Transport Research Scholarship (Master's)

In 2021, Te Manatū Waka–Ministry of Transport and Waka Kotahi, NZ Transport Agency jointly established and funded a range of Transport Research Scholarships. The scholarships were established to support students undertaking postgraduate research focusing on transport and its role and impact on New Zealand society.

In 2024, Waka Kotahi, NZ Transport Agency is the sole funder for this award and is interested in applications from students working in or around the following land transport strategic priorities: 

  • Economic growth and productivity. The overarching priority for investment through this GPS is to support economic growth and productivity. Efficient investment in our land transport system connects people and freight quickly and safely, supporting economic growth and creating social and economic opportunities including access to land for housing growth. 
  • Increased maintenance and resilience. New Zealand needs a transport system that is resilient to the impacts of weather events and other natural disasters. Increasing maintenance and resilience enables us to effectively manage and reduce current and future risk, and adapt to these challenges.
  • Safety. Road deaths and serious injuries place a substantial burden on families, society, the economy, and the health sector each year, with significant direct costs incurred by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and other parties. 
  • Value for money. GPS 2024 will invest $22 billion into the transport network, which is a significant amount of road user and taxpayer money. This investment must deliver better outcomes for present and future generations of New Zealanders. To realise greater value from the financial investment made into our land transport system, and this is why value for money is a strategic priority guiding all transport investments under this GPS.

Eligibility

Applications will be accepted from candidates:

  • Who are enrolled in, or eligible to enrol in, full-time or part-time postgraduate study at a New Zealand university.
  • Who are completing the research component of their degree in the year immediately following the award (part-time scholars have a maximum of two years to complete).
  • Whose proposed course of study includes a research component with 60–120 credits remaining in their qualification.
  • Whose research focuses on strategic priorities of importance to the funder as described in Appendix 1 of the regulations.
  • Who have not previously received a Transport Research Scholarship.

Selection criteria

The selection committee will determine the value and tenure of the scholarships based on the following criteria:

  • Relevance of the research to The Funder’s strategic priorities detailed in Appendix 1.
  • Demonstrated academic merit of the candidate.
  • Genuine interest and evidence of commitment to the research topic.

Value and number awarded

One or more research scholarships, based on the information included in Appendix 1 of the regulations, may be awarded annually. 

Funding is up to $6,000 to $15,000 a year at postgraduate level. 

Opening date

6 September

Closing date

7 November

How to apply

Read the regulations, strategic priorities and related informaiton provided in the appendices.

Apply online here.

Decisions made

November/December.