Deadline: 05-Aug-2026
The Cancer Research Trust NZ Postgraduate Scholarship supports outstanding postgraduate students undertaking PhD or MD-level cancer research in New Zealand. The scholarship provides NZD 35,000 per year (tax-free) plus full university fees for up to three years to support research that advances cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, public health, and patient outcomes.
Overview
The Cancer Research Trust NZ Postgraduate Scholarship is designed to support the next generation of cancer researchers in New Zealand.
The scholarship funds postgraduate students undertaking advanced cancer-related research at the PhD or MD level. It aims to strengthen New Zealand’s cancer research capacity by supporting high-quality research projects that contribute to improved cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care, and outcomes.
Funding is available for students conducting research across a broad range of cancer-related disciplines, including biomedical, clinical, public health, epidemiological, and psychosocial research.
Scholarship Value
The scholarship provides substantial financial support to enable students to focus on their research.
Funding includes:
- NZD 35,000 per year tax-free stipend
- Full university tuition fees
- Funding duration of up to three years
- Continued support subject to satisfactory annual progress
Most additional research expenses are expected to be provided by the host institution or associated research projects.
Research Areas Supported
The scholarship supports research in a wide range of cancer-related fields.
Eligible research areas include:
- Cancer prevention
- Cancer detection
- Cancer diagnosis
- Cancer treatment
- Cancer survivorship
- Palliative care
- Public health research
- Biomedical research
- Clinical research
- Epidemiological research
- Psychosocial cancer research
- Cancer health services research
- Cancer policy and population health research
Projects should demonstrate potential to improve cancer outcomes and contribute to cancer knowledge in New Zealand.
Purpose of the Scholarship
The scholarship aims to:
- Support emerging cancer researchers
- Strengthen cancer research capacity in New Zealand
- Advance knowledge across the cancer continuum
- Improve cancer prevention and treatment outcomes
- Encourage high-quality postgraduate research
- Develop future leaders in cancer research
- Support research that benefits New Zealand communities
The program invests in research talent capable of making meaningful contributions to cancer science and healthcare.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be eligible for full-time enrolment in an approved PhD or MD research program
- Be enrolled, or able to meet enrolment requirements before the award begins
- Be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand resident at the time of application
- Conduct cancer-related research within an approved New Zealand institution
- Submit the application with support from their supervisor and department
Applications may be submitted before formal enrolment, but scholarship offers remain conditional upon meeting enrolment requirements.
Institutional Requirements
Applications must be submitted:
- By the student applicant
- In collaboration with their supervisor or supervisors
- Through the relevant Head of Department
- Via the designated grants portal
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
Application Limits
Applicants should note the following participation limits:
- A person may appear on a maximum of two applications in a funding round
- Only one application may list the individual as Principal Investigator
- Additional involvement may occur in another eligible capacity where permitted
Applicants should ensure compliance with these participation requirements before submission.
Required Application Documents
Applications must include all mandatory supporting documentation.
Required documents include:
- Academic transcripts
- Supervisor confidential report
- Additional referee confidential report
- Research proposal
- Supporting institutional documentation
- Any additional materials requested through the application portal
Incomplete applications may not be considered during assessment.
Assessment and Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by the Cancer Research Trust NZ Assessment Committee.
The committee includes:
- Cancer researchers
- Clinical experts
- Subject matter specialists
Assessment may also include applicant interviews where considered necessary.
The selection process is highly competitive, with typically only one scholarship awarded each year.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic and research potential
- Quality of the proposed research project
- Scientific merit
- Likely contribution to cancer research
- Feasibility of the research plan
- Research impact potential
- Responsiveness to Māori health advancement
Assessment follows criteria aligned with Health Research Council standards and expectations.
Māori Health Advancement Considerations
Applications are assessed for their contribution to Māori health advancement where relevant.
Reviewers may consider:
- Potential benefits for Māori communities
- Health equity impacts
- Inclusion of Māori perspectives
- Contribution to reducing cancer-related disparities
Projects that demonstrate meaningful consideration of these factors may strengthen their competitiveness.
Reporting Requirements
Successful recipients must meet ongoing reporting obligations.
Requirements include:
- Annual progress reports
- Evidence of satisfactory academic and research progress
- Final report at project completion
- Acknowledgement of scholarship support in publications and outputs
Continued funding beyond each year depends on satisfactory progress.
Why This Scholarship Matters
Cancer remains one of New Zealand’s most significant health challenges, creating an ongoing need for innovative research and skilled researchers.
This scholarship is important because it:
- Supports future cancer research leaders
- Expands New Zealand’s cancer research capacity
- Encourages innovative scientific inquiry
- Improves understanding of cancer prevention and treatment
- Supports evidence-based healthcare improvements
- Advances public health outcomes
- Promotes research that can benefit patients and communities
By investing in postgraduate researchers, the scholarship contributes to long-term improvements in cancer outcomes nationwide.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Confirm eligibility for PhD or MD enrolment.
- Identify a cancer-related research project.
- Secure supervisor support.
- Obtain Head of Department endorsement.
- Gather academic transcripts and supporting documents.
- Arrange confidential referee reports.
- Complete the application through the grants portal.
- Submit all materials before the deadline.
Applicants should ensure all documentation is complete and submitted on time.
Tips for a Strong Application
Competitive applications typically:
- Present a clear and impactful research question
- Demonstrate strong academic achievement
- Show evidence of research capability
- Include a feasible and well-designed methodology
- Explain the significance of the research
- Demonstrate potential benefits for cancer outcomes
- Address Māori health advancement where appropriate
- Include strong supervisor support
A well-developed research proposal is often one of the most important elements of a successful application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting incomplete documentation
- Providing poorly defined research objectives
- Missing application deadlines
- Weak methodology or study design
- Insufficient explanation of research impact
- Failing to secure required referee reports
- Ignoring eligibility requirements
- Overlooking Māori health advancement considerations
Careful preparation and compliance with all requirements can significantly improve application quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the value of the scholarship?
The scholarship provides NZD 35,000 per year tax-free plus full university tuition fees.
How long does the scholarship last?
Funding is typically available for up to three years, subject to satisfactory annual progress.
Who can apply?
New Zealand citizens and residents eligible for full-time enrolment in an approved PhD or MD cancer research program may apply.
Can I apply before officially enrolling?
Yes. Applications may be submitted before enrolment, but any award will be conditional upon meeting enrolment requirements.
What research areas are eligible?
Cancer-related public health, biomedical, clinical, epidemiological, psychosocial, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and palliative care research are eligible.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
Typically, one scholarship is awarded annually, depending on the quality of applications received.
Are progress reports required?
Yes. Successful recipients must submit annual progress reports and a final report to maintain and complete the scholarship.
Conclusion
The Cancer Research Trust NZ Postgraduate Scholarship provides significant support for outstanding students pursuing PhD or MD-level cancer research in New Zealand. With funding of NZD 35,000 per year, full tuition coverage, and support for up to three years, the scholarship helps develop future cancer research leaders while advancing knowledge that can improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes. Through its focus on research excellence and meaningful health impact, the program plays an important role in strengthening New Zealand’s cancer research landscape.
For more information, visit Cancer Research Trust New Zealand.