On 1 July 2025, NIWA merged with GNS Science to become Earth Sciences New Zealand.

Scholarships

Scholarships available to both Masters and undergraduate students in the fields of fisheries science and marine biology.

General

PhD: Population Connectivity and Biological Assessment of Non-Target Fisheries Species in the Ross Sea

We are seeking a PhD student for a project that aims to investigate basic biology and population connectivity of several non-target species that are caught in the longline fisheries in the Ross Sea, but whose populations also extend northward into the New Zealand Economic Exclusion Zone (waters that are managed solely by New Zealand). Antarctic fisheries are managed using ecosystem-based and precautionary approaches that attempt to balance conservation and the rational use of resources while maintaining existing ecological relationships. Currently non-target species are managed in the absence of basic biological information. The work is intended to improve the quality of key information on bycatch species for the management of these species within CCAMLR (i.e., have a direct impact on management and policy), but also to monitor changes that might be occurring as a result of ecological disturbance (e.g., climate variability, fisheries impacts).

This PhD scholarship is part of a joint project between Earth Sciences New Zealand, Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), and Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU). The successful candidate is expected to enroll at Victoria University of Wellington (supervised by Drs Peter Ritchie (main supervisor, VUW), Alice Rogers (VUW), Jennifer Devine and Matt Pinkerton (Earth Sciences New Zealand)) and take part in a scientist exchange at Shanghai Ocean University to utilize their laboratories and expertise in one or more of the following areas: otolith microchemistry, stable isotopes, fatty acids, genetics, or parasites. There is potential to take part in an Antarctic survey through existing Antarctic research collaborations, subject to availability and alignment with an existing field event. The scholarship includes:

  • A stipend of $35,000 NZD per year + coverage of university fees for 3 years
  • Funding for travel to Shanghai Ocean University

This position will be primarily based at Earth Sciences New Zealand (https://www.earthsciences.nz, Greta Point location) and Victoria University of Wellington (https://www.wgtn.ac.nz ) in Wellington, New Zealand (https://www.wellingtonnz.com). There are also opportunities to travel to and work with researchers at the Shanghai Ocean University (https://www.shou.edu.cn/eng/). Applicants for this PhD position should send a CV, contact details of two academic referees, and a cover letter that states why you are interested in the position and how your qualifications and experience make you a good fit for the proposed research to Jennifer Devine (Jennifer.Devine@niwa.co.nz). Short-listing of applicants for the position will begin on 1 September 2025. The successful candidate will be expected to begin in February 2026 or sooner. For more information about studying at Victoria University of Wellington and the entry requirements for the PhD program please see http://www.victoria.ac.nz/study/programmes-courses/postgraduates/phds-doctorates.

Fisheries New Zealand

2025 Masters Scholarships in Quantitative Fisheries Science (CLOSED)

Masters Scholarships are available for Masters Students in the field of quantitative marine science, particularly stock assessment modelling or ecosystem modelling.

Applications to the MSc scholarships are in two stages, one taking place at the end of 2024 and the other one taking place in early 2025.

Eligibility criteria are as follows:

  • Applicants need to be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
  • Study must be undertaken within New Zealand (with the possibility of some coursework 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 NIWA 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.”

Potential MSc thesis topics

Scholarship value:

  • $20,000 per year for up to 2 years. 

How to apply:

Key dates:

  • CLOSED

2025 Undergraduate scholarships in Quantitative Marine Biology (CLOSED)

Fisheries New Zealand is offering undergraduate scholarships to students interested in a double major in mathematics or statistics combined with biology or marine biology.

Students will be eligible to apply if:

  • their degree will include a minimum of two statistics, mathematics or computing course at 200 level, and
  • they will either undertake or will have completed, one statistics, mathematics or computing course, as well as a marine biology course at 300 level.

Applicants with a strong quantitative background will be favoured. 

Scholarship value:

  • $5000 to support the final year of an undergraduate degree or an Honours year

How to apply:

Key dates:

  • CLOSED.

Contacts