The Massey University Rainbow Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 provides financial support to postgraduate students whose studies or research relate to rainbow communities, or who can demonstrate a strong commitment to takatāpui and rainbow inclusion.
The scholarship is offered at Massey University in New Zealand and supports eligible students studying full-time or part-time at postgraduate level. Applicants may be studying on the Manawatū, Albany or Wellington campuses, or through online study.
The scholarship is worth up to NZ$4,000, with two awards available for a duration of one year. Applications are scheduled to open on 1 October 2026 and close on 31 October 2026.
Massey University Rainbow Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 – Quick Overview
| Scholarship | Massey University Rainbow Postgraduate Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Host university | Massey University |
| Study country | New Zealand |
| Study level | Postgraduate |
| Study type | Research |
| Study mode | Full-time or part-time |
| Scholarship value | Up to NZ$4,000 |
| Duration | One year |
| Number of awards | Two |
| Eligible locations | Manawatū, Albany, Wellington and online |
| Application opens | 1 October 2026 |
| Application closes | 31 October 2026 |
| Research focus | Rainbow-related research |
| Other focus | Takatāpui and rainbow inclusion |
| Awarded by | Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust |
| Selection input | Massey University Rainbow and Takatāpui Advisory Group |
What Is the Massey University Rainbow Postgraduate Scholarship?
The Massey University Rainbow Postgraduate Scholarship is a postgraduate scholarship supporting students whose academic work or community involvement is connected to rainbow communities.
The scholarship has a particular focus on students who are:
- Conducting rainbow-related research; or
- Demonstrating a strong passion and commitment to takatāpui and rainbow inclusion.
Massey University defines the relevant research area as research concerning people and communities of minority sexualities, genders and diverse sex characteristics.
The scholarship therefore provides an opportunity for postgraduate students whose academic or community work contributes to greater understanding, inclusion and representation of rainbow communities.
How Much Is the Massey University Rainbow Postgraduate Scholarship Worth?
The scholarship is worth up to NZ$4,000.
There are two scholarships available, and each scholarship has a duration of one year.
The award is intended to provide financial support during postgraduate study. Applicants should note that the scholarship is not presented by Massey University as a guarantee that all tuition fees or living expenses will be covered.
Who Can Apply for the Scholarship?
The scholarship is intended for postgraduate students who meet Massey University’s eligibility requirements and have a clear connection to rainbow-related research or inclusion.
Applicants must meet at least one of the following key criteria:
Rainbow-related research
Applicants may qualify if they are working on research relating to rainbow communities.
According to Massey University, this includes research concerning people and communities of:
- Minority sexualities
- Minority genders
- Diverse sex characteristics
Your research should therefore have a clear and relevant connection to rainbow communities.
Commitment to takatāpui and rainbow inclusion
Students who are not specifically conducting rainbow-related research may also be eligible if they can demonstrate a genuine passion for and commitment to takatāpui and rainbow inclusion.
This means applicants should be able to provide evidence of their involvement, interest or contribution rather than simply stating that they support inclusion.
Study Requirements
Applicants must be eligible and intending to enrol in postgraduate study at Massey University.
The scholarship supports both:
- Full-time study
- Part-time study
Eligible study can take place at:
- Manawatū campus
- Albany campus
- Wellington campus
- Online
Massey University’s scholarship information specifically lists postgraduate and research study among the eligible study types.
What Does Massey Look for in Applicants?
Meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee a scholarship.
Massey University identifies several factors that will be considered when selecting recipients.
Academic achievement
Applicants who demonstrate strong academic achievement may receive preference.
Your academic record should therefore form an important part of your application.
Community service and engagement
Massey also considers participation in community service or community engagement.
This could include involvement with takatāpui and rainbow community organisations or other activities demonstrating meaningful engagement with rainbow communities.
Applicants should explain what they have actually contributed rather than simply listing organisations or activities.
Rainbow-related research
Students undertaking rainbow-related research should be able to explain their research clearly.
