The Nicholas Tarling Memorial PhD Scholarship in New Zealand 2026

The Nicholas Tarling Memorial PhD Scholarship is a special doctoral award offered by Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in New Zealand, designed to support outstanding doctoral students passionate about Southeast Asia studies. This scholarship was created in memory of Emeritus Professor Nicholas Tarling, a respected historian who was well known for his research on Southeast Asia, spending many years studying and writing about the history, politics, and culture of Southeast Asian countries. Through this scholarship, the Nicholas Tarling Charitable Trust aims to continue his legacy by supporting new researchers who are passionate about Southeast Asia studies at one of New Zealand's leading universities.

The scholarship offers one award each year with a value of NZ$10,000, paid to help cover costs related to university study such as living expenses, research materials, travel for fieldwork, or other academic needs.

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Quick Overview

• University: Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

• Host Country: New Zealand

• Scholarship Name: Nicholas Tarling Memorial PhD Scholarship

• Program Level: PhD

• Number of Awards: One per year

• Scholarship Value: NZ$10,000

• Research Focus: Southeast Asia studies

• Application Deadline: 30th November 2026

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About the Scholarship

The Nicholas Tarling Memorial PhD Scholarship was created in memory of Emeritus Professor Nicholas Tarling, a respected historian who was well known for his research on Southeast Asia, spending many years studying and writing about the history, politics, and culture of Southeast Asian countries. Through this scholarship, the Nicholas Tarling Charitable Trust aims to continue his legacy by supporting new researchers who are passionate about Southeast Asia studies at one of New Zealand's leading universities.

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Research Focus

This scholarship is designed for students who are starting or already undertaking a PhD at AUT, with research that must clearly focus on Southeast Asia and its people.

Eligible Countries

• Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam

Research Areas

• Although history is especially encouraged, the research does not have to be limited to history

• Topics related to culture, politics, society, development, or other relevant fields connected to Southeast Asia are also considered

• The proposed research must fall within an area where AUT can provide proper academic supervision

Main Goals

• Advance knowledge and understanding of the region

• Support research that may benefit New Zealand's interests in Southeast Asia

• Create meaningful connections between the two regions

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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet several requirements designed to identify the most promising candidates.

• Must be accepted into a doctoral programme at AUT and have received an official Offer of Place confirming their admission

• Must meet the normal admission criteria for a PhD at AUT, including English language requirements as listed in the Academic Calendar

• Must show a strong academic record through transcripts and grades

• Must provide good academic references from previous mentors

• Must demonstrate clear potential for high-quality research through their proposal and experience

Preference

• Preference is given to new doctoral applicants who plan to study full-time

• While priority is given to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents, international students are also welcome to apply

• International applicants may be considered especially if their research will benefit New Zealand in some way through its outcomes or connections

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Scholarship Value and Benefits

The scholarship offers NZ$10,000 to help cover costs related to university study.

• Living expenses – support for daily needs during doctoral study

• Research materials – funding for books, equipment, or supplies

• Travel for fieldwork – support for research trips to Southeast Asia

• Other academic needs – as required for successful completion of the PhD

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Supervisor Contact

Applicants are strongly advised to contact potential supervisors at AUT before applying to confirm that supervision is available for their research topic.

• This early contact is essential because the proposed research must clearly focus on Southeast Asia and fall within an area where AUT can provide proper academic supervision and expertise

• Finding a supervisor who shares your research interests increases your chances of both admission and scholarship success

• The university encourages prospective students to reach out to faculty members whose work aligns with their proposed research, building relationships before the formal application

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Required Documents

Applicants must carefully fill in all sections of the application form and upload the required documents, as incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Academic transcripts – from any previous university study completed outside AUT

• Brief personal statement – maximum one page explaining motivation for pursuing doctoral study and interest in research related to Southeast Asia

• Research proposal – up to three pages using the official template provided in the online application system, clearly outlining:

• Intended research topic

• Research questions

• Methodology

• Expected outcomes

• Two academic reference statements – requested through the online application system; referees will receive an email asking them to submit their statements directly

Important Note on References

• Applicants should inform their referees in advance to ensure they respond on time

• Although applicants can submit their application before the references are received, the application will not be considered eligible until both reference statements have been submitted

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Step 1: Contact potential supervisors at AUT to confirm supervision availability for your research topic

• Step 2: Visit the AUT Scholarships Database at: https://ln.run/ju41H

• Step 3: Complete the online application form, carefully filling in all sections

• Step 4: Upload all required documents (transcripts, personal statement, research proposal)

• Step 5: Request two academic reference statements through the online system

• Step 6: Inform your referees to expect the email and submit their statements on time

• Step 7: Submit your complete application before 30th November 2026

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Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 30th November 2026

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents early and contact potential supervisors well before this deadline to ensure all requirements can be met.

