Who is encouraged to apply?
Applications are particularly encouraged from Pasifika students, Indigenous students, particularly Māori and Moriori in Aotearoa, and global south students, students with disabilities, refugees, and migrants. In 2027, applications from Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Māmoe, and Waitaha (particularly those from Ōtākou, Puketeraki and Moeraki rūnaka ), will be given special consideration.
Background of applicant
In addition to relevant qualifying academic credentials, applicants for this scholarship should possess a minimum of two years’ work experience and/or activism or voluntary experience in peace and justice-related fields, such as social justice and indigenous rights, iwi/imi and hāpū organisations, peacebuilding, development, advocacy, including Waitangi Tribunal claims or other indigenous movements across the Pacific including Maohi Nui, West Papua, Australia, Vanuatu.
Similarly, students with disabilities, refugee and migrant communities are encouraged to bring the particularities of their experiences into their doctoral studies.
Areas of research
Applicants are encouraged to pursue research projects that adopt an indigenous and/or decolonial approach that contributes to building up the strengths and interests of TAOR, including but not limited to:
- Indigenous movements and peace traditions
- Social justice in Aotearoa and across the Pacific
- Decolonisation and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Settler colonialism and state harm
- Indigenous resistance, transformation and self-determination
- Disability, justice and peace
- Climate change and conflict
- Indigenous peacebuilding
Join our research community
Te Ao o Rongomaraeroa | National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies is Aotearoa and the wider Pacific’s only postgraduate programme dedicated to understanding and mitigating injustice and violence against Indigenous and minoritised communities.
We focus on Indigenous-led pathways of resistance and transformation, highlighting how communities actively shape more inclusive, liberated futures. We advocate for rangatiratanga (self-determination), human rights, the building of just and unconditionally inclusive societies, and non-violent peacebuilding activism.
Join a fast-growing, values-driven community committed to manaakitanga (generosity and support) for all in the Centre whānau, and scholarly excellence. We welcome students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds with an interest in decolonising and indigenising approaches to conflict transformation and peacebuilding in their own communities.
Scholarship details
Value
The scholarship will be funded through the University of Otago and cover annual tuition fees, plus an annual stipend of approximately NZ$34,000 per annum for up to 3 years (36 months).
Start date
The start date in 2027 for the successful applicant is negotiable and dependent on obtaining a valid student visa in the case of an international student.
Availability
The scholarship is available to both domestic and international students.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying, or require any further information, please send an email with ‘RFL/TAOR PhD Scholarship 2027-2029’ in the subject line to the email address given below.
Please attach to your email the following items:
- an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae,
- copies of relevant academic transcripts,
- a research proposal 5-10 pages in length,
- two letters of reference,
- evidence of your practice and/or activist or volunteer background
Applications can be sent to:
Te Ao o Rongomaraeroa | The National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies
Tel +64 3 479 4546
Email peaceandconflict@otago.ac.nz
Applications close: Friday 15 January 2027