Postgraduate scholarship programme

DOC offers postgraduate research scholarships for conservation related research in the natural and social sciences. The 2024 application round is now open.

Conservation research in this context is interpreted broadly and includes a range of disciplines and perspectives, for example biophysical sciences, the social sciences, and Te Ao Māori thinking.

It covers the biodiversity, visitor and heritage related responsibilities of the Department of Conservation (DOC).

The purpose of these scholarships is to help achieve New Zealand’s conservation goals.

2024 application round

Applications open: 13 November 2024
Applications close: 3 March 2025

Scholarship details

The scholarships are for Masters students undertaking the research component of their degree at an approved institution. Full-time and part-time students are eligible.

There are three scholarships worth up to $15,000 each.

Full-time students are funded for one year and part-time students are funded for up to two years.

Selection criteria

The selection committee awards scholarships based on the following criteria:

relevance of the research thesis topic to Te Papa Atawhai Department of Conservation's research priorities
demonstrating the implementation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, by providing endorsement of the relationship and engagement with the iwi, hapū and whānau of the area the research is specified (or the intention to engage by providing a plan)
academic merit
genuine interest in research topic and evidence of commitment to conservation science.

Research priorities

2024 postgraduate scholarship research priorities

Who can apply

Applications for the scholarship will be open to candidates:

who are enrolled in, or eligible to enrol in, a full time or part time Masters degree in a New Zealand university or equivalent tertiary institution
whose proposed course of study includes a minimum research component of 90 credits
who will undertake research into a topic identified by DOC as a priority for conservation research.