John Fitzgerald Memorial Scholarship

Study area(s): Architecture
Scholarship level: Doctoral; Master’s Research; Master's by coursework; All postgraduate; Returning students
Closing date(s): 01 October
Tenure: One year
Number offered: One
Value: NZ$5,000 per year; depending on available funds.

History and purpose

This scholarship is a memorial to the late John Fitzgerald, a graduate (1997) of the Victoria University of Wellington School of Architecture. The architectural firm of Holden and Partners (London, UK), John's former employer, initiated the scholarship from contributions raised in the United Kingdom and New Zealand from architectural and academic colleagues, clients, friends and family.

The Scholarship is for the purpose of supporting studies, research, projects, exhibitions or other similar activities relating to the completion of undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications.

Who is eligible?

This scholarship is open to applicants in their fourth year of study or higher in architecture (including Masters and PhD students). Undergraduate students can be considered eligible if they are enrolled in their fourth or higher year of study and have successfully completed all third-year core papers or have previously gained equivalent credit or experience and are intending to study at postgraduate level at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

In selecting the project, the selection committee will consider projects that are forward-looking and aim to further architecture knowledge, techniques or developments at the level of individual study or collective interest. Innovative ideas are encouraged, as are projects that reflect any of the following architectural interests of John Fitzgerald:

  • Contemporary, minimalist forms of architecture in sympathy with the environment.
  • Architecture of historic urban sites.
  • Precision of design and incorporation of technology to enhance the functional use of buildings.
  • New Zealand's architectural identity.

Selection criteria

  • Applicants must be in their fourth year of study or higher.
  • Applicants must be enrolled in an architecture degree or research programme.
  • Applicants who are at undergraduate level must be enrolled in their fourth or higher year of study and have successfully completed all third-year core papers or have previously gained equivalent credit or experience and are intending to study at postgraduate level at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
  • Applicants must be fully enrolled in a full-year programme in the year of the scholarship.

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

  • Applicants must submit a personal statement that includes information on their intended research or project that aims to further architecture knowledge, techniques or development.

Selection process

The selection committee will comprise the head of the School of Architecture (or nominee), two academic staff members and/or architecture professionals and the most recent recipient of the scholarship where possible.

Additional information

It is expected that the recipient(s) of the award will assume responsibility for ensuring that the outcome of the project will be prepared in a form that can be presented to students, professional colleagues and the public. It is an expectation that the recipient(s) of the award will enhance the relationships between New Zealand and the United Kingdom that John Fitzgerald helped to foster. The potential benefits to recipients from activities and experiences of the different cultures of the two countries will be considered in deciding on awards. The presentation of the award will be generally once a year in November, on the initiative of the Head of School of Architecture.

Scholarship recipients are required to write a letter of thanks, which will be forwarded to the donors.

The Fitzgerald family and Holden & Partners are also available to assist awardees, if they wish with practical arrangements such as accommodation, hosting, advice, networking or local transportation.

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