The master’s scholarship provides up to $20,000 towards one year of personal support, plus tuition fees and a $1,000 tikanga allowance, for students completing the research component of a master’s degree in any discipline whose proposed research programme will contribute to improving health and economic outcomes for Pacific peoples. Working expenses are not included in this award.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for this scholarship, you'll need to be a New Zealand citizen or hold residency in New Zealand and be of indigenous Pacific descent. Most successful applicants are enrolled full-time for a master's degree; however, we do consider applications from students who are enrolled part-time.

If you haven't yet enrolled for your proposed course of study, but you intend to do so, you can also apply - in this case, any scholarship you may receive will be conditional on your successful enrolment.

During the tenure of the scholarship, your only activity must be the conduct of research and the preparation of a thesis or dissertation. If you're undertaking courses involving the completion of papers only, you won't be eligible for this scholarship.

Application process

Firstly, you'll need to register your intention to submit an application for a master's scholarship and then complete your registration online via HRC Gateway. After registration, you'll need to submit a full application online via HRC Gateway using the templates provided below.

Got a question?

Please send an email to info@hrc.govt.nz and one of our team will be in touch.

Documents

Guidelines

2026 Career Development Awards - Peer Review Manual
3 Jun, 2025 6:54pm - 503KB

2026 Pacific Health Research Career Development Awards - Application Guidelines
3 Jun, 2025 7:53pm - 536KB

Forms

2026 Pacific Health Research Career Development Awards - Application Form
3 Jun, 2025 7:53pm - 109KB