Are you looking to pursue a research-focused master’s degree in New Zealand? The Wellington Master's by Thesis Scholarship 2025 at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington offers a valuable opportunity for domestic and international students to conduct high-quality research while receiving financial support. With a generous tax-free stipend of $15,000 and coverage of domestic tuition fees, this one-year scholarship is designed to attract and support academically outstanding students who are ready to embark on their postgraduate research journey.

This guide provides a comprehensive guide to the scholarship, including eligibility criteria, benefits, application steps, deadlines, and important regulations, all structured to help you navigate the application process successfully.

Why Choose Victoria University of Wellington for Postgraduate Research?

Academic Excellence and Global Recognition

Located in New Zealand's capital city, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is globally recognized for its research output, academic rigor, and commitment to innovation. The university offers an intellectually stimulating environment ideal for conducting master’s research by thesis.

Supportive Research Community

With dedicated supervisors, well-equipped research facilities, and access to national and international academic networks, Wellington provides a fertile ground for meaningful postgraduate research.

Financial Support Through Scholarships

The Wellington Master's by Thesis Scholarship is one of the university’s flagship funding opportunities, reflecting its commitment to supporting future researchers from all backgrounds.

About the Wellington Master's by Thesis Scholarship 2025

Scholarship Level

• Master’s by Thesis (Research-focused postgraduate programs)

Scholarship Tenure

• One year (the year in which the student is enrolled in the thesis course)

Closing Date

• 01 November 2025 at 4:30 PM (NZT)

Number of Scholarships

• Varies depending on university funding and quality of applicants

Value of Scholarship

• $15,000 tax-free stipend (paid monthly)

• Tuition fees covered for 120 points (domestic rate)

 Note: International students (excluding Australians) will be required to pay the difference between the international and domestic tuition fee.

Who Is Eligible for the Scholarship?

General Eligibility

• Must be intending to enrol full-time at Victoria University of Wellington in a Master’s by thesis program worth at least 90 points

• The thesis must usually be a course coded 591 or 592
• Portfolio courses under course code 593 (90 points or more) also qualify under university regulations

Academic Qualifications

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  Applicants must have completed either:
  • A Bachelor’s Honours degree (or equivalent)
  • Part 1 of a two-year Master’s degree
• Must demonstrate academic excellence, typically with a minimum GPA of 7.0 (on a 9-point New Zealand scale)

Ineligible Courses

• Students taking a 60-point dissertation are not eligible

Selection Criteria

Merit-Based Evaluation

• Scholarships are awarded solely on academic merit
• Decisions are made by the University Research Scholarships Committee, which may use a higher GPA threshold if applications exceed funding availability

Enrollment Requirements

• Must be fully enrolled in an eligible master’s thesis course by Trimester 2 of the following academic year

• Candidates who have already been enrolled in a thesis course for more than three months may have their scholarship tenure reduced

Financial Benefits and Conditions

What the Scholarship Covers

Students may be allowed to hold additional funding up to $6,000 without impacting the scholarship. Co-tenure over this amount requires approval and may reduce the stipend.

Required Documents for Application

To submit a complete application, prepare the following:

Mandatory Documents

• Online Application Form (submit before 4:30 PM on 01 November)

• Personal Statement
• One-page Research Proposal (outlining your thesis topic)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic Transcript (if not from Victoria University of Wellington)
• One Academic Reference (requested via the online portal)

Important Notes

• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered

• All documents and references must be submitted by the deadline

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Your Application Early

Applications open one month before the deadline. Start preparing your documents and research proposal well in advance.

Step 2: Submit the Online Application

• Visit the Victoria University of Wellington Scholarships Portal

• Complete the form and attach all required documents
• Submit before 4:30 PM, 01 November 2025

Step 3: Reference Submission

Your nominated academic referee must submit their reference before the deadline

Step 4: Await Notification

• All offers will be made by late December 2025

• If successful, you’ll receive an official scholarship offer letter

Regulations and Conditions

Academic and Research Expectations

• You must be enrolled full-time (minimum 35 hours/week)

• Must maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Completion of the scheduled progress reports is required

Leave and Employment Rules

• Request approval for any leave beyond standard holidays

• Must gain approval from your supervisor or Head of School before engaging in paid work (typically limited to 600 hours per calendar year, in related fields)

Scholarship Termination

• Breach of contract, unsatisfactory academic progress, or withdrawal from study may result in termination and repayment obligations

Thesis Submission

• The final master’s thesis must be submitted to Victoria University of Wellington for official examination

Special Notes for International Students

• While international students are welcome, only domestic tuition fees are covered

• International students (except from Australia) must pay the difference
• English language proficiency is a must — you may need to provide IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent scores based on university admission guidelines

Contact Information

Have questions or need help with your application? Scholarships Office – Victoria University of Wellington

📧 Email: scholarships-office@vuw.ac.nz

📞 Phone: 0800 04 04 04

🌐 www.wgtn.ac.nz

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply if I haven’t started my thesis yet?

Yes. As long as you will be enrolled in a Master’s thesis course worth 90+ points by the start of Trimester 2, you are eligible to apply.

Can I defer the scholarship?

No. You must use the scholarship in the academic year in which it is awarded.

Will the scholarship cover all my fees as an international student?

No. It covers only domestic fees. You must pay the difference between international and domestic tuition yourself (unless you're from Australia).

Is this scholarship renewable?

No. This is a one-year scholarship tied to the period in which you are enrolled in the thesis course.

Can I work part-time while receiving the scholarship?

Yes, but only with supervisor approval and within the limit of 600 hours per calendar year in relevant academic roles.

Start you application using official links below: 

Apply Now Official Link Join our WhatsApp Channel

Need help crafting your personal statement or research proposal? Just ask—I can help you tailor it for this specific scholarship. Contact info@euromagopportunities.org