Summer Research Scholarship Programme

If you’re in third-year or above and interested in developing your research skills, you could apply for a summer research scholarship.

The Summer Research Scholarship Programme offers a unique opportunity for external organisations, academics, and students to collaborate in research. Working with globally recognised researchers in a local setting, students gain valuable real-world experience and insight into what research is all about.

Depending on the project, students can develop a broad range of transferable skills, such as research and analytics, critical reading, synthesis of literature, information gathering, and effective communication. They may also gain experience with relevant tools, technologies, or methodologies, including specialist software or practical techniques used in professional or laboratory settings.

Registrations of Interest have been extended to 13 September for current VUW students only – please see Application process below.

What’s involved

Students will be expected to work on a research project for up to 10 weeks (approximately 400 hours) over the summer trimester, under the supervision of well-established researchers or a research team at the University.

What it’s worth

Each Summer Research Scholarship includes a tax-free stipend of $8,000.

Application process

Current VUW students who are interested in viewing the Summer Research Scholarship Projects now have until 13 September to register interest by emailing summer-research@vuw.ac.nz with full legal name and student ID number.

Please see the Summer Research Scholarship Programme Projects PDF, downloadable on this page, for the list of available projects. Further details will be accessible in the application system (InPlace) once your access has been granted.

Online applications for projects will be facilitated through InPlace. Each application requires a personal statement outlining your previous experience in the field and explaining why you are well suited to the project. You are also encouraged to upload a copy of your CV. Instructions and a direct link to InPlace will be provided to students who email summer-research@vuw.ac.nz by 13 September.

Your request for access to the projects application site InPlace may take time to process. Therefore, we advise you request access as soon as possible before the final registration date of 13 September.

Once you have InPlace access applications for projects are due by 17 September.

Successful applicants will be enrolled in the Summer Research Scholarship course SRCH 301, which is a not-for-credit course and does not require payment of any tuition fees.

Eligibility and conditions

The Scholarship is open to students who have completed at least two years of their undergraduate degree and who are currently enrolled full-time at any New Zealand University in an undergraduate, Honours, or Part 1 of a Master’s degree (prior to undertaking any research).

Students enrolled in a PhD or Master's by Thesis are not eligible.

Students applying for this programme cannot be undertaking study at any university during the Summer Research Scholarship Programme duration which runs over the Trimester 3 period.

Additional information

Contact

Scholarships Office

Email: summer-research@vuw.ac.nz
Phone: 0800 04 04 04