| Value |
NZ$18,204 per annum, plus tuition fees (one year) for Master's degree by thesis $10,000 paid in monthly instalments for Master's degree by Coursework, or Postgraduate Diploma, or Honours |
|---|---|
| Number offered | Varies |
| Closing date | 10 December |
Information
Established by the University of Otago in 1984 for the purpose of encouraging research in the history, literature and culture of Scotland, and the influence of Scottish migration to New Zealand and elsewhere. The award was established with funding generously provided by Dr W G C Paterson, and dedicated to the memory of his wife, Emily Bamforth, “a cultured lady and an amateur historian”.
This award was administered as a University of Otago Postgraduate Research Scholarship until 2026, and was available to (first-time) PhD and Master’s students undertaking Scotland or Scottish themed research. In 2026, the award was removed from the Schedule of Regulations for Postgraduate Research Scholarships, and opened up to a wider range of postgraduate students (excluding PhD), to encourage more postgraduate research with a Scottish focus.
Applicants must be:
- a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand Residence Class Visa Holder
- enrolled at the University of Otago in (or accepted for admission to):
- a research Master’s degree
- an MA(Coursework) or Honours degree, or
- a Postgraduate Diploma, and
- undertaking a thesis, dissertation or other research project with a primary focus on
- the history, literature or culture of Scotland, or
- the influence of Scottish migration to New Zealand or other parts of the world.
Provided an applicant meets these criteria they may be enrolled in any department and programme at the University of Otago.
The following factors shall be considered when assessing applications:
- Academic merit or promise
- The recommendations of the applicant’s academic referee
- The proposed topic of research should be in accord with the intentions of the donors, i.e. centred on a theme (or themes) concerning the history, literature, or culture of Scotland, or the influence of Scottish migration to New Zealand or other parts of the world.
Downloads
Download the Bamforth Postgraduate Scholarship application form (PDF)
Download the Bamforth Postgraduate Scholarship regulations (PDF)