The following lists some of the scholarships administered by UC which are to support UC students studying overseas or travelling overseas to further their studies.
NB: Please note that the following information is subject to change. Use our Scholarships Database to find all scholarships that are currently available.
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Information |
| Anne Reid Memorial Scholarship | Value: Financial assistance of up to $30,000 for one year (in exceptional circumstances, the Selection Committee may recommend tenure of up to two years) Details: To assist students to undertake postgraduate study in Art History, English Literature, Fine Arts, or Music in an environment at an overseas institution that encourages the completion of a course, research or a creative work. Applicants must be Aotearoa New Zealand citizens or holders of Aotearoa New Zealand residence class visas. Closing date: 31 October - NEXT OFFERED IN 2025 |
| Barbara Kathryn Ell Travel Award | Value: Grants of $500 to $1,500 are available from an annual total fund of at least $3,000 Details: The award offers financial support for UC postgraduate students of History or Political Science for travel expenses associated with their studies. Applicants must have completed (within six months of the applicable closing date for applications), or be intending to complete, travel associated with their current studies. Closing date: 31 March and 31 October (if funds available) |
| Barbara Mito Reed Award | Value: Financial assistance to the value of $2,000 for one year. Details: Open to graduate students of Japanese (whose native language is not Japanese), enrolled, or intending to enrol in a postgraduate programme in a field of Japanese studies at UC or at a university in Japan. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Aotearoa New Zealand. Closing date: 31 March |
| Christ Church Oxford Wakefield Graduate Scholarship | Details: Open to graduates of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury to undertake a one-year Master’s Course at Christ Church, Oxford. One scholarship is available every 4-5 years, as funds permit. Value: Course fees and living costs confirmed at the time the scholarship becomes available. Closing date: 16 December |
| Coastal & Ocean Engineering Conference Fund | Value: Grants from an annual fund of $10,000 are available. Individual grants do not normally exceed the following values: a. For conferences in Aotearoa New Zealand: $1,000 Details: Applicants must be enrolled in a research programme in the Department of Civil & Natural Resource Engineering or Geography, and be intending to present a paper at a coastal and/or ocean conference. Closing date: 31 March and 30 September if funds available |
| Ethel Susan Jones Fine Arts Travelling Scholarship | Value: Financial assistance up to the value of $5,000 for up to two years. Details: For students, or former students of the School of Fine Arts to further their study in Fine Arts by visiting other countries. Closing date: 01 November |
| Keith Laungesen Music Scholarship | Value: Financial assistance to the value of $10,000. Details: To support full-time postgraduate study overseas by students of Music. Applicants must be Aotearoa New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. Closing date: 01 November |
| Penelope Wilson Art and Culture Internship Grant | Value: Financial assistance to the value of $5,000 for one year. Details: This grant supports postgraduate students at UC who are undertaking an internship in the arts and culture field in Aotearoa New Zealand or overseas. Applicants must be enrolled full-time or part-time in a postgraduate degree programme at UC, preference is given to those studying Art History. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Aotearoa New Zealand and have applied for an internship at another institution in an arts or culture field that relates to the applicant's subject of study, such as a library, gallery or museum. The internship cannot be undertaken in Ōtautahi Christchurch and must be undertaken within 12 months of the offer of the award. Closing date: 31 March |
| Robert Bell Travelling Scholarship in Journalism | Value: Financial assistance to the value of $25,000 for one year. Details: To support graduates of a UC programme in Journalism to travel overseas to pursue enquiries and conduct research into news media and other like means of public communication. Applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in journalism and must be working as journalists. Closing date: 01 November |
| Rutherford Visiting Studentship at Darwin College, Cambridge | Value: Admission and academic fees for a Visiting Studentship at the University of Cambridge; and specified privileges at Darwin College, Cambridge. Details: To enable PhD students of UC to conduct research at the University of Cambridge. Applicant would need to have been accepted as a Visiting Student by a department or affiliated institute of the University of Cambridge. Preference is given to those studying in the areas of engineering, health sciences, mathematics, science or technology. Closing date: Open whenever funds are available. |
| Sims Empire Scholarship | Value: Up to $70,000 per annum for up to 3 years - comprising of (a) tuition fees up to the value of $35,000; (b) a stipend of $15,000; and (c) up to $20,000 towards other expenses. Details: To support graduates of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury with a background in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, or any related subject, or in a medical or other health-related field, to undertake further full-time postgraduate study in Great Britain. Normally, there may be only one holder of the scholarship at a time - the scholarship will be advertised as it becomes available. Applicants must have been born in Aotearoa New Zealand; or have been resident in Aotearoa New Zealand for a total of at least 7 years on the closing date for applications. Closing date: 01 November |
| Sir William Hartley Scholarship | Value: Financial assistance to the value of $20,000 per annum for up to 3 years. Details: To support female doctoral students attending a European university. Preference is given to those who will be studying at the University of Cambridge, the University of London, or the University of Oxford. The scholarship may normally be held by only one recipient at a time. Closing date: 01 November |
| Tytheridge Travelling Scholarship in Arts | Value: Financial assistance with the costs associated with university study, at a value of $55,000 per annum for up to 3 years. Details: To support Arts graduates of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury to undertake further full-time postgraduate study at an overseas institution. Normally, there may be only one holder of the scholarship at a time. Applicants must have been either (a) born in Aotearoa New Zealand, or (b) resident in Aotearoa New Zealand for a total of at least seven years on the closing date for applications. Closing date: 01 November |
For UC students going on overseas exchanges
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Information |
| Christchurch - Seattle Sister City Scholarship | Value: $5,000 Details: To support UC students who are participating in the UC Global Exchange Programme at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, USA. Closing date: 15 October |
| Pagnol Scholarship | Value: $5,000 Details: To support UC students majoring in French in either a BA, BA(Hons) or Part I of an MA; to participate in the University's Student Exchange Programme at one of the University's partner institutions in France. Closing date: 31 March |
Other Scholarships not administered by UC
There are also other programmes / organisations which offer scholarships for NZ students to study overseas. The following scholarships are some of those which have been sent to the Scholarships Office from external providers. Please note that the UC does not administer any of these scholarships so is unable to answer any queries on them - all queries must be directed to the organisation who is offering the scholarship in the link provided.
