Tarling Trust – NZASIA Grants

The Nicholas Tarling Charitable Trust and NZASIA are pleased to announce several grants to support field research in Southeast Asia, conference travel and participation, and support for PhD students. There are two application periods for the grants:

a) first round of applications: 1 September 2025 to 31 January 2026

b) second round of applications: 1 February to 31 July 2026.

We are now inviting applications for the second round covering the period: 1 February to 31 July 2026.

a) Field research in Southeast Asia. Applicants may apply for up to $5,000 for travel, accommodation, and local costs in Southeast Asia. Please submit a proposal (around 500 words), a brief research plan, c.v. and budget (including quotes). Field research must be completed by 31 July 2026. PhD students are also invited to apply for this grant. Student applications must include a letter of support from their primary supervisor.

Deadline: 9 February 2026, 5:00 pm

Eligibility: Staff, adjuncts, and PhD students based at any New Zealand tertiary institution.

Email naimah.talib@canterbury.ac.nz for an application form.

b) Conference Participation. Applications are invited for funding support for conference participation to cover expenses including airfare, accommodation, and registration fees. Applicants may apply for up to $750 for conferences based in New Zealand; up to $2,000 for conferences based in Australia; and up to $3,000 for conferences based in Asia, the US and Europe. Applicants must provide evidence of acceptance of abstracts/papers and a budget (including quotes). Applications from PhD students must also include a letter of support from their primary supervisor. Presentations must be on Southeast Asian topics, and preference will be given to Southeast Asian or Asian Studies conferences. Conference registrations must be completed by 31 March 2025 and conferences attended by 31 July 2026.

Deadline: 9 February 2026, 5:00 pm

Eligibility: Staff, adjuncts, and PhD students based at any New Zealand tertiary institution.

Email naimah.talib@canterbury.ac.nz for an application form.

c) Copyediting support for PhD thesis. Currently enrolled PhD students may apply for up to $1,500 to cover copyediting costs for their PhD theses. This grant is intended to support students using English as a second language. Students applying for this grant must provide a letter from their primary supervisor and an additional referee familiar with their work. The thesis must be submitted to the respective university postgraduate office for final examination by 31 July 2026.

Deadline: 9 February 2026, 5:00 pm

Eligibility: PhD students based at any New Zealand tertiary institution.

Email naimah.talib@canterbury.ac.nz for an application form.

Eligibility

Due to the requirements of the Nicholas Tarling Charitable Trust, all applicants must be current residents of New Zealand or currently enrolled PhD students at a New Zealand tertiary institution. We are not able to accept applications from students who have temporarily suspended their studies or are not currently residing in New Zealand. Strong preference will be given to applicants who are current NZASIA full members or student associate members.

Application Process and Deadline

Applications are now open for the above grants until 9 February, 5:00 pm. All applications must be completed using forms available from naimah.talib@canterbury.ac.nz. Applicants must ensure that all information required for each grant is submitted together with the application. Successful applicants are expected to submit a brief report.

Please direct your query to naimah.talib@canterbury.ac.nz.