Scholarships and awards

The School maintains a contestable Graduate Research Fund which is used to provide supplementary support for doctoral research. Applications, with a full budget for the research, need to be submitted through the student's supervisor by the end of March or end of August each year. PhD research funds (PReSS accounts) are administered through The University of Auckland Research Office. Eligible expenses, for which partial support may be given, include field travel, data purchase, conference registration, chemical or equipment purchases, technical field costs and technician support, photographic reproductions, photocopying and postage for surveys.

These scholarships aim to encourage high-achieving Māori students to continue their studies by undertaking Masters thesis study in the School of Environment.

To find out more visit the University of Auckland's Scholarship's website

Students can apply for a position as a Teaching Assistant/Tutor. These positions are limited in their availability. If you are interested in tutoring, contact the Academic Programmes Administrator for advice. Appointments are based on academic background.

Citizens and permanent residents of New Zealand are also eligible to apply for the following University of Auckland scholarships:

The University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship
NZ$25,000 + fees/annum in 2011

The University of Auckland Māori and Pacific Graduate Scholarships (PhD)
NZ$25,000 + fees/annum in 2009

The University of Auckland Masters/Honours/PGDip Scholarship
NZ$10,000 + fees/annum in 2009

The University of Auckland Maori and Pacific Grad Schools (M/Hons/PGDip)
NZ$10,000 + fees/annum in 2009

Application forms for the Doctoral Scholarships can be obtained from the Scholarships Office.

Scholarships Office
Room 123, Level 1
The ClockTower
City Campus

The applications forms must be returned to the Student Information Centre no later than 1 November 2010 (major round).

People wishing to be considered for the Masterate/Honours scholarships should write to the Director of School, indicating:

1. their intention to enrol at The University of Auckland
2. the programme in which they will be enrolling (BSc(Hons), BA(Hons), MA or MSc)
3. their interest in being considered for a Masterate/Honours scholarship.

For The University of Auckland students it is not necessary to supply an academic transcript in support of the application.

Prospective applicants should note that these scholarships are limited in availability and that only those people with first class academic records are likely to attain an award.
Other scholarships are available to students enrolled at The University of Auckland, some of which may be available to students enrolled in the graduate programmes in the School. In recent years, for instance, MA/MSc students received scholarship support from the Health Research Council, the Northland Regional Council and the Whakatane Historical Society.

For more information please visit The University of Auckland’s Scholarships, prizes and awards webpage.

For students from overseas, funding for graduate programmes is limited. Prospective applicants are directed to the following possible sources of financial assistance.

The University of Auckland International Doctoral Scholarship
These awards are available to a limited number of overseas students from outside New Zealand and Australia, based on academic merit. Information on the availability of scholarships for international students can be found on The University of Auckland International students' scholarship page.

New Zealand Official Development Assistance Postgraduate Scholarships
These scholarships provide funds in support of graduate studies in New Zealand for students from some developing countries. These scholarships provide assistance with fees, living expenses and travel. Information on the availability of scholarships for international students can be found on The University of Auckland International students' scholarship page.

Fulbright Scholarships
Students from the United States can apply for grants from the Fulbright Foundation to support a period of study at graduate level in New Zealand. The awards are normally for a period of one year and cover travel expenses, tuition fees, and provide a living allowance. Because the scholarships usually have a one year tenure, they do not cover the term of a Masters degree at The University of Auckland but the Postgraduate Diploma of Science is an attractive option.

Information can be obtained from the Fulbright Programme Adviser at most universities in the United States or by contacting:

The Institute of International Education
809 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017-3580

The closing date is usually mid-October for awards, to be taken up no earlier than June of the following year.

The Auckland Council Student Partnership Programme offers a two year relationship for FIVE students with the Council to combine real life work experience at the start of your PGDipSci or BSc (Honours), with support for applied research during your MSc thesis year.

There are three components to this programme, with the objective being to establish a partnership of benefit to both Auckland Council and students.

1. Summer work at Auckland Council November 2011 – February 2012
2. PGDipSci or BSc (Honours): March 2012 – November 2012
3. Masters thesis research: November 2012 –February 2014

What do you get out of the Auckland Council Student Partnership Programme?

• A summer job that gives you valuable work experience.
• A $5,000 stipend (for expenses incurred during your study, including living expenses).
• The opportunity to work across different areas of council.
• First-hand experience of environmental management and insight into application of science for management.
• For your thesis year you will gain a stipend and research assistance.
• Your thesis will demonstrate your ability to carry out applied research to future employees.

What do you need to do now?

• Decide whether you intend to go on and do a PGDipSci or BSc (Honours), and then a MSc thesis.
• Think about the areas of research that interest you and identify potential supervisors that you would like to work with.
• Talk to supervisors about potential projects.

The Council are seeking FIVE students interested in applied marine, terrestrial, air quality or freshwater research.

Applications will be accepted from August 2011 and close Friday 7th October 2011.

 More information about the scholarship can be found in the following document.  It is simple to apply, just send your CV with a covering letter to graham.surrey@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Students can obtain financial assistance towards the completion of their research from various outside agencies. This is usually arranged through the student's supervisor. As financial support of this kind depends very much on the topic of the research and the willingness of relevant agencies to invest in graduate work, students entering the programme should not assume that research funds from outside agencies will be available. Students intending to seek outside assistance must discuss their proposal with the Postgraduate Adviser and their supervisor.

Find below current external scholarships available to current or future postgraduate students.