We aim to keep this information as up to date as possible but cannot guarantee its accuracy at all times.
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Information |
| Chevening Scholarship | Value: Fully-funded (flights, accommodation, and course fees are all included) - see website for details. Details: Chevening is the UK Government’s global scholarship programme, providing emerging leaders across the world with a fantastic opportunity to study for a one-year master’s degree at any of the UK’s leading universities. There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ Chevening Scholar, but those who are successful tend to have ambition, leadership qualities, and a passion for influencing positive change in their home countries. Specific eligibility criteria applies - check their website for more details. Closing date: 05 November |
| DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Scholarships | Value: Varies depending on the scholarship. Please refer to the details for each scholarship at the links given below. Details: The German Academic Exchange Service offers scholarships annually to NZ graduate students to complete a postgraduate or Master's degree course at a German higher education institution, in all academic disciplines, including the fields of music and fine arts. A DAAD Representative is located at UC, so if you have any queries, contact Anne Blumenthal. Closing date: October - check website for specific date. |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) in Global Change Ecology & Biodiversity Management | Value: All participation fees, and provide a monthly stipend of 1,400€ to cover expenses such as living costs, accommodation, travel etc. Details: For graduates who are passionate about biodiversity and want to learn how to implement conservation and environmental management practices. Two year programme, taught in English. Delivered by Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, together with Bangor University (UK), Universidade de Lisboa (Portugal), and Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala (Mexico). Candidates from a range of disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as long as they can demonstrate academic excellence and a passion for the ecological, social, economic and political challenges posed by contemporary environmental change. Closing date: 16 December |
| FMB Reynolds Scholarship in Law to Oxford | Value: Financial assistance with the costs associated with university study, to a value of $10,000 for one year. Details: To assist New Zealand law graduates to commence postgraduate study in Law at the University of Oxford. Applicants must be Aotearoa New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. NB: this is a Universities NZ scholarship. Closing date: 28 February |
| Frank Knox Memorial Fellowships at Harvard University | Value: (a) full Harvard tuition; and (b) mandatory health insurance fees; and (c) a stipend sufficient to cover a student's living expenses for the 10-month academic year. Tenure is up to two years. Details: To provide funding for students to conduct graduate study at one of Harvard University's graduate or professional schools. Certain eligibility criteria applies - check the regulations for details. Applicants must be Aotearoa New Zealand citizens and normally reside in New Zealand. NB: this is a Universities NZ scholarship. Closing date: 01 December |
| Freyberg Scholarship | Value: Financial assistance up to $50,000 per annum normally for one year. Details: To encourage graduate study into areas relevant to national security. Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents who obtained at least second class honours, division A, or equivalent in their qualifying degree and have completed academic studies in political science, history, economics or some other discipline that may be considered an appropriate foundation for such study. NB: this is a Universities NZ scholarship. Closing date: 01 October |
| Fulbright NZ Awards | Value: Varies - refer to the information on the Fulbright website for each available award. Details: The Fulbright programme offers a range of prestigious exchange awards for New Zealand and American graduate students, academics, artists and professionals to study, research, teach or present their work in each other’s countries. Other awards allow institutions to apply for a visiting Fulbright specialist to assist with their development needs. NB: This scholarship is not administered by UC - contact Fulbright NZ for further information. Closing date: Varies - refer to the information on the Fulbright website for each available award. |
| Gordon Watson Scholarship | Value: Varies - but it normally $12,000 per annum for up to 2 years (Masters) or 3 years (PhD). Details: To support NZ students to study international relationships or social and economic conditions at a university overseas. Applicants must have graduated with, or be graduating with, an Honours or Masters degree in arts, science, commerce, law or divinity from a New Zealand university; and be Aotearoa New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. Candidates will be planning to study at Masters or PhD level. NB: this is a Universities NZ scholarship. Closing date: 01 April |
