Geospatial Research Institute PhD Scholarship

The Geospatial Research Institute Toi Hangarau at the University of Canterbury is inviting applications for its 2026 PhD Scholarship in geospatial research. This is a student-focused scholarship opportunity, not a job opening, and it supports one PhD candidate working on one of four research projects spanning geography, environmental science, earth science, computer science, public health, statistics, and urban planning.

The available project themes are: glacier recession and lake-terminating glaciers using geospatial datasets, AI-driven remote sensing, and data fusion; GeoAI and spatial modelling for the 3-30-300 rule and neighbourhood equity; geospatial pathways for an equitable clean energy transition in Aotearoa New Zealand; and the human exposome, focusing on health and environmental interactions across time and space. Across the projects, the common methods include GIS, remote sensing, LiDAR, spatial data science, machine learning, statistical modelling, and in some cases energy systems modelling and health geography.

Funding is substantial: the scholarship provides NZ$35,650 per year for up to three years full-time (or pro-rata part-time), including a UC PhD scholarship, a GRI top-up, and fees. An additional up to NZ$4,000 per year may be available for travel or other research-related expenses, subject to approval.

Applicants should have a relevant background depending on the project, such as earth system science, glaciology, geography, health sciences, epidemiology, or energy systems. Strong skills in R or Python, GIS platforms like QGIS or ArcGIS, and quantitative analysis are preferred. Additional experience with remote sensing, LiDAR, computer vision, photogrammetry, or energy modelling is advantageous. Māori scholars are especially encouraged to apply.

The application deadline is 29 May 2026 at 17:00 NZ Time. To apply, candidates should prepare a cover letter, application form, CV, referee contacts, and a GPA report, then send the completed materials to the GRI enquiries email. The post also links to a detailed scholarship page and a selection document for PhD candidates.