The New Zealand Antarctic and Southern Ocean Science Directions and Priorities 2010-2020 identifies areas for focusing future Antarctic and Southern Ocean research activities. The Postgraduate Research Scholarship Programme is designed to encourage researchers to pursue interests in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean taking the directions into account.

In line with this, Antarctica New Zealand is particularly keen to encourage research that addresses four key themes of environmental management: managing Antarctic tourism, managing national programme activities, managaing the natural Antarctic environment, and managing the risks associated with non-native species in Antarctica.

New Zealand Post, Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World, Helicopters New Zealand and Antarctica New Zealand are generously supporting this scholarship programme.

Four scholarships are offered:

• New Zealand Post Antarctic Scholarship (offered annualy)
• Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Scholarship (offered annual)y
• Sir Robin Irvine (Antarctica New Zealand) Doctoral Scholarship (offered every two years)
• Helicopters New Zealand Doctoral Scholarship (offered every two years)

New Zealand Post Antarctic Scholarship Logistics support for one season in Antarctica Award of $10,000
Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Scholarship Logistics support for one season in Antarctica Award of $10,000 Directed towards marine research where possible.
Sir Robin Irvine Doctoral Scholarship Logistics support for two seasons of Doctoral research in Antarctica Award of $20,000 per annum (total $40,000)
Helicopters New Zealand Doctoral Scholarship Logistics support for two seasons of Doctoral research in Antarctica Award of $20,000 per annum (total $40,000)

Although logistics support is offered with these scholarships, it is not compulsory that applications request logistics support.

The scholarship award is expected to contribute to research costs, travel (including travel to and from Christchurch from their home institution, and accommodation in Christchurch when in transit to and from Antarctica), fees and living expenses incurred during the scholarship period.

Antarctica New Zealand will bear the costs of the scholar’s transport between Antarctica and Christchurch, living costs at Scott Base or in the field, reasonable transport needs in Antarctica, field equipment supplied at Scott Base, clothing hire and e-mail communications.

The successful New Zealand Post and Kelly Tarlton's scholars will receive $5,000 after 1 July once they have signed a scholarship agreement, and $5,000 on receipt of a satisfactory final report at the end of the scholarship period.

The Doctoral scholar will receive $10,000 after 1 July once they have signed a scholarship agreement, $20,000 on receipt of a satisfactory interim report and the balance on receipt of a satisfactory final report at the end of the scholarship period.