The John Waller Doctoral Scholarship 2026 provides financial support for graduate students undertaking advanced study or research in haematology at a New Zealand university.
The scholarship is intended for students pursuing a higher degree such as a PhD or MD, with research focused on haematology and related blood cancer research.
For the 2026 application round, applications are scheduled to open on 30 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026. Massey University lists the scholarship as a PhD or doctorate research opportunity.
John Waller Doctoral Scholarship 2026 – Quick Overview
| Scholarship | John Waller Doctoral Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Study level | PhD or doctorate |
| Study type | Research |
| Research field | Haematology |
| Study location | New Zealand |
| Application opens | 30 September 2026 |
| Application deadline | 31 October 2026 |
| Scholarship duration | Up to 3 years |
| Award value | Determined by Blood Cancer NZ |
| Tuition fees | Included in the stated stipend under current Blood Cancer NZ information |
| Additional support | Up to NZ$5,000 per year for eligible conference and travel expenses |
| Study status | Closed on Massey page; 2026 dates listed |
| Scholarship provider | Blood Cancer NZ |
What Is the John Waller Doctoral Scholarship?
The John Waller Doctoral Scholarship is a postgraduate research scholarship established to support students pursuing advanced study in haematology.
The scholarship is named in honour of John Waller, a New Zealand businessman and supporter of blood cancer research who lived with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Blood Cancer NZ says the scholarship was established to help advance research in haematology and support future researchers in the field.
The scholarship is particularly relevant to doctoral students whose research could contribute to a better understanding of blood cancers and related haematological conditions.
Previous scholarship recipients have worked on research areas including CAR T-cell therapy and methods for detecting measurable residual disease in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).
How Much Is the John Waller Doctoral Scholarship Worth?
The scholarship value is determined by Blood Cancer NZ.
According to the organisation’s current scholarship information, the stipend was NZ$30,000 per year as of 2022, including tuition fees. Blood Cancer NZ also states that an additional amount of up to NZ$5,000 per year may be available for related conference and travel expenses, subject to the relevant requirements.
Because the official information specifies the NZ$30,000 figure as the stipend as of 2022, applicants should confirm the current award value directly with Blood Cancer NZ before relying on that amount for the 2026 application.
The scholarship can be held for up to three years, subject to satisfactory annual progress reports.
What Does the Scholarship Support?
The John Waller Doctoral Scholarship supports graduate students whose proposed advanced study or research is in haematology.
Eligible research may relate to areas such as:
- Blood cancers
- Leukaemia
- Lymphoma
- Myeloma
- Haematological diseases
- Cancer genetics
- Blood cancer treatments
- Immunotherapy
- Laboratory research
- Diagnosis and monitoring of blood cancers
The central requirement is that the proposed higher-degree research has a clear connection to haematology.
Who Is Eligible for the John Waller Doctoral Scholarship?
According to Blood Cancer NZ, applicants should be graduate students eligible to enrol full-time in an approved course of graduate study or research at a New Zealand university. Applicants may apply before enrolment, provided the award is conditional on successfully completing the required enrolment procedures.
The scholarship is therefore particularly relevant to students planning or beginning doctoral research in haematology.
New Zealand Residency Requirement
Blood Cancer NZ’s scholarship information states that applicants should be New Zealand citizens or non-New Zealand citizens with New Zealand residency at the time of application.
This is important for international applicants. The scholarship should not be assumed to be open to all international students simply because the study takes place in New Zealand.
Students without New Zealand citizenship or residency should confirm their eligibility with Blood Cancer NZ before preparing an application.
Study Requirements
The scholarship is intended for full-time graduate study or research.
The research must be undertaken at an approved New Zealand university and should be in the field of haematology.
The scholarship can be tenable within departments of universities and/or hospitals in New Zealand. The suitability of the proposed department and research supervisor forms part of the review process.
What Research Areas Can Be Considered?
The scholarship is not limited to one particular blood cancer or research technique.
Previous recipients demonstrate the range of research that can fall within the scholarship’s purpose.
For example, a previous recipient researched CAR T-cell therapy, a treatment approach involving a patient’s T cells and their ability to target cancer cells.
Another recipient researched the development of a method for detecting measurable residual disease in acute myeloid leukaemia, with the aim of improving monitoring after treatment.
This demonstrates that the scholarship can support different areas of haematology research where the proposed project has clear scientific and clinical relevance.
How Is the John Waller Scholarship Application Submitted?
The application process involves the student, their supervisor or supervisors and the relevant academic department.
Blood Cancer NZ states that the application should be made by the student together with their supervisor or supervisors through the head of the department where the student will conduct the research.
Applicants should therefore begin discussions with their proposed supervisor and department well before the application deadline.
Documents and Information Required
Applicants should prepare detailed academic and research information.
