The call for 2026 funding round applications will be announced in due course.
Registering as an applicant
Start by confirming you meet the eligibility requirements for a scholarship.
Registering as an applicant is the first step in applying for research funding. Successful applicants are then given access to an online form to submit a project proposal.
Applicant registration will be available here once the call for applications is announced.
Already registered?
If you have already registered your interest with BRANZ in previous funding rounds, you do not need to repeat this step. You will automatically be sent a link to submit a project proposal, typically in July.
Making a submission
Once you have successfully registered as an applicant by meeting the criteria, you will be sent an email invitation to make your submission by filling in an online form.
This is a two-step process. First, you submit a project concept, and if it is accepted, you will be invited to submit a full proposal.
Step 1: Submit a project concept
A project concept is a high-level overview of your research idea, including:
- the building system problem you aim to address
- your research question or hypothesis
- expected outcomes and the impact for the sector
- your research approach, including any collaborators or stakeholders you will engage with
- indicative timeframes, key risks and how you will manage them
- how your research aligns with the use of Building Research Levy funds.
All scholarship project concepts are first assessed for eligibility by BRANZ’s Research Investment Team. If eligible, a subject matter expert panel then reviews your project concept against the funding priorities and criteria.
Step 2: Submit a full proposal
If your concept is shortlisted, you’ll be invited to submit a full proposal.
Full proposals are assessed by the Research Investment Advisory Group using consistent investment criteria. Recommendations are then provided to the BRANZ Inc. Board for final scholarship decisions.
Assessment criteria
Strategic alignment
The research is aligned with objectives and associated investment signals outlined in the Research Investment Priorities 2025 and addresses relevant cross-cutting enablers from BRANZ’s Research Investment Strategy.
Impact and value of research
Research findings translate into actionable outputs and outcomes with defined benefits for the sector across Aotearoa New Zealand. There is clear evidence that the research has not been done before or does not duplicate efforts that could be adapted to the Aotearoa New Zealand context.
Research excellence
High-quality research fills important knowledge gaps, is well conducted, innovative, where applicable, and makes significant contributions to our industry.
Delivery confidence
The research team’s capability, capacity and access to research facilities and data needed to conduct the proposed research is evident.
Inclusivity
Where applicable, research is conducted in a transdisciplinary way, with diversity of perspectives, considering Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique culture and associated knowledge systems.
Drive
The students’ personal ambition to learn and grow is evident, and they explore novel approaches and show commitment to solving the issues of the building and construction sector.
Late applications will not be considered, and you won’t be able to make changes after submitting through the portal.
After proposal submission
Once the funding round closes, here’s what happens next:
- You’ll be notified of the outcome once Board decisions are complete.
- If you’re successful, BRANZ will work with your host institution to put a scholarship funding agreement in place.
- If you’re invited to submit a full proposal, you can request more detailed guidance to help strengthen it – everyone who submits a full proposal can request general feedback.
- Funding announcements will be made on the BRANZ website once contracts are sufficiently advanced.
Setting up your project
Before your scholarship begins, BRANZ will work with your host institution to finalise contracting and confirm reporting requirements. Contract start dates are set per funding round. As a guide, for the 2025 round, contracts began from 1 April 2026.
Contracts may commence earlier. However, the first payment is available from 1 April 2027.
Project delivery and impact
During your scholarship, you’re expected to actively engage with BRANZ Inc. and communicate your findings so they can be used by the building and construction sector.
You will need to:
- provide progress updates as required (including updates certified by your supervisor)
- share results with the sector through suitable knowledge-sharing activities
- ensure research results are made public and available for others to use
- acknowledge BRANZ in publications and stay in touch throughout the scholarship.
Before you apply
Before you apply, read the key documents below to support you with your application.
Research Investment Priorities 2025
This is the authoritative document setting out the objectives and investment signals used to assess 2025 funding application. This document will be updated for the 2026 Funding Round.
Guidelines for applicants will be available once the call for applications is announced.
This resource offers comprehensive details about the application process and addresses common questions you might have.