PhD scholarships

The Ag Emissions Centre offers five PhD scholarships annually to students who are passionate about tackling climate change and reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

Applications are closed for 2025, check back next year for the 2026 round.

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2025 PhD scholarships

Applications for 2025 Scholarships have closed.

Ag Emissions Centre PhD Scholarships are an opportunity to contribute to New Zealand’s agricultural sector and join a vibrant research network. 

We are looking for applicants with a genuine passion for climate-related emissions reduction, and who have initiative and confidence.

Importantly, we would like to hear from applicants who are committed to contributing to the New Zealand science or primary sector in the long term. 

Our PhD scholars:

  • Contribute to the global challenge of climate change

  • Explore individual research interests within the scope of our research priorities

  • Experience the personal growth, learning, and development of PhD research

  • Pursue a range of agricultural and research career paths following graduation 

  • Grow their network, working with New Zealand’s internationally recognised experts.

Scholarship value

We offer a generous scholarship package to support you while you are studying:

  • A tax-free annual stipend of $44,000 per year, for up to three years.

  • New Zealand university annual tuition fees and associated student levies of up to $10,000 per year, for up to three years.

  • Contribution to research and publication costs of up to $10,000 total for the three years.

  • Travel allowance to present at an international conference, up to $5000 total.

  • A ‘wrap around’ capability development programme where we link you with other students and industry experts to help you develop skills beyond the technical, such as communication, commercialisation and leadership.

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Eligibility

  • Scholarship applications are open to students with backgrounds in environmental science, agricultural science, animal science, microbiology, soil science, engineering, genetics, social science or any related field.

  • The scholarship programme is open to New Zealand citizens, residents and international candidates who can meet the appropriate visa requirements.

  • Applicants must be eligible for a Doctoral degree in the appropriate New Zealand institution at the time of application or expect to become eligible by 30/12/2025.

  • Students will typically be expected to enrol in a full time PhD program over three years. However, consideration will be given to individual circumstances to support a diverse pipeline of candidates.

  • Candidates who already have a doctorate in an applicable/related field are not eligible for consideration.

If you are not sure whether you are eligible or would like to discuss whether this scholarship is right for you, please get in touch at fund@ag-emissions.nz. 

Visa requirements

If you are an international student, you must meet the requirements of Immigration New Zealand to study in New Zealand. If you receive a scholarship offer, you must obtain a valid visa and always comply with the conditions of that visa. You will need an offer of place from a New Zealand education provider to apply for a student visa. More information can be found on the Immigration New Zealand website.

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