Fund Details
UC Connect - Urban microplastic capture
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 - Auckland Council 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: Reducing microplastic loads in urban waters through enhanced retention and accumulation in nature-based stormwater systems  

Microplastics from tyre wear, textiles, litter, and degraded plastics are transported into waterways through urban stormwater, but their behaviour in New Zealand’s stormwater systems is poorly understood. Nature-based stormwater (NbS) systems like raingardens and swales can reduce pollutants, yet little is known about how they retain or release microplastics during real storm events.

This project will investigate microplastic fate in NbS systems by linking particle properties with storm hydrodynamics. Field sampling in Christchurch and Auckland, supported by lab experiments, will measure microplastic transport, retention, and accumulation. Analytical techniques (microscopy, FTIR, pyrolysis GC/MS) will identify and characterise particles.

The research will produce a decision-support tool to improve NbS design, retrofitting, and maintenance, providing the first field-based evidence of microplastic behaviour in New Zealand stormwater treatment systems.

This project is ideal for candidates with a strong foundation in engineering and environmental sciences, experienced in both field-based environmental investigations and laboratory experimentation.


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

Any project-specific questions, please contact the Primary Supervisor, 

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

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  • Doctoral
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    • Engineering
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        Award Type
        • Scholarship
          Begin Accepting Applications Date:
          23 Jul 2026
          Deadline Date (NZT Time Zone):
          15 Sep 2026 11:59 PM