Massey gives preference to research that is:
- Well proposed
- Focused on rainbow-related issues
- Inclusive
- Considerate of intersectionality
A well-developed research proposal can therefore be an important part of a competitive application.
What Does Intersectionality Mean in This Scholarship?
Intersectionality is particularly relevant to the selection criteria.
In simple terms, intersectionality considers how different aspects of a person’s identity and circumstances can overlap and affect their experiences.
For example, research about rainbow communities may also consider factors such as:
- Culture
- Ethnicity
- Disability
- Socioeconomic circumstances
- Age
- Gender
- Sexuality
Applicants whose research considers these overlapping experiences may be able to demonstrate how their work contributes to a broader understanding of inclusion.
Who Awards the Massey Rainbow Postgraduate Scholarship?
The scholarship is awarded by the Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust.
The selection process also receives input from the Massey University Rainbow and Takatāpui Advisory Group.
This partnership reflects the scholarship’s focus on supporting postgraduate study and research connected with rainbow and takatāpui communities.
Massey University Rainbow Postgraduate Scholarship Application Dates
For the 2026 application round, Massey University lists the following dates:
Applications open: 1 October 2026
Application deadline: 31 October 2026
Applicants should not wait until the final day to prepare their application. A month-long application period means students have time to prepare their academic information, research details and evidence of community involvement.
Massey’s official scholarship page currently displays the scholarship status as Closed, despite listing the 1 October to 31 October 2026 application period. Applicants should therefore check the official scholarship page before submitting an application to confirm the live application status.
How to Apply for the Massey University Rainbow Postgraduate Scholarship
Applicants should use the official Massey University scholarship information and application system.
Before applying, prepare information that demonstrates why you meet the scholarship’s criteria.
Step 1: Confirm your postgraduate study eligibility
Make sure you are eligible and intend to enrol in postgraduate study at Massey University.
Your study may be full-time or part-time and may take place on the Manawatū, Albany or Wellington campus or online.
Step 2: Identify your connection to the scholarship
Determine whether your application is primarily based on:
- Rainbow-related research; or
- Your demonstrated commitment to takatāpui and rainbow inclusion.
If you are conducting research, be prepared to explain the research topic and its relevance to rainbow communities.
Step 3: Prepare evidence of academic achievement
Gather information demonstrating your academic performance.
Your academic record is one of the selection considerations listed by Massey University.
Step 4: Explain your community involvement
If you have participated in community service or community engagement, explain your role and contribution.
For example, involvement with takatāpui or rainbow community organisations may be relevant to your application.
Step 5: Explain your research focus
If your application is based on rainbow-related research, clearly explain:
- What your research examines
- Why the research matters
- Which communities it concerns
- How it addresses inclusion
- How intersectionality is considered
Avoid using overly complicated academic language. The selection panel should be able to understand your research and its potential relevance.
Step 6: Submit before the deadline
Submit your application during the official application period.
For the 2026 round, the listed closing date is 31 October 2026.
Is the Massey University Rainbow Postgraduate Scholarship Open to International Students?
The official scholarship information provided by Massey University does not state in the information currently available, that the award is restricted exclusively to New Zealand citizens or residents.
The key requirement stated is that applicants must be eligible and intending to enrol in postgraduate study at Massey University.
Prospective international students should therefore verify their individual eligibility and enrolment status directly with Massey University before applying.
FAQs
How much is the Massey University Rainbow Postgraduate Scholarship worth?
The scholarship is worth up to NZ$4,000 and has a duration of one year. Two awards are available.
When does the Massey Rainbow Postgraduate Scholarship open?
Applications for the 2026 round are scheduled to open on 1 October 2026.
What is the deadline for the Massey University Rainbow Postgraduate Scholarship?
The listed closing date is 31 October 2026. Applicants should check the official Massey scholarship page for the current application status before applying.
CHECK THESE OUT:
Bocconi Graduate Merit Award 2026/2027
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships In the UK 2027
Clarendon Fund Scholarships at Oxford University 2027
Digital Humanism Fellowship 2026–2027: Apply for Up to €3,300 Per Month
