The University of Auckland, New Zealand is inviting applications for two Doctoral Scholarships at its Ngā Ara Whetū – Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society.
The scholarships are particularly relevant for researchers interested in the relationship between climate change, biodiversity and society. For lawyers and legal researchers, the opportunity can be relevant to doctoral research involving areas such as environmental law, climate law, biodiversity law, urban governance, sustainability and climate policy, provided the proposed research fits the Centre’s research priorities.
The scholarship provides an annual tax-free stipend of NZ$34,569, with annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments. It also covers tuition fees for up to 36 months and provides health insurance.
The application deadline is 1 November 2026.
University of Auckland PhD Scholarship 2027: Key Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Auckland |
| Centre | Ngā Ara Whetū – Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society |
| Scholarships | 2 Doctoral Scholarships |
| Level | PhD / Doctoral Research |
| Location | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Annual Stipend | NZ$34,569 tax-free |
| Stipend Adjustment | Annual CPI adjustments |
| Tuition | Covered for up to 36 months |
| Health Insurance | Covered |
| Duration | Up to 36 months FTE |
| Additional Funding | Possible, subject to applicable conditions |
| 2027 Priority Areas | Regional Resilience & Urban Living |
| Deadline | 1 November 2026 |
| Enquiries | ngaarawhetu@auckland.ac.nz |
About the Scholarship
The doctoral scholarships are being offered through Ngā Ara Whetū – Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society at the University of Auckland.
The Centre brings together research related to climate, biodiversity and society. Applicants are expected to develop a doctoral research proposal that aligns with the Centre’s research priorities.
For lawyers, this can be relevant where legal research intersects with environmental and climate-related issues.
For example, potential areas may include legal and regulatory questions surrounding climate resilience, biodiversity protection, sustainable development, urban governance and environmental policy, provided the proposed research falls within the Centre’s priorities.
Scholarship Funding
One of the major attractions of the opportunity is the financial support provided to successful doctoral scholars.
NZ$34,569 Annual Stipend
Successful applicants will receive an annual stipend of:
NZ$34,569 tax-free
The stipend is subject to annual CPI adjustments, according to the information provided.
This provides financial support throughout the funded period of doctoral study.
Tuition Coverage
The scholarship also provides tuition coverage for up to 36 months.
This means eligible scholars can receive tuition support during the stated three-year full-time equivalent funding period.
Health Insurance
The scholarship also includes health insurance coverage.
Together, the stipend, tuition support and health insurance make this a substantial funding opportunity for doctoral researchers planning to study in New Zealand.
Opportunity for Lawyers and Legal Researchers
Although the scholarship is not described as a law-only scholarship, it may be relevant to lawyers and legal researchers whose proposed doctoral research is connected with the Centre’s areas of research.
Law graduates considering interdisciplinary doctoral research could explore topics connecting law with:
- Climate change;
- Biodiversity;
- Environmental governance;
- Climate policy;
- Sustainable development;
- Urban governance;
- Regional resilience;
- Environmental regulation; and
- Society and environmental transformation.
Applicants must ensure that their proposed research genuinely aligns with the Centre’s research priorities.
2027 Priority Areas
For 2027, the Centre has identified two priority areas:
Regional Resilience
Regional resilience can involve questions concerning how communities, institutions and regions respond to environmental and climate-related changes.
For legal researchers, research in this area could potentially involve questions of governance, regulation, institutional responsibility or legal frameworks, subject to alignment with the Centre’s research agenda.
Urban Living
The second priority area is Urban Living.
This may be relevant to interdisciplinary research examining the relationship between cities, society, climate and the environment.
Lawyers and legal researchers interested in areas such as urban governance, environmental regulation or climate-related legal frameworks may consider whether their proposed research fits within this priority area.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the University of Auckland’s doctoral entry requirements.
In addition, applicants must propose research that is aligned with the research priorities of Ngā Ara Whetū – Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society.
Applicants should also identify an eligible Ngā Ara Whetū-affiliated supervisor.
Therefore, meeting the general doctoral admission requirements alone may not be sufficient. The proposed research and supervisory arrangements must also satisfy the requirements associated with the scholarship.
Supervisor Requirement
An important part of the application is identifying an eligible supervisor affiliated with Ngā Ara Whetū.
Prospective applicants should therefore review the Centre’s research areas and identify an appropriate academic whose expertise matches their proposed doctoral research.
For legal researchers, finding a supervisor with relevant interdisciplinary expertise may be particularly important where the proposed PhD combines law with climate, biodiversity, society or urban research.
Duration of the Scholarship
The scholarship provides funding for up to:
36 months full-time equivalent (FTE)
The announcement also states that additional funding may be possible, subject to the applicable conditions.
Applicants should check the detailed scholarship terms for the conditions governing the duration and any additional funding.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is:
1 November 2026
Applicants interested in applying should begin preparing their research proposal and identifying a suitable supervisor well before the deadline.
This is particularly important for applicants who need to develop an interdisciplinary research proposal or establish contact with a potential supervisor.
How to Apply
Applicants should first ensure that they satisfy the University of Auckland’s doctoral entry requirements and that their proposed research fits within the research priorities of Ngā Ara Whetū.
They should also identify an eligible affiliated supervisor.
The official University of Auckland doctoral information and application guidance can be accessed here:
University of Auckland Doctoral Study and Application Information
For scholarship-related enquiries, applicants can contact:
Email: ngaarawhetu@auckland.ac.nz
Important Dates and Funding at a Glance
Number of Scholarships: 2
Annual Stipend: NZ$34,569 tax-free
Tuition: Covered for up to 36 months
Health Insurance: Covered
Duration: Up to 36 months FTE
2027 Priority Areas: Regional Resilience and Urban Living
Application Deadline: 1 November 2026
Location: University of Auckland, New Zealand
Conclusion
The University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships 2027 provide an opportunity for doctoral researchers to pursue research through the Ngā Ara Whetū – Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society.
The funding package includes a NZ$34,569 tax-free annual stipend, annual CPI adjustments, tuition coverage for up to 36 months and health insurance.
For lawyers, LLM graduates and legal researchers, the opportunity may be particularly relevant to interdisciplinary research connecting law with climate change, biodiversity, environmental governance, regional resilience or urban living.
Applicants must meet the University’s doctoral entry requirements, propose research aligned with the Centre’s priorities and identify an eligible Ngā Ara Whetū-affiliated supervisor.
The application deadline is 1 November 2026.
