Downloadable forms:
- Guidelines
(PDF, 442 kB) - Application Form (Word, 313 kB)
- Referee Report Form (Word, 274 kB)
- Declaration (Word, 259 kB)
On this page:
The International PhD Scholarship (a grant-in-aid) is administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand on behalf of the Rutherford Foundation Trust. This scheme will contribute towards a student’s full-time study for a PhD in any area of science, technology, engineering or mathematics at an eligible host research institution. The award intends to provide a financial contribution towards the support of a PhD scholar to gain a PhD at a prestigious international research institution in their chosen field of study.
Recipients of the Scholarship will carry the identity of the Rutherford Foundation. This award is expected to play a strong part in the Scholar’s professional development.
The International PhD Scholarship (a grant-in-aid) aims to build human capability in Science and Technology by providing early career support for New Zealand’s brightest and most promising researchers. Successful applicants will be expected to have an excellent undergraduate academic record and the potential to excel in a research environment in order to undertake the PhD course at their chosen host research institution. It is expected that recipients will complete their PhD and contribute to positive outcomes for New Zealand.
The Rutherford Foundation is offering one International PhD Scholarship as a Grant-in-aid to an outstanding candidate demonstrating a passion for science and technology.
The Scholarship is offered annually, with a closing date for applications on 01 August 2012, with the expectation that applicants will begin their course of study in the following year (usually September or October).
The applicant is asked to identify the host research institution where they will complete their PhD. For the International PhD Scholarship (a grant-in-aid), the host research institution must be located outside of New Zealand. The host institution must be an internationally recognised academic institution, such as a University, or other valid research centre capable of granting academic degrees. Applicants are encouraged to choose an institution that has specialist expertise in the area of their research.
The Scholarship will provide a stipend of NZ$25,000 per annum and a further contribution of up to NZ$7,500 per annum towards their course fees for up to a maximum of three years. In addition, they will be eligible for one, non-transferable, return airfare between the country of their host research institution and New Zealand yearly.
The International PhD Scholarship (a grant-in-aid) is not intended to cover all of the costs associated with studying towards a PhD abroad. Applicants are expected to negotiate with the host research institution or other charitable funding organisations to reduce course fees or provide additional financial support to cover any shortfall in funding.
Please note that applicants will be responsible for all other costs including, but not limited to: relocation costs; costs of travel to interview or videoconference for short listed applicants; visa and entry requirement costs to their country of choice; any travel other than the agreed air fares; and, any additional fees other than course fees incurred from applying to their chosen research institution. Funding extensions cannot be applied for under the terms of the Grant-in-aid.
- Applicants from the disciplines of science (which includes pure or applied science and the social sciences), technology, engineering or mathematics are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must be either New Zealand citizens or have continuously resided in New Zealand for at least two years immediately prior to their application and hold, or are deemed to hold, a New Zealand resident visa.
- Applicants who hold, or are deemed to hold, a New Zealand resident visa are also required to have completed their undergraduate study in New Zealand to be considered eligible to apply.
- The application must represent the applicant’s first attempt at study towards a PhD.
- Applicants must be in a position that, if successful, they would attain the necessary visa requirements for the country of their host research institution and comply with the regulations for matriculation at their chosen host.
- The host institution must be an internationally recognised academic institution, such as a University, or other valid research centre capable of granting academic degrees.
- The host research institution must be located outside of New Zealand.
The selection is based on an applicant’s demonstration of academic excellence, depth of understanding of their proposed research and its ultimate purpose and benefits, the scientific quality of the research programme, evidence of engagement with science and technology, and a commitment to New Zealand.
Proposals are assessed on the information provided in the application, the accompanying forms and referee reports.
- Applicants must be prepared to take part in promoting the Rutherford Foundation and to support other Rutherford Foundation Scholars.
- The Scholarship must be taken up within a reasonable time frame of being offered (e.g. half a year).
- Applicants may only make one application per funding round.
- To take up the award the applicant must fulfil any academic conditions, including being accepted for admission to their host research institution.
The host research institution:
Applicants are expected to contact potential supervisors at eligible host research institutions to discuss the proposed research project. It is advisable to contact any potential supervisor(s) at the earliest opportunity as this enables applicants to achieve a clearer understanding of their proposed PhD topic. Applicants are required to indicate their research interests, PhD topic, proposed supervisor(s) and host research institution at the time of application. It is necessary to seek agreement, and obtain a duly authorised signature, from the host research institution declaring their support of the applicant’s PhD candidacy. However, it is understood that final agreement from the host research institution would be contingent on an applicant being awarded the International PhD Scholarship (a grant-in-aid).
Closing date:
Applications and supporting information must reach the Royal Society of New Zealand by the closing date of 01 August 2012.
Submitting your application:
Please email one electronic copy of your application to:
Rutherford.Foundation@royalsociety.org.nz
Supporting information:
In addition to the completed electronic version of your application, applicants must supply electronic copies of the following documents (scanned jpeg or PDF preferred) sent to the above email address:
- Proof of New Zealand citizenship or residency.
- Academic transcript(s) of undergraduate studies undertaken.
Note: Original or certified copies of the above two documents will only be required if you are invited to interview.
You are also required to send one hard copy of the following by the closing date:
- A signed declaration form confirming that the proposed host research institution and supervisor support the proposed application.
Please send the declaration to one of the following addresses:
Postal address:
Executive Officer, Rutherford Foundation
Royal Society of New Zealand
PO Box 598
WELLINGTON 6140
New Zealand
Courier address:
Executive Officer, Rutherford Foundation
Royal Society of New Zealand
4 Halswell Street
Thorndon
WELLINGTON 6011
New Zealand
Referees:
References are required from two academic and one personal referee. Academic referees should fill out the referee report form available on the Royal Society of New Zealand website, while the personal referee should respond in the form of a reference letter.
Applicants must ensure their three referees independently email or send their referee reports to the Royal Society of New Zealand by the closing date.
Applications will be considered for short listing by a panel that includes the Trustees of the Rutherford Foundation, with support from the Executive Officer of the Rutherford Foundation.
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by members of the Trustees (at their own expense). If this should prove a hardship, then applicants may request to have the interview conducted by teleconference or videoconference.
Successful applicants will be notified by early October.
Please note that Rutherford Foundation grants are intended to be prestigious awards and will only be offered in the instance that there are applicants of exceptional promise.
Further enquiries should be made by contacting the Rutherford Foundation by email:
