2025 Sir John Bennett Memorial PhD Scholarship

Available to a Māori student who have a Master's or Honour's degree and are currently enrolled in a PhD programme of study.

The 2025 Sir John Bennett Memorial PhD Scholarship was established on 2020 by the Māori Education Trust, aptly naming it after Sir John Mokonuiarangi Bennett who was a key figure and chairman of the Kohanga Reo Movement, as well as being the Chairperson for the Māori Education Trust. It aims to support students who are currently enrolled in a PhD programme of study to aid in the costs that come with higher education.

 

If you would like to learn more about the Māori Education Trust, click here.

EligibilityApplicants must:

  1. be of New Zealand Māori descent;
  2. be enrolled at a tertiary institute in 2025;
  3. be attending full-time study for the full year;
  4. be enrolled in a PhD programme of study;
  5. submit the application and supporting documentation on time.

Supporting Information You need to provide:

  1. Whakapapa verification. This can be a letter from your iwi confirming your registration.
  2. 2025 Enrolment confirmation. This will need to prove that you're undertaking full-time study for the full year.
  3. NSN and student ID number.
  4. Bank verification of your bank account number. This can be a bank statement or a screenshot of your banking app.
  5. Academic transcript. This does not need to be certified.
  6. Written academic reference. This will need to be current.
  7. Curriculum Vitae.

Megan Eustace, Sir John Bennett Memorial PhD Scholarship recipient in 2023.

“…I have been greatly supported throughout my PhD in Speech and Language Sciences at the University of Canterbury. Importantly, this scholarship has allowed me to remain focused on my PhD studies, lessening the financial burden associated with completing a PhD…I would like to express my deep gratitude for the scholarship received from the Māori Education Trust. This scholarship has opened up multiple opportunities supporting both personal and academic growth…”