The Nicholas Tarling Memorial PhD Scholarship

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

PhD students at AUT researching a topic on Southeast Asia and its people (including Timor-Leste), with an offer of place for the doctoral programme, an excellent academic record and strong references. Preference goes to new doctoral applicants studying full-time, and priority goes to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents, although international students may apply.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Supports doctoral research that advances knowledge of Southeast Asia, with particular emphasis on the region's history but not limited to it.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. PhD students at AUT researching a topic on Southeast Asia and its people (including Timor-Leste), with an offer of place for the doctoral programme, an excellent academic record and strong references. Preference goes to new doctoral applicants studying full-time, and priority goes to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents, although international students may apply.
2. Note the deadline. Open all year except 1 December to 15 January (one award a year; the regulations say it was funded for five years from 2021, and AUT still lists it, so confirm it is open) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. PhD admission/enrolment evidence; research proposal; academic transcripts; CV and documents required by AUT.
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Academic and research-topic assessment

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Contact AUT or check the live scholarship portal for the next deadline and eligibility details.
2. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
3. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
7. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for The Nicholas Tarling Memorial PhD Scholarship?

PhD students at AUT researching a topic on Southeast Asia and its people (including Timor-Leste), with an offer of place for the doctoral programme, an excellent academic record and strong references. Preference goes to new doctoral applicants studying full-time, and priority goes to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents, although international students may apply.

What does The Nicholas Tarling Memorial PhD Scholarship cover?

NZD 10,000 (one scholarship a year, tenable for one year)

When is the deadline for The Nicholas Tarling Memorial PhD Scholarship?

Open all year except 1 December to 15 January (one award a year; the regulations say it was funded for five years from 2021, and AUT still lists it, so confirm it is open) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with The Nicholas Tarling Memorial PhD Scholarship?

Host countries: New Zealand.

What documents do I need for The Nicholas Tarling Memorial PhD Scholarship?

PhD admission/enrolment evidence; research proposal; academic transcripts; CV and documents required by AUT.

How are applicants selected for The Nicholas Tarling Memorial PhD Scholarship?

Academic and research-topic assessment

How much work is the The Nicholas Tarling Memorial PhD Scholarship application?

High