The New Zealand Postgraduate Development Field Research Awards are administered by DevNet on behalf of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)


Applications are now open!

Postgraduate students studying at New Zealand universities who plan to conduct field research on development issues are invited to apply for this award.

Applications are open from 15 October 2024 to 15 January 2025 (11:59 PM NZT). Please note that, due to the extended application process, postgraduate students needing to conduct their research during the summer period (November, December, January, and February) may still apply and be reimbursed if awarded. However, students must assume the financial risk if they are not successful in securing the award.


Research on Development Issues

The goal of the New Zealand Postgraduate Development Field Research Awards is to support research by students studying in New Zealand institutions on development issues relevant to New Zealand’s development cooperation efforts and foster the capacity of future New Zealand development professionals.


The Awards

The awards are for students undertaking research as part of a New Zealand-based Master’s degree or Doctorate to cover costs associated with their research. The maximum value of Awards will be determined for each round and can be found in the Award Regulations.

The Application form can be downloaded HERE.


Research Priority Areas

The funding prioritises research in the Pacific but is open to other eligible research locations that line up with the Programme priorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Check out the Aid and Development section of the Ministry’s website for more information.


Award Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for an award, applicants must:

  1. already be enrolled in a postgraduate programme and plan to undertake the field research as part of a New Zealand Master’s degree or Doctorate programme; and
  2. plan to undertake development studies-related research on a developing country (or multiple countries) where the New Zealand Aid Programme is active.
  3. have received (or will receive prior to commencement) university ethics approval to conduct the research.
  4. have received (or will receive prior to commencement) approval to conduct research from the appropriate government authorities of the country in which research will be conducted.

Read the Awards Regulations for more information.

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Recent Award Recipients

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

  • Avelina Rokoduru – University of Otago
  • James Stiefvater– Massey University
  • Ariela Zibiah – Canterbury University
  • Hanh Dang – University of Otago
  • Priyam Maharaj – University of Otago
  • Mino Cleverley- University of Otago
  • Isabella Patrick – Massey University
  • Katja Phutaraksa Neef – Auckland University
  • Louis Morrell – Massey University
  • Mathea Melissa Lim- Auckland University
  • Jolene Wescombe– Massey University
  • Melanie Altemus– Victoria University of Wellington
  • Ruveni Tumavana – Massey University
  • Bex Ansell – Auckland University
  • Naomi Moya – University of Canterbury
  • Malathi Rambodagedar- Massey University
  • Harpreet Kaur – Massey University
  • Wade Gadsby – Massey University
  • Joseph Brockliss – Massey University
  • Maria Afeau – Massey University

Contact Us

Any questions regarding requirements for applications should be directed to the Awards Administrator at info@devnet.org.nz.