Short answer. This page is a route-map guide, not an eligibility assessment. Use it to decide which official source or adviser to check first.
What it is
The R&D Career Grant supports employment of a recent master’s or PhD graduate on R&D work. It is most relevant where a company has a real R&D programme, budget and supervision capacity.
Who it may suit
- R&D-active companies needing specialist capability
- Businesses with a defined technical problem
- Companies that can put the graduate on payroll
- Teams with enough runway and supervision capacity
Who it may not suit
- Companies with no active R&D programme
- Businesses looking for general hiring subsidy support
- Roles that are mainly sales, admin, operations or ordinary product work
What to check first
- graduate eligibility
- R&D programme and budget
- employment and payroll obligations
- cashflow to support the role before reimbursement
Official sources to check
Sources and review status
Last reviewed: June 2026.
Official sources checked: IRD, MBIE, business.govt.nz, NZTE, NZGCP, EECA and MPI, as relevant.
NZ Funding Pathways is a free resource funded by PH Capital Advisory.
General information only. Check the current official source and speak with the relevant adviser before acting.
This page provides general information only. It does not provide tax, accounting, legal, financial, investment or eligibility advice, and it does not guarantee funding.