Scholarship overview
Key facts
Application dates
Fisheries New Zealand is offering a Master's scholarship for the next academic year.
Fisheries New Zealand has supported scholarships since 2006. The purpose of this scholarship is to allow graduate students to develop expertise in quantitative fisheries science in New Zealand. The research undertaken will contribute to quantitative fisheries research programmes with particular emphasis on models for assessing the status of fish stocks or models for assessing marine ecosystems. Fisheries New Zealand wishes to develop these areas of research, as there is a shortage of trained quantitative graduates in New Zealand to undertake research and contribute to the sustainable use of fisheries.
The objectives of the Fisheries New Zealand Graduate Scholarship in Quantitative Fisheries Science are:
- to attract New Zealand students into quantitative marine science;
- to promote and encourage excellence in quantitative fisheries research;
- to encourage Masters students to contribute to priority fisheries research areas identified by the New Zealand Government;
- to provide opportunities for students to carry out research with scientists in established and new quantitative fisheries research programmes;
- to train Masters students by sharing and using the combined expertise of university academics, Fisheries New Zealand and practising scientists; and
- to facilitate the professional development of Masters students through exposure to an applied commercial research environment.
Applicants with majors or minors in mathematics, statistics, computing and/or biology are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to those students who have a strong quantitative background (preferably including applied statistics), with marine biology. It is recommended that only those students who have taken statistics or mathematics courses at or beyond the second-year level submit an application.
It is recognised that an MSc may be a component of a bigger project relating to stock assessments or ecosystem modelling. Research facilities and resources will be available for research where appropriate.
Eligibility criteria
- Applicants need to be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
- Study must be undertaken within New Zealand (with the possibility of some course work being undertaken through an Australian university).
- You must be eligible to undertake an MSc at any New Zealand university.
- You must undertake full-time study.
- A suitable university supervisor and/or Fisheries New Zealand technical advisor must be agreed prior to stage 2 of the application (organising a potential University supervisor is desirable but not necessary for stage 1).
- Undergraduate study must have contained at least two 200-level papers in mathematics, statistics or computer science, and at least one 300-level paper in mathematics, statistics or computer science.
- There are no age restrictions.
- Study must commence within 6 months of receiving this scholarship.
- You may hold other scholarships but these must be disclosed to Fisheries New Zealand.
Application Process
Stage 1: Application Part I (to be submitted to Fisheries New Zealand by October 31st 2026)
A current CV (outlining previous work experience, nationality, any relevant research experience and background in quantitative methods), cover letter outlining why you are interested in this opportunity and a copy of your academic transcripts must be submitted to science.officer@mpi.govt.nz. Transcripts should be accompanied by a list of courses taken with a 10-50 word description of each course (as course titles on transcripts are not always informative). Please also let us know how you heard about the scholarship when submitting your application.
Candidates will be assessed by November 30th 2026. Short-listed candidates will be contacted to discuss their research interests and develop a project proposal and discuss proposed course work. Non-shortlisted candidates will also be informed that they have not progressed.
Stage 2: Application – Part II (to be submitted to Fisheries New Zealand by February 20th 2027)
If you are shortlisted to progress to stage 2, a project proposal, updated CV, statement of career goals and aspirations, completed application form and two reference’s from suitably qualified academics/researchers attesting to your abilities must be submitted to science.officer@mpi.govt.nz. The project proposal does not need to outline all details of the proposed research but, must contain sufficient detail to allow it to be evaluated for its feasibility and utility.
Selection considerations
A Selection Committee comprising individuals from Fisheries New Zealand and selected research providers will review the applications for the scholarships. The decision of the Committee will be final and no discussion will be entered into.
In Stage 2 candidates will be assessed upon their academic achievement and other relevant skills and experience. Priority will be given to those candidates with an interest in applied statistics (preferably in combination with marine biology) and a background in mathematics, statistics or computing.
In Stage 2 candidates will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Academic achievement
- Choice of papers if taught year funded or papers taken if funding is for thesis year only
- Suitability of supervisor (university) and (if applicable) co-supervisor.
- Feasibility and applicability of proposed research
- Relevant skills and experience (with an emphasis on quantitative skills)
About the sponsor
Ministry for Primary Industries
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is helping to seize export opportunities for our primary industries, improve sector productivity, ensure the food we produce is safe, increase sustainable resource use, and protect New Zealand from biological risk.