Location: New Zealand
Program: Postgraduate – PhD
Eligibility: International students
Duration: 1 year
Deadline: April 14, 2026
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The Kate Edger Foundation – First Year Doctoral Award is a prestigious annual award of up to NZ$11,000 each, with up to five awards offered per year, designed to support women graduates currently enrolled in their first year of full-time doctoral study at the University of Auckland towards a PhD or named Doctorate. Established in 2015 and funded by the Kate Edger Foundation, the award provides financial assistance during the crucial and often financially challenging first year of doctoral study, helping recipients focus their energy on establishing a strong foundation for their research. While the award is primarily intended for full-time students, the Trustees extended eligibility in 2023 to include part-time study on a case-by-case basis for students whose health conditions or impairments limit their ability to study full-time.
The University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau, is New Zealand’s leading research university and is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. Located in Auckland New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city the university is home to over 40,000 students from more than 120 countries and offers outstanding programmes across six faculties spanning the arts, business, engineering, law, medicine, and science. Through initiatives like the Kate Edger Foundation First Year Doctoral Award, the University of Auckland and the Kate Edger Foundation together affirm their shared commitment to advancing the participation and success of women in doctoral research and academic leadership.
Benefits of the Scholarship
This scholarship will provide the following to its recipients:
- Award of up to NZ$11,000 to assist with study costs in the first year of doctoral study
- Up to five awards offered annually
- Financial support during the foundational first year of a PhD or named Doctorate
- Assistance to help recipients dedicate full focus to establishing their doctoral research
- Other benefits
Also Check:
2026 Kate Edger Foundation – Dame Dorothy Winstone Doctoral Completion Scholarship – New Zealand
2026 Nicola Crowley Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship – University of Auckland, New Zealand
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following:
- Must identify as a woman and be enrolled in the first year of full-time study towards a PhD or named Doctorate at the University of Auckland
- Must be currently enrolled and studying at the time of application — the award is intended for students already in their first year of doctoral study, not prospective applicants
- Must be studying full-time; part-time study may be considered on a case-by-case basis for students with health conditions or impairments that limit their ability to study full-time
- Must apply online within the designated application window, which opens approximately six weeks before the closing date of April 14, 2026
- Must read and comply with the official award regulations before submitting an application to confirm full eligibility
Note: Kindly check the official webpage for full and detailed requirements
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Selection Criteria
The Kate Edger Foundation First Year Doctoral Award is assessed by the Kate Edger Foundation Trustees, who review all eligible applications submitted by the April 14, 2026 deadline and select up to five recipients based on the overall merit of each applicant’s doctoral research, their academic background and achievements, the quality and promise of their first-year research work, and their demonstrated need for financial support during the first year of doctoral study; part-time applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis, and all candidates are strongly encouraged to read the official award regulations carefully before applying to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and understand the terms of the award.
How to Apply
CLICK HERE to visit the official webpage and submit your application.
