Author: Michael | Published: July 19, 2026
University of Canterbury Visiting Research Fellowships
The University of Canterbury Visiting Research Fellowships, centered around the Erskine Program, provide international academics with opportunities to contribute to teaching and research in New Zealand. Established in 1963 through the bequest of alumnus John Angus “Jack” Erskine, the program has grown into one of Australasia’s largest academic mobility funds, supporting around 70 visiting professors and researchers each year.
University of Canterbury Visiting Research Fellowship Overview
- Administering Body: Royal Society Te Apārangi (on behalf of MBIE)
- Core Scheme: Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship (expanded Rutherford framework)
- Duration: 4 years (extendable up to 8 years for part‑time care arrangements)
- Grant Value: $820,000 NZD per fellowship
- Target Cohort: Early‑career postdoctoral researchers (0–4 years post‑PhD)
- Eligible Disciplines: Open to all fields of research, science, and innovation
What University of Canterbury Visiting Research Fellowship Offers
- Travel support to and within New Zealand.
- Access to campus libraries, labs, software, and office spaces.
- Opportunities to engage with students through lectures and seminars.
- Cultural immersion and networking with faculty and peers.
- Living stipend.
- Furnished office space.
- Invitations to staff events, dinners, and academic discussions.
Responsibilities of Successful Applicants
- Deliver guest lectures or advanced seminars.
- Collaborate with local faculty on joint research projects.
- Present at least one public or departmental seminar.
- Provide mentorship and career guidance to postgraduate students.
Eligibility Criteria
- Senior academics or distinguished researchers.
- Professors, senior lecturers, and established researchers worldwide.
- Faculty from partner institutions such as Cambridge or Oxford.
- Indigenous experts contributing specialized knowledge.
- Fluent English for teaching and lectures.
- Erskine Fellowships: Applicants must specialize in subjects taught within Business, Engineering, Science, or Health (excluding Social Work).
- Canterbury Fellowships: Applicants from Arts, Education, and Law faculties are eligible.
Safety Measures to Apply
- Ethics approval for research involving human or animal data.
- Compliance with health and safety rules in labs and fieldwork.
- Secure data storage using university systems.
- Valid academic visitor visa and medical insurance.
Required Documents
- Updated CV with teaching and research history.
- Lecture outline detailing topics to be taught.
- Research collaboration statement.
- Official nomination form from the Head of Department.
Helpful Tips for a Strong Application
- Contact a Canterbury colleague or Head of School months before the deadline.
- Ensure lecture topics align with existing course schedules.
- Highlight mutual benefits for both you and the host department.
- Write clearly and concisely.
Application Timeline
- Call for Nominations: May 2027
- Submission Deadline: Mid‑July 2027
- Evaluation: July–August 2027
- Results: Late August or early September 2027
Selection Process
- Departmental Review: Faculty assess CVs and lecture proposals.
- Dean’s Endorsement: Executive Dean approves top nominees.
- Central Review: Erskine Programme Office checks financial and trust criteria.
- Final Approval: Deputy Vice‑Chancellor Academic confirms awards.
Steps to Apply
- Confirm eligibility and faculty track.
- Contact a Canterbury colleague or Head of School.
- Submit CV and lecture outline.
- Collaborate with the host department on the nomination form.
- Wait for the department to submit the packet by July.
- If selected, coordinate travel with the Erskine Programme Office.
Where You Can Officially Apply
Please visit the official University of Canterbury Erskine Program Webpage and the official Information for Visiting Fellows Webpage for more details.
NOTE: Applications are processed internally through host departments. Individual external applications are not accepted.
You can also see Rutherford Foundation PhD Fellowship in New Zealand, IRC Postdoctoral Fellowship and British Academic Postdoctoral Fellowships detailed guides for other Funded opportunities.
Michael – Editor at SureTripAcademia, your dedicated resource for unlocking global mobility and international educational opportunities. WhatsApp l Facebook l TikTok
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Fellowship details, funding, and deadlines may change. Applicants should confirm all information directly with the University of Canterbury before applying.