Fund Details
UC Connect - Frost-Resilient Grapevines
Award Amount
For up to a total of 360 points: $32,650 per 120 points of thesis enrolment and Tuition fees for thesis enrolment only, at the New Zealand domestic rate.
General Ledger Account
52179:XXXX:521SCONDOC:0:1

Brief Description:

This scholarship is co-funded by UC and an external agency - Bragato Research Institute (BRI) to support students for study towards a research doctoral degree in the following research topic at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury.

Research Topic: Which grapevines can better withstand spring frost? Integrated phenotyping to reduce reliance on water-intensive frost protection in New Zealand vineyards  

This funded PhD at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) and the Bragato Research Institute (BRI) will investigate innovative methods to identify grapevines with greater resilience to spring frost. Working with an interdisciplinary academic-industry team, the successful candidate will develop expertise in plant stress physiology, thermal analysis, imaging, phenotyping, and predictive modelling to support more sustainable vineyard management.

The research aims to reduce reliance on water-intensive frost protection by identifying frost-tolerant grapevine material, including key New Zealand varieties and new candidate clones. Based across laboratory and field settings, the project will contribute to improved frost management, climate resilience, and future grapevine breeding while providing excellent training for careers in plant science, agricultural engineering, viticulture, and research.

This project would suit a candidate with a research-focused honours or master’s qualification in mechanical, materials science, agricultural or environmental engineering; plant science; plant physiology; viticulture; horticulture; or a closely related discipline. Experience in statistical computing using R or Python would be an advantage. Strong candidates with engineering or plant science backgrounds who can demonstrate research potential, adaptability, and the ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment are encouraged to apply.

For more information on the Project Scope and Key Requirements, see the Research Project profile.

Any project-specific questions, please contact the Primary Supervisor, Mark Staiger.

Additional Information:

UC Connect Doctoral Scholarship details

Value/Benefits: $32,650 per 120 points of thesis enrolment and tuition fees for thesis enrolment only, at the New Zealand domestic rate

Level of Study: Doctoral

Closing Date: 15 September

Tenure: Up to 360 points of enrolment

Applicable Enrolment During Tenure: The scholarship is tenable by students engaged in study for a research doctoral degree

Citizenship/Residency Requirements: There are no citizenship or residency requirements for this scholarship

For more information, please read the regulations for this award: click here.

Contact Information:

For questions about this application, please contact Scholarships Office at scholarships@canterbury.ac.nz

Search Filters:
Level of Study
  • Doctoral
    Faculty/School
    • Engineering
      Domestic/International Students
      • Domestic
      • International
        Award Type
        • Scholarship
          Begin Accepting Applications Date:
          27 Jul 2026
          Deadline Date (NZT Time Zone):
          15 Sep 2026 11:59 PM