Massey University – Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts
Five funded Research Masters scholarships at Massey University Wellington across design, fine arts, Māori creative practice, and fibre innovation.
Toi Rauwhārangi – Massey University's College of Creative Arts in Wellington – is offering five fully funded Research Masters Scholarships for 2027. Each scholarship is hosted by one of CoCA's specialist research clusters and provides a stipend to support full-time postgraduate study leading to a Master of Design (MDes) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA).
Available scholarships:
1. Designing for Period Equity in Aotearoa New Zealand (Toi Āria: Design for Public Good)
Work alongside Period People Aotearoa to explore how design can improve access to trustworthy menstrual health information. Research will draw on participatory design, co-design workshops, storytelling, and speculative design. Particular interest in rangatahi, Māori, Pacific peoples, and gender-diverse menstruators. Stipend: $15,000 (120 credits) or $22,500 (180 credits). Duration: 12 or 18 months.
2. Cold Chain Design Innovation for Healthcare (Medical Design & Innovation)
Investigate design solutions for the safe transport and storage of vaccines and temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals in community healthcare settings. Research includes stakeholder engagement, systems mapping, prototyping, and design evaluation. Stipend: $15,000 (120 credits) or $22,500 (180 credits). Duration: 12 or 18 months.
3. Aotearoa-based Fibre Innovation (Te Whiri Whītau)
Undertake Indigenous-led, place-based research into fibre, materials, and sustainability in Aotearoa. Open to MDes or MFA candidates. Stipend: $15,000 plus domestic tuition fees. Duration: one year.
4. Te Ranga Tai Kura Māori Creative Practice Scholarship (Te Ranga Tai Kura)
Conduct research grounded in Māori creative practice and mātauranga Māori, connected to community knowledge creation.
5. Drivers of Success for Independent Artists in Aotearoa New Zealand (Creative Futures)
Investigate what enables independent artists to build sustainable and successful creative careers in Aotearoa.
Who can apply?
Applicants should normally have completed, or be in their final year of, a Bachelor's or Honours degree in a relevant field. Each scholarship has specific disciplinary preferences – from design and visual communication to industrial design, fine arts, and creative practice. Strong critical thinking, research capability, and collaborative skills are valued across all positions.
An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive research approaches is strongly preferred for several scholarships.
To apply or enquire, email Paul James at creative.postgrad@massey.ac.nz with the relevant subject line for your scholarship of interest. Applications open 21 September 2026 and close 10 November 2026.
