Turning Dreams Into Reality With New Zealand Space Scholarships

Working alongside scientists and engineers on world-leading space missions is a dream for many, and in 2026, it will become a reality for a select group of New Zealand post-graduate students, says Andrew Johnson, Deputy Head of the New Zealand Space Agency.

“Applications are open now for the 2026 New Zealand Space Scholarship, which will prepare post-graduate students for future careers in New Zealand’s growing space and advanced aviation sectors,” says Andrew.

“Successful applicants will be awarded a three-month internship at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California, where they will contribute to cutting-edge space technology projects.

“This is an exciting opportunity, and the New Zealand Space Agency is proud to support the next generation of science and space innovators.

“Students studying engineering, science or computer science, technology or mathematics at post-graduate level in 2026 with an interest in space and advanced aviation are encouraged to apply.

“New Zealand’s space and advanced aviation sectors are at the forefront of innovation, and the New Zealand Space Scholarship provides an opportunity for post-graduate students to gain valuable skills and experience overseas before bringing that experience and expertise back to New Zealand.”

A recent economic report shows New Zealand’s space sector increased revenue by 53 per cent in the five years to 2024, a faster rate of expansion than the world’s space economy. The space sector contributed $2.47b to the economy, while the advanced aviation sector, which overlaps with the space sector, contributed $480 million.

Since the scholarship programme began in 2018, 28 students have been awarded scholarships and participated in internship programmes at international space research institutes in the United States.

Each scholarship includes:

• Return airfares to the United States
• Accommodation costs
• A living allowance

The New Zealand Space Scholarship, alongside the Prime Minister’s Space Prizes, supports the Government’s goal of building an aerospace-capable workforce – one of five key objectives in the New Zealand Space and Advanced Aviation Strategy 2024–2030.

Applications close Sunday, 19 October 2025.

For eligibility criteria and application details, visit the New Zealand Space Scholarship webpage: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/space/space-scholarship

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