Wellington Master's by Thesis Scholarship – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes1 Nov, 2026

The Wellington Master’s by Thesis Scholarship is a prestigious postgraduate research scholarship offered by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. The scholarship provides a tax-free stipend of NZD 15,000 for one year. In addition, it covers domestic tuition fees for up to 120 thesis points, with the University paying these fees directly. International students, except those from Australia, must pay the difference between the international tuition fee and the domestic tuition fee. Furthermore, recipients may hold this scholarship alongside certain other awards, including the Victoria University of Wellington Postgraduate International Scholarship, without reducing the value of either award. Consequently, students receive valuable financial support while completing their research degree.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Wellington Master’s by Thesis Scholarship before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

All fields

GPA / Grade

Languages

C1 Advanced 176, C2 Proficiency 176, DuoLingo English Test 120, IELTS 6.5, PTE A 58, TOEFL iBT 90

Tests

Study Levels

Master's

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Yes (1)

Result Date

Program Start

2027

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

NZD 15,000

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award AmountNZD 15,000
Deadline1 Nov, 2026
LevelMaster's
InstitutionVictoria University of Wellington
CountryNew Zealand
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The Wellington Master’s by Thesis Scholarship is a prestigious postgraduate research scholarship offered by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. The scholarship encourages outstanding students to undertake a full-time research-focused Master’s degree that includes a thesis component of at least 90 points. It supports both domestic and international students who demonstrate excellent academic achievement and strong research potential. Moreover, the scholarship enables talented students to pursue advanced research while contributing to the University’s internationally recognized research community.

Background and Purpose

The scholarship aims to strengthen postgraduate research by providing financial assistance that allows students to focus on their thesis projects. It supports students beginning a one-year Master’s program with a substantial thesis as well as those entering Part 2 of a two-year Master’s program where the thesis is worth at least 90 points. However, students enrolled in programs that include only a 60-point dissertation are not eligible. Furthermore, the University Research Scholarships Committee selects recipients solely on academic merit. Applicants are normally expected to have completed a Bachelor’s degree with Honors or Part 1 of a Master’s degree with academic performance equivalent to First Class Honors from a New Zealand university or an equivalent qualification. As a result, the scholarship recognizes academic excellence and promotes high-quality postgraduate research.

Wellington Master’s by Thesis Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship provides a tax-free stipend of NZD 15,000 for one year. In addition, it covers domestic tuition fees for up to 120 thesis points, with the University paying these fees directly. International students, except those from Australia, must pay the difference between the international tuition fee and the domestic tuition fee. Furthermore, recipients may hold this scholarship alongside certain other awards, including the Victoria University of Wellington Postgraduate International Scholarship, without reducing the value of either award. Consequently, students receive valuable financial support while completing their research degree.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must apply for a full-time Master’s program that includes a thesis component of at least 90 points. Both domestic and international students are eligible to apply. Furthermore, applicants should demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and strong research potential. They are normally expected to have completed a Bachelor’s degree with Honors or Part 1 of a Master’s degree with results equivalent to First Class Honors or an equivalent international qualification.

Wellington Master’s by Thesis Scholarship Application Process

Applicants must complete the online scholarship application and submit all required supporting documents. These documents include a personal statement, research proposal, curriculum vitae, academic reference, and academic transcripts where applicable. Furthermore, applicants must satisfy the admission requirements for their chosen Master’s program. Scholarship offers are normally made in late December for study beginning in the following academic year. Therefore, applicants should prepare their documents carefully and submit a strong application before the deadline.

Opportunities for Scholars

The scholarship provides an excellent opportunity to undertake advanced research at one of New Zealand’s leading universities. Moreover, scholars work closely with experienced supervisors while developing advanced research, analytical, and communication skills. Their thesis research contributes to knowledge across a wide range of academic disciplines and strengthens the University’s research profile. Consequently, graduates are well prepared for careers in academia, research organizations, government agencies, industry, and further doctoral study.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

Students from any university, including international applicants, who are eligible to enroll in a Master’s by Thesis program at Victoria University of Wellington may apply.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted online through the Victoria University of Wellington Scholarships Portal before the closing date.

How are recipients selected?

Scholarships are awarded primarily on academic merit by the University’s Research Scholarships Committee.