ENGAGE promotes tertiary European Union studies through the provision of conference participation and primary research awards to postgraduate MEURO students beyond the normal requirements of taught-Masters level study. Traditionally study on the taught MEURO programme is largely desk-based, involving the extension and perfection of academic skills developed initially through undergraduate pathways, alongside the acquisition of EU-specific subject knowledge. This includes training on critical thinking and appropriate research methodologies, and on European Union policy and practice, and involves the composition of research papers and a final thesis based on secondary research.
ENGAGE offers students the opportunity to extend themselves beyond this core set of skills and knowledge in ways not usually expected or possible within the constraints of a Masters programme through:
- training in more advanced academic skills and foster deeper EU subject knowledge, valuable both for future study and for employment;
- facilitate the formation of personal networks and relationships relating to the EU that will be a key asset to be drawn on either in future study or in their careers.
ENGAGE supports two competitive sets of awards:
- Conference Participation Award (CP Award): supporting travel to and participation in a relevant conference in the Asia-Pacific region
- Primary Research Award (PR Award): providing financial support to students wishing to undertake primary research as part of their final thesis
Conference Participation Award
Conference Participation Awards support MEURO students towards funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs in order to present their research at an appropriate conference in the Asia-Pacific region up to NZ$3,000. As part of the award, recipients must:
- participate in a Training Workshop (Christchurch, dates tbc)
- deliver a conference paper and provide a soft copy for publication on this website
- write a Working Paper and provide a soft copy for publication on this website
- present Public Seminar at the NCRE following their conference participation. The seminar will be recorded and published on this website
- submit an executive summary of their research (300 words), a summary of their experience (learnings, tips, etc; 250 words) and their bio (100 words) for publication on this website
Failure to comply with the above requirements may result in a repayment of the award to the NCRE.
Primary Research Award
Primary Research Awards support MEURO students towards funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs in order to conduct primary fieldwork in Europe for around 10 days, up to NZ$5,000. As part of the award, recipients must:
- participate in a Training Workshop (Christchurch, dates tbc)
- submit a research plan including justification and benefits as well as a detailed budget
- write a Working Paper and provide a soft copy for publication on this website
- present Public Seminar at the NCRE following their fieldwork. The seminar will be recorded and published on this website
- submit an executive summary of their research (300 words), a summary of their experience (learnings, tips, etc; 250 words) and their bio (100 words) for publication on this website
Failure to comply with the above requirements may result in a repayment of the award to the NCRE.
Eligibility Criteria & Funding Rules
The eligibility criteria apply to both awards.
- Applicants must be enrolled (or enrolling) in the taught-Master’s (MEURO) degree in the 2021 academic year.
- Research topics must focus on the European Union. Students from all disciplines researching Europe and the EU either within New Zealand or the wider Pacific region are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants must be non-EU citizens or hold NZ citizenship or permanent residence (or will gain this by the enrolment date – proof will be required).
The following general funding rules apply to awards:
- Funding can only be used for the purposes outlined in the application and within the eligibility period.
- Only ONE category of costs can be funded during the respective eligibility period: either Conference Participation Award OR a Primary Research Award. Students can apply for both categories but must indicate their preferred funding category.
- Funding recipients are expected to demonstrate progress with their studies during the funding period.
- Students must attend EU-focused events and seminars at their university.
- Failure to deliver the award-related deliverables may likely result in a repayment of the award to the funder.
Application Process & Required Documents
Applications must be submitted by 23:59 on Monday, 31 October 2022. Late applications cannot be accepted. Please follow the following simple steps to complete your application:
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- Collect the Required Documents (see below) and save them into ONE pdf file (any scanner can do this, if in doubt ask for help – incomplete applications will not be considered).
- A one page summary of your intended course of study and research connected to this.
If you have previously received funding from the NCRE please outline how your research has progressed. - A proposed budget and timeline for your planned activities.
Please include estimated reasonable costs for travel, accommodation, subsistence, etc as well as what you are planning to do. This should include the proposed conference or travel route to conduct primary research.
Tip: A detailed, thought-through and realistic proposed budget and timeline increase your chances of success. If you are unsure get help from your supervisor. - Your CV which must be no longer than one page in length.
Please outline both, your academic and employment/volunteering information. - Your academic record (transcript) containing your academic history.
This must either be signed or certified by the university, a supervisor or administrator with departmental stamp.
Tip: Yes, NCRE Administrators can do this.
- A one page summary of your intended course of study and research connected to this.
- Complete the online Application Form and upload the pdf file containing the required documents before the submission deadline.
- Submit your application.
- Ensure your academic referee emails us a pdf of your reference letter or fills in the appropriate form.
- Collect the Required Documents (see below) and save them into ONE pdf file (any scanner can do this, if in doubt ask for help – incomplete applications will not be considered).
Note: You can apply for both awards, however, you must complete an individual application for both categories. Successful candidates will receive a maximum of one award (no matter how many applications are submitted).