| Kiwi Music Scholarship | Value: Varies - but generally in the range of $50,000-$60,000 for up to 3 year. Details: To assist outstanding New Zealand musical performers or conductors who have completed or are completing an honours or master’s degree in musical performance in New Zealand to continue their musical development either overseas or in New Zealand. The scholarship will be awarded for classical instrumental performance (including vocal performance) or conducting. Applicants must be Aotearoa New Zealand citizens who are normally resident in NZ. NB: this is a Universities NZ scholarship. Closing date: 01 March |
| L B Wood Travelling Scholarship | Value: Financial assistance to the value of $3,000 per annum for up to 3 years. Details: To enable New Zealand university graduates to study in any discipline at a university or institution of university rank in the UK. NB: This is a Universities New Zealand Scholarship. Closing date: 01 April |
| New Zealand Space Scholarship | Value: Covers return airfares to the United States, accommodation costs, an allowance for living expenses, and funding for reasonable travel-related expenses, such as insurance cover. Details: Successfully applicants will have the opportunity to work for 3 months on space-related projects at either NASA’s Ames Research Center or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. While there they’ll be guided by NASA mentors, gaining hands-on experience in their fields of study and access to advanced research facilities. Aimed at post-graduate STEM students interested in working on NASA projects in the U.S. next year. Up to 7 scholarships are available for 2025. Applicants must be Aotearoa New Zealand citizens. Closing date: 03 November |
| The Near Eastern Archaeology Foundation (NEAF) Grants | Value: Varies depending on the Grant Details: Various grants available for travel, research and conferences. Applicants must be honours students, a student undertaking a higher degree or postdoctoral early career researcher. Applicants must be part of an Australian or New Zealand University as a student, researcher, tutor, research assistant or affiliate or have held such a position within the last ten years. Applicants must be undertaking research in the archaeology of Egypt, Cyprus or Western Asia. Applicants may apply for more than one of the grants for the dame research project funding. The Catherine Southwell-Keely Travel Grant, The Leone Crawford Travel Grant, The Sam Eames Grant-in-Aid, and General Grants-in-Aid. Closing date: 16 September |
| NZ Law Foundation Ethel Benjamin Scholarship (for Women) | Details: To support postgraduate research in law that will protect and promote the interests of the public in relation to legal matters in New Zealand. Applicants must be women scholars who are either Aotearoa New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. NB: this is a Universities NZ scholarship. Value: Financial assistance up to the value of $20,000 for study in NZ or up to $30,000 for study overseas. Closing date: 01 February |
| Phyllis Augusta Rolfes Scholarship | Value: Financial assistance up to the value of $30,000 Details: For ‘young’ New Zealand citizens wishing to complete study overseas to obtain scientific knowledge for the purpose of advancing the standards of scientific knowledge in New Zealand. Applicants must be between the age of 18 to 30 at the time the scholarship is awarded and have previously attended a school/s in Kaikoura for at least 5 years. Closing date: 13 December |
| Robertson Scholars Leadership Program | Value: Provides eight semesters of full tuition, room and board, and most mandatory fees for Scholars at Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. Access to generous funding for up to three summer experiences, funding for conferences throughout the academic year, and for two semesters of study abroad. Details: Applicants must: (a) be entered for a Year 13 senior school examination (for example NCEA Level 3, Cambridge exams, etc.) or equivalent senior school exam in the year of application; and (b) have normally completed their five years of secondary schooling in New Zealand. Open to Aotearoa New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. Closing date: 15 November |
| William Georgetti Scholarship | Value: Financial assistance to the value of $20,000 per annum (Master's) and $30,000 per annum (PhD) for study in New Zealand; and up to $45,000 per annum for those studying overseas. Tenure is typically for up to three years. Details: To encourage postgraduate study and research, normally in New Zealand, in a field that in the opinion of the Scholarship Board is important to the social, cultural or economic development of New Zealand. Applicants must be Aotearoa New Zealand citizens or have resided in New Zealand for a period of at least five years immediately preceding the year of selection. NB: This is a Universities New Zealand Scholarship. Closing date: 01 February |
| Woolf Fisher Scholarship | Value: It is estimated that each Scholarship will have a value of approximately $100,000 per year for up to 3 years (for study in a Faculty requiring a four year doctoral programme, the Scholarship will be extended by one year to a total of four years. The Scholarship will not be extended beyond four years). Details: The Woolf Fisher Trust offers up to three Scholarships each year tenable at the University of Cambridge for three or four years of postgraduate research leading to a doctoral degree or equivalent. Applicants must be under the age of 30 in the year of application; must have attended a secondary school in New Zealand for at least 2 years; and have graduated, or are expected to graduate with a first-class honours degree from a university in NZ. NB: This is a Universities New Zealand Scholarship. Closing date: 01 August |