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Selection Process

The selection process is managed by a panel made up of:

• Two representatives from AUT

• One representative from the Nicholas Tarling Charitable Trust

Key Points

• The panel reviews all eligible applications and selects the most suitable candidate

• If no suitable candidate is found in a particular year, the scholarship may be held over and awarded in the following year

• The decision of the selection panel is final, with no appeals process

Scholarship Conditions

There are several important conditions that scholarship recipients must follow throughout their doctoral studies.

Enrollment Requirements

• The scholar must remain enrolled in a full-time approved doctoral research programme at AUT during the scholarship period

• In special cases, part-time study may be allowed if the student has personal circumstances that prevent full-time study, but the scholarship amount may be reduced to match the part-time status

Payment and Residence

• The scholarship stipend is paid monthly into the recipient's bank account

• Payments are not made retrospectively

• The scholar must be living in New Zealand and studying at AUT to receive payments

• Short periods overseas for data collection or conferences are allowed

• The scholar may take reasonable holiday leave of up to one month per year, excluding research travel

Changes in Status

• If the scholar takes a leave of absence or withdraws from full-time study, they must inform the Scholarships Office and their primary supervisor immediately

• The Trust may require repayment of scholarship funds in some cases

• The scholarship usually ends within one month after the scholar submits their thesis for examination

Termination

• The Trust has the right to suspend or terminate the scholarship if the scholar is not making satisfactory progress or does not follow the conditions of the award

Acknowledgment

Any publications resulting from the PhD research must acknowledge the support provided by the Nicholas Tarling Charitable Trust, ensuring the legacy of the scholarship continues to be recognized. This acknowledgment is a simple but important way of honoring the support that made the research possible.

The Trust has funded the scholarship annually for a five-year period starting from 2021, and it continues to be offered to suitable candidates, demonstrating long-term commitment to Southeast Asia research.

Why Choose AUT for Southeast Asia Studies

• Specialized Focus: The scholarship is specifically designed for students passionate about Southeast Asia

• Expert Supervision: Work with faculty who can provide expert guidance on Southeast Asian topics

• Legacy of Excellence: Continue the research legacy of a respected historian

• New Zealand Location: Study in a country with strong connections to Southeast Asia

• Research Support: Funding for fieldwork, materials, and living expenses

• International Community: Join a diverse doctoral community at AUT

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Tips for a Strong Application

• Contact Supervisors Early: Reach out to potential AUT supervisors well before the deadline

• Develop a Strong Proposal: Clearly outline your research questions, methodology, and expected outcomes

• Focus on Southeast Asia: Ensure your research clearly focuses on the eligible countries

• Write a Compelling Personal Statement: Explain your motivation and passion for Southeast Asian studies

• Secure Strong References: Ask academic mentors who know your potential well

• Inform Referees: Give your referees plenty of time to submit their statements

• Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet all requirements including English language proficiency

• Submit Complete Application: Incomplete applications will not be considered

Final Thoughts

The Nicholas Tarling Memorial PhD Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for doctoral students who are passionate about Southeast Asia studies to pursue their research at AUT in New Zealand. It provides financial support of NZ$10,000, academic recognition, and the chance to continue the legacy of a respected scholar who dedicated his career to understanding the region.

The scholarship is open to students whose research focuses on Southeast Asian countries including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. While history is especially encouraged, topics in culture, politics, society, and development are also considered.

Applicants must be accepted into a doctoral programme at AUT, have a strong academic record, and provide a well-developed research proposal. Contact with potential supervisors before applying is strongly advised. The application deadline is 30th November 2026.

Students who meet the eligibility criteria and have a strong research proposal are encouraged to contact potential supervisors, prepare their application materials carefully, and apply before the deadline. This scholarship could be your gateway to making meaningful contributions to Southeast Asian studies.

Good luck with your application

Apply Now

For complete and official information and to submit your application, visit the official AUT Scholarships Database:

Apply for Nicholas Tarling Memorial PhD Scholarship at AUT 2026 New Zealand