MacDiarmid Institute PhD Scholarships: Current Projects
The earlier large MacDiarmid Institute scholarship round is no longer current, but the Institute’s official PhD page still lists several funded project-based PhD opportunities. Current examples include superconducting electronics, hydrogen storage, sustainable hydrogen generation and industry-linked materials research.
Current Funded PhD Opportunities
| Project | Funding | Current Route |
|---|---|---|
| Rare-earth nitride cryogenic devices / superconducting electronics | NZ$35,000/year + tuition for 3 years | Contact project supervisors before formal university application |
| Ti-Fe alloys for hydrogen storage from New Zealand feedstocks — 2 PhDs | NZ$30,000/year tax-free + tuition for 3 years | Project-specific email application |
| Hydrogen generation with sustainable resources — 3 PhDs | NZ$35,000/year tax-free + tuition for 3 years | Accepted until positions are filled |
| Industry-funded dairy protein concentrates PhD | NZ$35,000/year tax-free + student fees for 3 years | Project-specific email application |
Research Fit
Current opportunities span physics, materials science, chemistry, engineering and hydrogen-related research. Applicants should match their background to the individual project rather than submitting a generic application to the Institute.
How to Apply
The application route differs by project. In several cases, the Institute asks prospective candidates to email a CV, academic record, statement or cover letter, and referee information directly to the named supervisors before or alongside the host university’s formal PhD admission process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are MacDiarmid Institute PhD scholarships still available?
Yes, but the current opportunities are project-specific rather than one large 30+ scholarship round.
Are hydrogen PhD projects available?
The official page currently lists funded projects in hydrogen storage and sustainable hydrogen generation.
Is there one application deadline?
No. Each listed project has its own route and availability; some remain open until filled.
MacDiarmid PhD Projects: Eligibility, Funding and Application Questions
Is there one central MacDiarmid PhD application?
No. Current MacDiarmid opportunities are project-specific. Applicants should follow the named project’s instructions, contact the listed supervisors where required, and separately satisfy the PhD admission rules of the host university.
What academic background is required for the hydrogen-storage PhDs?
The current Ti-Fe hydrogen-storage projects seek applicants with a qualification equivalent to a New Zealand four-year BSc (Honours) with first-class Honours, or an MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in chemistry, materials science, engineering or a related field. Experience with hydrogen materials, metallurgy, mechanochemistry or relevant characterisation methods is advantageous.
How much does the hydrogen-storage scholarship pay?
The current Ti-Fe hydrogen-storage projects provide a NZD$30,000 tax-free annual stipend plus tuition fees for three years.
What documents are needed for the hydrogen-storage projects?
Applicants are asked to send a full CV including academic record and research experience, together with the names and contact details of two referees, directly to the named supervisors.
What funding is offered for sustainable hydrogen-generation PhDs?
The current hydrogen-generation projects at the University of Otago provide a NZD$35,000 tax-free annual stipend plus PhD tuition fees for three years.
What does the hydrogen-generation application require?
Applicants should provide a CV with two to three referees and a cover letter explaining their motivation, preparation for the research project and relevant interests. The official page states that these positions are accepted until filled.
