The University of Auckland pays its Research Masters Scholarship to students who enrol in an approved research masters degree that leads on to doctoral study. The award is worth up to NZ$14,633 a year in 2026 plus compulsory fees, runs for up to one year, and is offered every semester.
There is no application form. Auckland assesses you when your postgraduate admission application is approved, and the two conditions that decide it are a research component of at least 90 points and a GPA of 8.00 or above in your most recent qualifying programme. Every figure below is from the scholarship’s official listing and regulations, linked at the end of this page.
University of Auckland Research Masters Scholarship: quick facts
Quick facts2026-27
| Scholarship from | Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, New Zealand |
| Last date to apply | No application form – you are assessed when your postgraduate admission is approved, and awards are offered each semester |
| Award value | Up to NZ$14,633 a year in 2026 plus compulsory fees |
| Tenure | Up to one year |
| Who it is for | Students enrolling in an approved research masters degree with a research component of at least 90 points and a GPA of 8.00 or above |
| Official website | auckland.ac.nz – Research Masters Scholarship |
What the scholarship pays
The listing puts the value at up to NZ$14,633 per annum in 2026 plus compulsory fees, for a tenure of up to one year. That is the published 2026 rate, so a student starting in the 2027 academic year should treat it as the base figure rather than a guaranteed amount.
- Stipend component: up to NZ$14,633 a year, paid towards study costs.
- Compulsory fees: the scholarship also covers compulsory fees, on top of the stipend.
- Tenure: up to one year, which matches a one-year research masters such as an honours year or a 120-point research masters.
Who can get it
- You must be enrolling in an approved research masters degree at the University of Auckland.
- The research component of the programme must be at least 90 points.
- Your most recent qualifying programme must be from a recognised university, with a GPA of 8.00 or above in that programme.
- The purpose of the award is to support masters programmes that establish eligibility for doctoral study, so a taught coursework masters with a small research component does not qualify.
How selection works
The scholarship is awarded by nomination, on the recommendation of the relevant faculty or the University of Auckland committee. Students are assessed for eligibility when their application for postgraduate admission is approved, so the practical step is to apply for admission early in the semester you want to start.
- Choose an approved research masters programme with a research component of at least 90 points.
- Apply for postgraduate admission at Auckland and attach your transcripts for the qualifying degree.
- Make sure your GPA in that degree is at least 8.00 – the assessment is automatic but the threshold is firm.
- There is nothing else to submit: if you meet the conditions, the faculty nominates you when your admission is approved.
Why the 90-point research component matters
Auckland uses this award to move students from a masters into a doctorate. The listing states the purpose plainly – the scholarship supports enrolment in masters programmes that establish eligibility for doctoral study – and it ties the money to a research component of at least 90 points. If your offer is for a coursework masters, check the programme page for the research points before you count on this scholarship.
Frequently asked questions
No. The listing says no application form is needed. Students are assessed when their application for postgraduate admission is approved, and the award is made on the recommendation of the faculty or the University of Auckland committee.
Up to NZ$14,633 per annum in 2026 plus compulsory fees, for up to one year of study.
A GPA of 8.00 or above in your most recent qualifying programme, which must be from a recognised university.
Every semester, according to the scholarship listing, so there is a round at the start of each semester rather than a single annual deadline.
Only if the programme includes a research component of at least 90 points. The award is meant for research masters degrees that lead to doctoral study.
Yes. Compulsory fees are paid in addition to the stipend of up to NZ$14,633 a year.
Official links
- University of Auckland Research Masters Scholarship – listing
- Regulations for the scholarship (PDF)
- Auckland scholarships and awards
Related hubs: Post graduation scholarships, Study abroad scholarships, International scholarships.
Related scholarship posts:
- University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship
- Dean’s Asia Scholarship at the University of Auckland
- Adelaide University Research Scholarship
