Author: Michael | Published: July 19, 2026
About University of Canterbury Visiting Research Fellowships
The University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, runs one of the most prestigious academic mobility programs in the Southern Hemisphere, the Visiting Research Fellowships, centered around the renowned Erskine Program. Established in 1963 through the generous bequest of alumnus John Angus “Jack” Erskine, the trust fund has grown to over NZ$73 million, making it the largest academic mobility fund in Australasia.
Each year, the program supports around 70 international professors and researchers, bringing global expertise directly to New Zealand classrooms. The fellowship enriches local students with international perspectives, fosters cross-border collaborations, and strengthens the university’s reputation as a hub for world-class research.
Fellowship Overview
| Focus Parameter | Program Details & Scope |
| Administering Body | Royal Society Te Apārangi (on behalf of MBIE) |
| Current Core Scheme | Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship (The expanded Rutherford framework) |
| Fellowship Duration | 4 Years (Can extend up to 8 years for part-time care arrangements) |
| Total Grant Value | $820,000 NZD per fellowship |
| Target Cohort | Early-career postdoctoral researchers (0 to 4 years post-PhD) |
| Eligible Disciplines | Open to all fields of research, science, and innovation |
What Fellows Can Expect
- Travel support
- Engagements with other students
- Research Access Using the campus libraries, labs, software, and office spaces.
- Cultural Experience
Responsibilities of Fellows
- 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 advice to postgraduate students.
Benefits of the Fellowship
- Flight Coverage
- Living Stipend
- Furnished Office Space
- Networking: Invitations to staff events, dinners, and academic discussions.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be a senior academic or distinguished researcher.
- Have fluent English for teaching and lectures.
- For Erskine Fellowships: specialize in subjects taught within Business, Engineering, Science, or Health (excluding Social Work).
- For Canterbury Fellowships: applicants from Arts, Education, and Law faculties are eligible.
Safety Measures
- Get ethics approval for research involving human or animal data.
- Follow health and safety rules in labs and fieldwork.
- Use the university safety systems for data storage.
- Hold a valid academic visitor visa and medical insurance.
Who Can Apply
- Professors, senior lecturers, and established researchers worldwide.
- Faculty from partner institutions such as Cambridge or Oxford.
- Indigenous Experts
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
- Reach out to a Canterbury colleague or Head of School months before the deadline.
- Ensure your lecture topics fit existing course schedules.
- Highlight how your visit benefits both you and the host department.
- Write Clearly.
Application Timeline
- Call for Nominations: May
- Submission Deadline: Mid-July
- Evaluation: July–August
- Results: Late August or early September
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: How 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 to 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.
In Conclusion
The University of Canterbury Visiting Research Fellowships offer a unique chance to share knowledge, build collaborations, and experience life in New Zealand. With full travel coverage, daily stipends, and access to world-class facilities, the program removes barriers to international academic exchange.
For senior academics seeking a short-term but high-impact residency, this fellowship is a gateway to meaningful teaching, research, and cultural immersion in 2027.
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