We have a number of prizes that are awarded annually to students who achieve the highest results in a subject or group of subjects.
Winners are automatically selected on the basis of their academic results, following the final release of the results each year and are assessed against any award criteria before a final decision is made.
You can browse the prize list by letter or use the search to narrow down your list of results.
The value of Āwhina Awards is to be determined by the Āwhina Awarding Panel.
Āwhina Awards are to assist Āwhina mentors and mentees complete degree programmes by addressing their needs, and to acknowledge those who make a significant contribution to Māori and Pacific development and leadership through their activities with Āwhina whānau members and Māori and Pacific communities.
The value of Āwhina Postgraduate Awards is to be determined by the Āwhina Awarding Panel.
Āwhina Postgraduate Awards are to acknowledge the contribution of Āwhina mentors and mentees to Māori and Pacific development and leadership through their activities with Āwhina whānau members and Māori and Pacific communities, and to increase undergraduate progression to postgraduate studies and the completion of higher level degrees.
$240 subject to available funds
This prize arises from a bequest made by Lorna Donne in recognition of her father's commitment to English Literature. It is awarded to the best mature student at 300-level completing a BA major in English language or literature.
$430 subject to available funds
Two scholarships shall be awarded to the two students who have:
(a) completed at least three of the Law subjects: Law of Contract, Law of Torts, Public Law and Criminal Law in one or two successive years; and
(b) in the opinion of the Dean of Law, done the best work in agregate in those three subjects either in the year the award is made, or in the immediately precceding year.
NOTE: A student shall be eligible for the award only in the first year in which they come within (a)
$1,200 annually subject to available funds
This award was been established by the A L Hollings Memorial Trust, which left a bequest to the University in 1973 to provide financial assistance to needy students enrolled in the Faculty of Law.
The award will be offered annually to the student who, from those who received an Achiever Scholarship under the financial or low-decile categories in their first year of LAWS study, gained the highest GPA in 100-level LAWS.
Students must be enrolled full-time in 200-level LAWS study prior to payment being made.
$1,000 (subject to available funds)
The prize is awarded to the student who attains the highest score in the intellectual property final examination.
$900
This prize is awarded for an essay the subject of which involves the exposition of some subject chosen from literature having reference to social ideals. The subject of the essay shall be prescribed from year to year.
Details of the topic for a particular year will be available in the application form.
$3000 (Subject to available funds)
The Adam Foundation Prize in Creative Writing was established in 1996 through the Victoria University Foundation by Denis and Verna Adam because of their strong wish to support the development of creative writing in New Zealand. It is awarded to the student producing the best folio in the Master's in Creative Writing course.
Approximately $400, subject to availability of funds
Provides an annual book prize for the best Psychology graduate student specialising in either integrative psychological theory or personality study.
$500 (subject to available funds)
Recipients will be selected from first-year Pasifika students for each calendar year by the Victoria Business School based on students' full-year results. The prize recognizes the top performing first-year Pasifika student studying any major within the Bachelor of Commerce Degree at the Victoria Business School.
Students must have been enrolled in at least 96 points in the awarding year.
As determined by the Academic Board
This prize - in memory of Alan D Robinson, Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and Reader in Political Science 1961-76 - arises from a fund subscribed by students, staff and friends. It is awarded to the best student completing an Honours degree in Political Science or International Relations.
$1,500 (subject to available funds)This prize may be split between recipients
This prize is awarded to the student in Classical Studies, Greek, or Latin judged to have completed the best research paper at Honours level, or best thesis at Masters and PhD level.
$500 (Subject to funds available)
This prize is awarded for excellence in the BA/MFA Theatre Programme to a student who demonstrates top skills in collaboration and generosity in theatre production.
The recipient must be enrolled in their final year of undergraduate or postgraduate study in the BA/MFA Theatre Programme.
$500 (Subject to available funds)
This prize awarded to the best student at graduate level in Applied Linguistics.
Determined by the Academic Board based on available funds
This award was founded by the late Richard McCallum of Blenheim in memory of his late son Archibald Francis McCallum. It is continued by his widow Winifred McCallum and son Richard McCallum and is awarded to the student who is recommended by the Dean of Law as having done the best work in property law.
Up to $4,000 (subject to available funds)
This prize is awarded to a student completing a BMus and proceeding to BMus(Hons) at Victoria University of Wellington.
