ForsaEduforsaedu.comAbout the scholarship program
The University of Canterbury (Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha) is New Zealand's second-oldest university, in Christchurch in the South Island, known for engineering, computer science, natural sciences, forestry and education, and ranked 261st in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Its centrally funded doctoral scholarships pay NZ$32,650 a year plus thesis fees for up to 3 years, and international PhD students living in New Zealand pay domestic fees.
Information last verified: November 3, 2026Official source
Tuition for international students
International fees are listed on each programme page of the university website. International PhD students living in New Zealand pay domestic fees.
Admission for international students
Admission for international students
Main intakes: Semester One (late February) and Semester Two (July). Doctoral scholarship rounds: October (closed 15 October 2026) and May (20 March–15 May 2027); the PhD admission application must be in before the scholarship deadline.
Official admission announcementAvailable programmes
Each programme has its own requirements, documents and benefits. Open it to see them in full with the application steps:
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University of Canterbury (UC) Doctoral Scholarship 2027 (NZ$32,650 a Year)
PhDFully FundedAll fieldsMay 15, 2027
Life and living
New Zealand
Life and living
New Zealand
Studying and living in New Zealand
Costs and living
Estimated 2027 annual tuition for international students (NZ$): • Bachelor's: about 34,000–51,000 for most programmes — for example 34,020 at Waikato, 35,000–37,000 at Lincoln, 35,250 at Massey, 37,760–51,360 at AUT, and 42,236 (Arts) to 60,910 (Engineering) at Auckland. Medicine, veterinary science and aviation cost much more (86,000 and above). • Master's: about 37,000–56,000 for one-year programmes, more for 180- or 240-point degrees. • PhD: international students living in New Zealand pay domestic fees of about 7,500–10,200 a year. • Add a Student Services Fee (about 1,000–1,200 a year) and compulsory health insurance. Living costs (Study with New Zealand): about NZ$20,000–27,000 a year in Auckland and Wellington and NZ$18,000–21,000 in Dunedin — roughly US$870–1,310 a month. Accommodation ranges from NZ$140 a week for a room in a shared house to NZ$484 for a catered hall of residence; food is NZ$80–120 a week and transport up to NZ$37 a week.
Working while studying
During study: full-time tertiary students (on a programme of at least two years or a qualification at level 4 or above) may work up to 25 hours a week, and full-time over the Christmas–New Year break and in scheduled holidays if the course is worth at least 120 credits over two semesters within 8 months. PhD students have no limit on hours; new master's-by-research students now get the standard 25-hour limit. After graduation: the Post-Study Work Visa gives open work rights for 3 years after a master's or doctorate, and for the length of your study (up to 3 years) after a bachelor's or level 8 qualification, provided you studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks. Apply within 3 months of your student visa expiring (6 months for doctoral graduates); fees start at NZ$1,670 and you need NZ$5,000 in funds. From 16 November 2026 it also covers a Graduate Diploma combined with a bachelor's degree, and a new 6-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa opens for level 5–7 qualifications that do not lead to a Post-Study Work Visa. Workers in Green List occupations may qualify for residence.
Last verified: November 2026· Source
Guide to studying in New ZealandFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Key questions and answers regarding eligibility, documents, and application steps.
Funding type: Fully Funded. Announced benefits: NZ$32,650 a year, Thesis tuition fees, NZ$5,000 prestige top-up.
Eligible levels: Bachelor, Master, PhD.
The latest deadline we have is May 15, 2027. Dates can differ by university or programme, so confirm on the official website.
Required documents: UC Doctoral Scholarship application form, Degree certificates, full transcripts and grading scales, CV and previous thesis or abstract, ID document and proof of English.
Apply directly on the official website: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz. ForsaEdu does not receive applications or charge any fee.
QS World University Rankings 2026
Rank#261
Track your academic readiness
Use the checklist in your profile to prepare your documents and make sure you meet this scholarship’s requirements.
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