The scholarship information indicates that applications should include:
- Details of subjects studied
- Grades obtained
- Research interests
- Proposed research project
- Reasons for choosing the proposed supervisor
- Reasons for choosing the proposed department
- Structured outline of the research project
- Confidential report from the supervisor or supervisors
- A report from another person familiar with the applicant’s academic record
- Administrative and ethical agreement where required
Blood Cancer NZ places emphasis on both the candidate’s potential and the quality and value of the proposed research project.
What Does the Selection Committee Consider?
The selection process considers both the applicant and the proposed research.
A strong application should clearly explain:
Academic background
Applicants should demonstrate their academic preparation for doctoral research.
Academic results and relevant subjects studied should be clearly presented.
Research potential
The scholarship is a personal award, and Blood Cancer NZ states that emphasis is placed on the candidate and their potential to develop during the scholarship period.
Research project
The proposed project should be clearly explained and provide enough detail for the reviewers to understand its importance.
Applicants should explain:
- The research problem
- The objectives
- The proposed methodology
- Why the research matters
- How it relates to haematology
- Potential relevance to blood cancer research
Supervisor and department
Applicants should explain why they have selected their proposed supervisor and research department.
The suitability of the department and supervisor is considered when applications are reviewed.
John Waller Doctoral Scholarship 2026 Application Deadline
The Massey University scholarship page lists the following application dates:
Applications open: 30 September 2026
Application deadline: 31 October 2026
Massey currently displays the scholarship status as Closed, while also listing the 2026 application dates. Applicants should check the official scholarship page and Blood Cancer NZ before submitting an application to confirm the current application status.
How to Apply for the John Waller Doctoral Scholarship
Students interested in the scholarship should follow these steps:
1. Confirm your eligibility
Check that you meet the graduate study, full-time enrolment, New Zealand university and citizenship or residency requirements.
2. Develop your research proposal
Your proposed project must have a clear connection to haematology.
Explain the research question, objectives, methodology and expected contribution.
3. Find a suitable supervisor
Identify a supervisor with appropriate expertise in your research area.
Discuss your proposed project and confirm their willingness to supervise the research.
4. Contact the relevant department
Work with the department where you intend to conduct your research.
The application is submitted through the head of the relevant department.
5. Prepare your supporting information
Collect your academic records, research information, supervisor details and required reports.
6. Complete the application
Submit the application through the required process before the 31 October 2026 deadline.
Application link:
Official scholarship page: John Waller Doctoral Scholarship – Massey University
Scholarship provider: Blood Cancer NZ – John Waller Doctoral Scholarship
Conditions of the Scholarship
Recipients must meet the scholarship’s conditions during their tenure.
Blood Cancer NZ requires scholars to submit an annual report on the anniversary of their commencement date.
A final one- to two-page report must also be submitted within one month of submitting the thesis. Scholars are additionally required to provide a report written in lay terms for Blood Cancer NZ’s communications.
Recipients cannot normally hold other regular paid employment without permission from Blood Cancer NZ.
The organisation states that permission may normally be granted for teaching or clinical duties of no more than 10 hours per week, provided these duties have the approval of the research supervisor.
Other scholarships or bursaries may also require approval before they can be held alongside the John Waller Scholarship.
Is the John Waller Doctoral Scholarship Fully Funded?
The scholarship provides substantial financial support, but applicants should check the current award terms before describing it as fully funded.
Blood Cancer NZ’s published information states that, as of 2022, the stipend was NZ$30,000 per year and included tuition fees, with up to NZ$5,000 additional support for eligible conference and travel expenses.
However, the published NZ$30,000 figure is specifically identified as the amount as of 2022, so the current 2026 value should be confirmed with the provider.
FAQs
What is the John Waller Doctoral Scholarship?
The John Waller Doctoral Scholarship is a postgraduate research scholarship supporting graduate students undertaking advanced study or research in haematology.
What is the John Waller Scholarship worth?
Blood Cancer NZ states that the stipend was NZ$30,000 per year as of 2022, including tuition fees. Up to NZ$5,000 per year may also be available for related conference and travel expenses. The current 2026 value should be confirmed with Blood Cancer NZ.
Who can apply for the John Waller Doctoral Scholarship?
The scholarship is intended for graduate students eligible for full-time study or research at a New Zealand university in haematology. Blood Cancer NZ states that applicants should be New Zealand citizens or non-New Zealand citizens with New Zealand residency at the time of application.
What can I study under the John Waller Scholarship?
The proposed programme must involve advanced study or research in haematology. Research may cover areas related to blood cancers, diagnosis, treatment, genetics, immunotherapy and other relevant areas of haematological research.
When does the 2026 application open?
The 2026 application period is listed as opening on 30 September 2026.
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