Rachael Westergaard Memorial Masters Scholarship in Geophysics

Study area(s): Science
Scholarship level: Master’s Research; All postgraduate
Closing date(s): 1 November
Tenure: One year
Number offered: One
Value: $20,000 stipend plus domestic tuition fees (subject to funds available)

History and purpose

This scholarship has been established in memory of Rachael Westergaard, a student at Victoria University of Wellington from 2009 to 2012. The scholarship is to encourage students into the field of Geophysics, an area which Rachael was very passionate about. To recognise Rachael's dual citizenship, it is open to New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, or Canadian citizens.

The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage students into the field of Geophysics, an area which Rachael Westergaard was very passionate about.

Who is eligible?

  • One scholarship may be awarded annually to a student undertaking research leading to a Master of Science degree in Geophysics (Solid Earth Geophysics or Meteorology).
  • Applicants must be enrolled in a 90-point or 120-point thesis.

Selection criteria

  • Applicants must be currently enrolled or intending to enrol in a 90 points or 120 points Master by thesis degree in Geophysics (Solid Earth Geophysics or Meteorology) at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
  • Applicants must be New Zealand citizens, permanent residents or Canadian citizens.

Application process

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 brief research proposal
  • A personal statement
  • Two references (to be requested via the online application)

Selection process

The successful recipient will be selected by the selection panel comprising the Head of School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences and appropriate Geophysics staff.

Selection will be based on academic merit with consideration also given to the applicant's leadership potential and other related attributes.

Additional information

Recipients must write a letter of thanks to the donor on acceptance of this scholarship and another when the scholarship ends (or soon after) to briefly advise the donors of his or her research findings.

Recipients should also acknowledge the donors of this scholarship in their thesis and if requested provide a copy of their thesis to the donors.

In the event that no applicants meet the degree and nationality criteria, the scholarship may be awarded to a student enrolled in a Master of Science degree on the recommendation of the Head of the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences and with the approval of the donors.

If the scholarship is not awarded in any one year, it may be awarded twice the following year on the recommendation of the Head of the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences and with the approval of the donors.

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