.

Why Choose The Wellington Master’s by Thesis Scholarship?

This scholarship allows you to complete a research-focused Master’s degree at one of New Zealand’s leading research universities.

You benefit from:

  • NZD 15,000 tax-free living stipend
  • Domestic tuition fees for up to 120 thesis points
  • Research supervision from leading academics
  • Access to world-class research facilities
  • Opportunities to publish research
  • Strong preparation for doctoral study
  • Membership in an internationally recognised research community

Graduates pursue careers in:

  • Academic research
  • Government agencies
  • Industry research
  • Policy development
  • Education
  • Scientific and professional organisations

Wellington Master’s by Thesis Scholarship Summary

  • Host Country: New Zealand
  • Host University: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
  • Scholarship Name: Wellington Master’s by Thesis Scholarship
  • Study Level: Master’s by Thesis
  • Scholarship Type: Partially Funded
  • Study Mode: Full-Time
  • Scholarship Duration: 1 year
  • Scholarship Value: NZD 15,000 tax-free stipend
  • Tuition Coverage: Domestic tuition fees for 120 thesis points
  • Eligible Applicants: Domestic and International Students
  • Application Mode: Online
  • Application Deadline: 1 November
  • Selection Basis: Academic merit

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship provides:

  • NZD 15,000 tax-free stipend
  • Payment of domestic tuition fees for 120 thesis points
  • Monthly stipend payments throughout the scholarship tenure
  • Access to research facilities and academic supervision
  • Opportunities for postgraduate research training

International students (except Australian citizens) must pay the difference between the domestic tuition fee covered by the scholarship and the applicable international tuition fee.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be eligible to enrol in a Master’s by Thesis degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
  • Intend to undertake a full-time Master’s programme with a thesis component of at least 90 points.
  • Normally have completed an Honours degree or Part 1 of a Master’s degree before commencing the thesis programme.
  • Demonstrate excellent academic achievement.
  • Meet the University’s admission requirements.

Students enrolled in 60-point dissertation programmes are not eligible for this scholarship.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

  • Online scholarship application
  • Personal statement
  • One-page research proposal outlining the proposed research topic
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • One academic reference
  • Academic transcripts (if previous study was not completed at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington)

Application Process & Timeline

Follow these steps:

  1. Apply for admission to an eligible Master’s by Thesis programme.
  2. Prepare your research proposal and supporting documents.
  3. Complete the online scholarship application.
  4. Arrange for your academic reference to be submitted.
  5. Submit the complete application before the closing date.
  6. Await the scholarship outcome, which is normally announced in late December.