Cash and books as determined by the Academic Board based on available funds
This prize arises from a fund raised by the Round Table groups in New Zealand in memory of Captain Samuel Arnold Atkinson, BA. It is awarded annually to the undergraduate student who, in the year of the award, has completed an essay on an aspect of British or European history, or the history of former British colonies, and who is judged to be the best student of the year and most worthy of the award.
2 year subscription to Artichoke Magazine
Promoted by IDEA (Interior Design/Architecture Educators Association), Australasia, this prize is awarded to a final year interior design/interior architecture student for excellence in the visual and written presentation of an interior design proposition.
$250 (UG) (subject to available funds)$300 (PG) (subject to available funds)
These annual prizes are awarded to both the undergraduate and the postgraduate student judged to be most worthy of the award who has completed an essay or a thesis on an aspect of Asian government, politics, or international relations.
$300 (subject to available funds)
This prize is awarded to the best student in ACCY 307.
$250 (subject to available funds)
This prize is awarded to the best student in Australian history.
$5,000 (subject to available funds)
Made annually to a student completing an undergraduate degree with a major in Geography with the highest grade point average and who is commencing an Honours or Masters Degree in Geography, specialising in Human Geography.
$2,000
This award is provided annually by Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising to honour the outstanding contribution of Mr Barry Manley, previous Managing Director of Saatchi & Saatchi Wellington, to Victoria University's MBA Programme. It is awarded for excellence in Marketing Communications in the MBA programme.
$400 (book and cash) subject to available funds
This prize was established in 1948 by Sir Harry Batterbee, the first High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in New Zealand. It is awarded to the best student with First Class or Second Class (First Division) Honours in Greek.
Approx. $1,000 subject to available funds
This scholarship arises from a fund subscribed in 1961 by ex-students and friends of the Victoria University of Wellington to commemorate the work of Professor B E Murphy, Macarthy Professor of Economics from 1920-1951.
It is awarded to a student who has completed a degree with Economics as the major subject and is engaged in the year of the Scholarship's tenure in an approved full-time course of postgraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington, the main focus of the course being economic theory, policy and research.
$500 (subject to available funds)
One prize is awarded annually in the School of Government to the student who, in the opinion of the Head of School, demonstrated the best application of economic analysis to public policy or public management.
$500 (subject to available funds)
This prize is awarded annually to the top student in LAWS 370 - Introduction to Family Law.
$600 (subject to available funds)
This prize is awarded annually to the student who completes a Master of International Relations and, in the year of the award, is judged to be the most worthy recipient.
Approx. $500 subject to available funds
This prize arises from a fund established in 1986 from contributions given following the retirement in December 1985 of Mrs Beryl Hughes, Senior Lecturer in History at this University.
It is awarded to the most outstanding undergraduate or honours essay in the area of women's studies.
$3,000 (subject to available funds)
The Biggs Family Prize in Poetry is awarded at the end of the Masters in Creative Writing course to enable a student to complete a manuscript for publication.
The student would not necessarily currently be the best writer of poetry on the course.
$500 (subject to available funds)
To be eligible for this prize, students must:
The prize will be valued at $500 if the winner is a single performer, and $1,000, divided equally, if a duo or ensemble wins the prize. In the latter case there is a non-binding expectation that the balance of the value of the prize will be made up from a portion of the annual grant made by the Lilburn Trust to the New Zealand School of Music, or by additional funding from the Lilburn Trust.
Subject to available funds
This prize arises from a donation by Sir George Ferguson Bowen, GCMG, a former Governor of New Zealand, and was originally awarded by the University of New Zealand.
It is awarded annually to the postgraduate student who, in the year of the award, has completed an essay or a thesis on an aspect of British or European history, or the history of former British colonies, and who is judged to be the best student of the year and most worthy of the award.
$2,000 (subject to available funds)
The award will be made to a student who has just completed the MA in Creative Writing, majoring in Scriptwriting, and who, through their folio of work, demonstrates that they have excellent potential as a film scriptwriter.
$500 and artists colour set.
Awarded to one student anually. To be eligible for this award, students must be enrolled in an Interior Architecture studio course at Victoria University of Wellington. Any project from INTA 211, INTA 212, INTA 311, INTA 312, INTA 411, and INTA 412 will be considered. The chosen project will demonstrate a brave use of colour, show use of colour that promotes wellbeing, and demonstrate a transformative use of colour.
$80 (book and cash) subject to available funds
This prize was established in 1923 in memory of Bruce Dall from a gift by his friends. It is awarded to the best Physics major at 100-level.
