The MacDiarmid Institute is delighted to announce its inaugural Discovery Scholarship Programme, for Māori and Pasifika students in science.  This is an extension of the Institute’s long running DiscoveryCamp programme, and is designed to support students studying in the physical sciences, Māori sciences or sciences related to sustainable innovation.

The scholarships will pay university fees up to $8,000 for the 2020 academic year, and a one-off cash award of up to $5,000.  The Institute welcomes applications from all Māori and Pasifika students from all backgrounds and abilities, and will award a number of scholarships at each year of undergraduate study, Honours/PgDipSci, and Masters study.  Students who are studying part time are also encouraged to apply.  In addition to the financial award, Discovery Scholars will be eligible for the same kinds of ongoing support as our current DiscoveryCamp Alumni cohort, such as summer studentships and access to a range of MacDiarmid Institute events.

Please find further information on the Awards below, and on the MacDiarmid Institute website.

You’ll see applications are due by Thursday 30 January 2020.

Awards Available

Te Kainga Rua Award – Second Chance Learner Award.  This category is for mature students either returning to tertiary education after having some time away or those that are undertaking tertiary courses for the first time.  If you are passionate about the natural sciences or you wish to return to tertiary studies and would like help with reaching your goals and potential, we encourage you to apply.

Piki Ake Award – Step It Up Award.  This category is for students who are passionate about science but have found it challenging to achieve highly.  This award is to help enthusiastic students reach their potential and step up into achieving.

Te Taumata Award – High Achiever Award.  This category is for students who have excelled in their studies and are looking toward continuing their study in the field.

Te Mātauranga Pūtaiao Award – High Achiever in Māori Science Award.  This category is for students who have excelled in Mātauranga Māori Science and are looking toward continuing their study in the field.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must be:

  • enrolled or intending to enrol in a tertiary-level STEM course(s) that relates to the physical sciences, Māori sciences or sciences related to sustainable innovation.
  • enrolled or intending to enrol for the 2020 academic year.
  • New Zealand-based.
  • a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand.