Herbert Sutcliffe Hardship Scholarships

Study area(s): Education; Humanities and Social Sciences; Music
Scholarship level: Returning students
Closing date(s): 31 March
Tenure: One year
Award for: Facing financial hardship
Value: Four scholarships at $7,500 each (Undergraduate)

History and purpose

Established in 1989 when the Wellington Branch of the Herbert Sutcliffe Schools of Radiant Living gave to the University a capital sum of $100,000 (being the proceeds from the sale of its premises) as an endowment for one or more scholarships each year in the general area of the Humanities. A further $30,000 a year over the next ten years was to be added to the endowment, in connection with the sale of the world headquarters of the movement at Havelock North.

The deed of gift specifies that up to fifty percent of the scholarship money each year may be made available to help students in need facing financial hardship and in particular students from groups who at present are under represented among the students at the University.

Who is eligible?

  • One or more scholarships available annually.
  • Students who are experiencing financial hardship, especially, but not exclusively, students from groups currently under-represented at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Selection criteria

  • Applicants must be currently enrolled full time at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
  • Applicants must be an undergraduate student, studying a BA, BEd, BMus or BA (Hons) at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
  • Applicants must be experiencing financial hardship.

How do students apply?

A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4.30 pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.

Applications will normally open one month prior to the closing date. If no application link is provided below, check back again closer to the closing date. Contact us if you have any queries.

Scholarship specific documentation

  • A reference statement that corroborates claims to financial hardship (to be requested via the online application).
  • A statement of financial hardship. Relevant considerations might include: high transport costs; necessary medical, dental or optical costs; a disability which prevents part-time and/or vacation employment; crèche fees; financial problems which adversely affect study; other valid reasons for financial assistance.
  • Applicants must complete the Financial Information section of the application.

Selection process

Applicants will be considered on the basis of their academic merit and evidence of financial hardship.

Selection will be made by a panel made by the Victoria University Scholarships Committee.

Additional information

Recipients must write a letter of thanks to the donor of this scholarship.

Regulations and conditions

  1. A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4:30pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.
  2. All offers of the Scholarship will be conditional upon the recipient being fully enrolled in a full-year programme (full-time will be at the level of points considered by Studylink as full-time) within the stipulated criteria and tenure of the scholarship. No payment of the Scholarship will be made until this condition is met.
  3. The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
  4. The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other awards.
  5. Should the recipient withdraw from Victoria University of Wellington during the tenure of this scholarship or fail to achieve a satisfactory progress, partial repayment of the Scholarship will normally be expected. Recipients must advise the Scholarships Office if they intend to withdraw.
  6. Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Victoria University of Wellington and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
  7. At the discretion of the Deciding Authority, the application of the terms and conditions of the Scholarship may be modified in special circumstances or to avoid hardship to any candidate for the Scholarship.

Contact

Scholarships Office
scholarships-office@vuw.ac.nz
Phone 0800 04 04 04