Te Whiri Whītau Masters Scholarship for 2027

For a master's student undertaking research that contributes to environmental, social and cultural regeneration through Indigenous-led and/or place-based approaches to natural fibres, biomaterials, natural dyes, paper, living systems and related creative practices.

Scholarship overview

Status: Open

Key facts

Value: $15,000
Duration: One year duration
Number available: One position available
Type of study: Masters, Research

Application dates

Applications open: 13 July 2026
Closing date: 21 August 2026

Te Whiri Whītau Master's Scholarship

This scholarship provides a stipend to support a Master of Design (MDes) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) student whose research or creative practice aligns with the kaupapa of Te Whiri Whītau, a research cluster within Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts.

Te Whiri Whītau focuses on Indigenous-led and place-based approaches to natural fibre design, research, and creative practice.

Applicants should demonstrate how their values, aspirations, and proposed project contribute to environmental, social, and cultural regeneration through critical, situated, and embodied engagement with materials, processes and systems.

We welcome proposals in areas such as, but not limited to:

  • Indigenous fibres and fibre techniques
  • Biomaterials and bioprocessing
  • Natural dyes
  • Paper making
  • Living systems approaches to design and development
  • Biodesign

The scholarship is funded by Te Whiri Whītau. As such, the successful applicant will be co-supervised by relevant members of Te Whiri Whītau and will be expected to actively engage with Te Whiri Whītau research activities and opportunities throughout their study.

For more information about Te Whiri Whītau, visit: https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/colleges-schools-and-institutes/college-of-creative-arts/college-of-creative-arts-research/te-whiri-whitau/

Who we're looking for

Applicants will normally have completed, or be in the final year of, a Bachelor of Design with Honours, Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours, or an equivalent qualification. Preference will be given to candidates with experience or interests in textiles, fibres, biomaterials, or related fields. Applicants should demonstrate indigenous literacy, and/or active positional place-based thinking, strong critical skills, research capability, and the ability to communicate their ideas clearly through material, visual and written forms.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit the required documents via email.

Application checklist

Include the following with your application:

  • Completed Honours qualification or B Average in 400/700 level courses if currently completing a Honors qualification at Massey
  • Research/Project Proposal
  • Transcripts and Portfolio if not currently studying with at Massey
  • a CV