PhD conference travel funding
The University of Otago provides up to NZ$2,000 in funding for enrolled PhD students to present their research at a relevant conference.
Key information:
- Applications must be submitted at least four weeks before your travel date.
- Applications are reviewed on the last Thursday of each month; please plan accordingly.
- Your abstract must be accepted at the time of application.
Forms:
- PhD travel guidelines and application form (DOCX)
- Postgraduate travel grant form (PDF)
- Conference report template (DOCX)
For questions about PhD Conference Travel Grants, please contact the Research team in the Health Sciences Divisional Office:
Email healthsciences.research@otago.ac.nz
The MacGibbon PhD travel fellowship
The MacGibbon fellowship round is open for applications for travel in 2026 and 2027
This exciting travel funding opportunity is available for PhD and DClinDent students wanting to undertake research in the USA. Previous recipients have enjoyed access to data, research facilities, other researchers in their fields and training they could not access in New Zealand. At least one has gone on to do postdoctoral work at his host institution in the US.
Successful students will receive up to NZ$17,000 each and spend 2–6 months studying in the USA.
This is being funded from a donation organised by the Alumni of the University of Otago in America Inc and represents a great opportunity to build Otago collaborations with institutions in the US.
MacGibbon travel application form (DOCX)
We are accepting applications at any time for this opportunity. Please fill in the form and send it to:
Email healthsciences.research@otago.ac.nz
For more information please contact healthsciences.research@otago.ac.nz
Quotes from recent recipients
“I had access to equipment, resources, lab models and mentorship that was not available in New Zealand.”
“Please keep funding this sort of thing as it enables once in a life time experiences for emerging researchers.”
“During my 6 months working with this advanced team, I was able to engage in interdisciplinary meetings, monthly seminars with the largest IBD centers around the US, as well as observe patient appointments and several complex medical procedures. As a direct result, I have a much stronger understanding not only for the complex realities around treating this disease, but also where my research fits into the management of IBD.”
Meet our successful recipients for 2020:
Fellowship fund flies PhD students to the United States
Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust (MPPT) conference travel funding for PhD students
The Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust (MPPT) is supporting third and final year PhD students to present their research at international conferences in 2026 or early 2027. Six awards of $2,500 will be awarded this year.
Deadlines for applications are:
- 5.00pm on Thursday, 26 March 2026
- 5.00pm on Thursday, 27 August 2026
MPPT conference travel funding guidelines and application form (DOCX)
Applicants will be advised of their results within two weeks of the closing date. If you have any questions, please contact:
Dr Manon Knapen
Email healthsciences.research@otago.ac.nz