Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Asia New Zealand Foundation Research Grants are designed to support contemporary, policy-relevant research focused on Asia. The programme enables early-career researchers to undertake fieldwork and international travel to deepen understanding of regional developments affecting New Zealand.
The emphasis is on forward-looking research that contributes to knowledge in areas of strategic importance.
Purpose and Objectives
The main objectives of the grant include:
- Supporting research on Asia relevant to New Zealand
- Encouraging early-career and emerging researchers
- Promoting field-based and international research engagement
- Strengthening knowledge of regional political and economic dynamics
- Enhancing understanding of global challenges affecting New Zealand
- Supporting evidence-based policy and academic development
The focus is on applied research with real-world relevance.
Focus Areas of Research
Eligible research topics include:
- Regional and international trade
- Defence and security studies
- Cybersecurity, technology, and innovation
- Politics and public policy
- Urban development and infrastructure
- Environment and climate change
- International relations, law, and diplomacy
Projects should address contemporary or emerging issues in Asia.
Funding Details
Key funding information includes:
- Maximum grant amount: NZD 5,000
- Purpose: international travel and fieldwork in Asia
- Eligible expenses:
- Airfare and travel costs
- Accommodation
- Meals during fieldwork
- Local research-related expenses
- Ineligible expenses:
- Tuition fees
- Conference fees
- Laptops or capital equipment
- Personal expenses (e.g., leisure, clothing)
Funding is strictly limited to research-related travel costs.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents
- Be emerging or early-career researchers
- Conduct research relevant to Asia and New Zealand interests
- Submit proposals for forward-looking, contemporary research
Retrospective funding applications are not eligible.
Research Requirements
Applicants must provide detailed project plans, including:
- Clear research objectives and questions
- Justification of research importance
- Explanation of contribution to existing knowledge
- Expected outcomes and deliverables
- Detailed travel and fieldwork budget
- Specific countries and locations in Asia to be visited
- Institutions, agencies, or individuals involved in the research
Strong proposals demonstrate clear regional engagement and policy relevance.
Geographic Scope
Research must involve fieldwork in Asia, which may include:
- Academic institutions
- Government agencies
- Research centres and libraries
- Industry or policy organizations
- Local experts and individuals
The programme supports on-the-ground, field-based research activity.
Application Structure and Rounds
The application process includes:
- Submission of a structured research proposal
- Budget outlining travel and fieldwork costs
- Identification of research locations and partners
- Explanation of research relevance to New Zealand
There are two application rounds each year.
How the Programme Works
The grant supports researchers through a structured process:
- Identify a relevant Asia-focused research topic
- Develop a fieldwork-based research proposal
- Secure a plan for travel and institutional engagement
- Submit application within designated funding round
- Conduct fieldwork in Asia upon approval
- Produce research outputs based on findings
The programme emphasizes real-world engagement and data collection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common application issues include:
- Weak connection between Asia research and New Zealand relevance
- Vague research objectives or questions
- Missing or unrealistic fieldwork plans
- Lack of detailed budget justification
- Including ineligible expenses such as equipment or conferences
- Insufficient explanation of research impact
Strong proposals are clear, specific, and fieldwork-driven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the Asia New Zealand Foundation Research Grant?
It is a funding programme supporting early-career researchers conducting fieldwork in Asia.
Q2. How much funding is available?
Up to NZD 5,000 per grant.
Q3. Who can apply?
New Zealand citizens or permanent residents who are emerging or early-career researchers.
Q4. What does the funding cover?
Travel, accommodation, meals, and fieldwork-related expenses in Asia.
Q5. What cannot be funded?
Tuition, conferences, equipment, and personal expenses.
Q6. How many rounds are there each year?
There are two application rounds annually.
Q7. What is the main goal of the programme?
To strengthen New Zealand’s understanding of Asia through field-based research.
Conclusion
The Asia New Zealand Foundation Research Grants enable early-career researchers to conduct fieldwork in Asia on topics of strategic importance to New Zealand. By supporting travel-based, policy-relevant research, the programme strengthens regional understanding and contributes to informed decision-making in areas such as trade, security, climate, and international relations.
For more information, visit Asia New Zealand Foundation.