$500 cash prize as well as application fee ($206), first year membership fee ($364), and one segment enrolment ($1240)
Sponsored by CPA Australia via the Victoria University Foundation, this prize is awarded to the most outstanding 3rd year student majoring in Accountancy. Students must be enrolled for study in the Bachelor of Commerce and Accountancy programme, which is accredited by CPA Australia towards fulfilling their core curriculum requirements.
$2,000 subject to available funds
This award was established by Victoria University's solicitors, Chapman Tripp, to mark their centenary in 1975. It is awarded to the best student graduating LLB or LLB (Hons).
$300 (subject to available funds)
The prize recognises the best student completing ACCY 225 - Introduction to Accounting Information Systems.
$300 (subject to available funds)
This prize recognises the best student in ACCY 302 - Advanced Management Accounting.
$300 (subject to available funds)
This prize recognises the best student in COML 204 - Law of Organisations.
$500
The prize is open to all students attending Victoria University of Wellington in 2018.
$200 subject to available funds
This prize arises from a fund established in 1996 by Mrs Elizabeth Garrett via the Victoria University Foundation to mark the introduction of a major in Chinese. It is awarded to the best student in CHIN312 and CHIN213 or CHIN313.
Book and cash subject to available funds
This prize arises from a fund donated in 1982 by the Petone Branch of the New Zealand Labour Party in memory of Chris Highfield, a Victoria law student who had cystic fibrosis from birth and who died shortly after his graduation with an LLB from Victoria University.
The prize is awarded to the best student in class of Judicial Review.
Book and cash subject to available funds
This prize arises from a fund donated in 1982 by the Petone Branch of the New Zealand Labour Party in memory of Chris Highfield, a Victoria law student who had cystic fibrosis from birth and who died shortly after his graduation LLB from Victoria University.
It is awarded to the best student in class of Public Law
$400 (subject to available funds)
This prize is awarded to the best student in INFO 528.
$500 (subject to available funds)
This prize is awarded annually to the student in History who, in the year of the award, has completed an essay on an aspect of the Holocaust and genocide and who is judged to be the best student of the year and most worthy of the award.
Approx. $750
The trust fund was established in 1980 to provide an annual award to support graduates of the University of Canterbury undertaking a course of study in Librarianship at a New Zealand university, and to commemorate the contribution made to the University and its library by Clifford Wallace Collins (1909-1979). Mr Collins was Librarian to Canterbury University College and the University of Canterbury from 1934 to 1971.
$1,500 subject to available funds
This award was established via the Victoria University Foundation to honour the memory of Felicity Giselle Coleman-Brown, 1954-1988, who was a graduate of the University of Michigan and Juris Doctor (1983), sometime student of Comparative Law at the University of Vienna, and an attorney-at-law. It is awarded to the best female LLB, including LLB Hons, student in the field of jurisprudence, especially American jurisprudence.
Approx. $1,300 (book and cash) subject to available funds
The prize and its associated fund was established by the family of Colin Patterson, a leading practitioner in Commercial and Company Law and Chairman of the Securities Commission, in recognition of his contribution to the discipline of law.
It is awarded for the best piece of writing by a student in Commercial, Securities or Company Law.
$4,000 each plus travel and accommodation (See Regulations)
Offered by the NZ Concrete Society, the selection for recipients shall be on the basis of the following criteria:
* Recognition of excellence in environmental, architectural, and structural design and construction.
* The research is aimed at enhancing knowledge in the application and use of concrete and cementitious materials.
* Students show proven achievement in tertiary studies.
* Students will be nominated from those undertaking their final year of undergraduate study and who are contemplating further postgraduate studies in the field of concrete and cementitious materials.
$300 (subject to available funds)
This prize is awarded to the best student in any Geology class.
1st place: $5002nd place: $3003rd place: $200
These prizes are awarded annually on the recommendation of the Dean of Law, to the three top performing students of LAWS355 - Employment Law.
$250 (subject to available funds)
The prize is awarded annually to the student attending the class in INFO 525 who, in the opinion of the Director of the Master of Library and Information Studies, is the best student of the year and worthy of the award.
$3,000 (subject to available funds)
The prize is awarded annually to the writer of the best folio project in the Scriptwriting major of the MA in Creative Writing at Victoria University of Wellington.
No monetary value
Awarded at the end of the academic year for excellence in composition, the David Farquhar Composition Award is an opportunity for a composition student - embarking on, or continuing with, post-graduate study - to compose a work for the New Zealand School of Music Orchestra or other NZSM ensemble. This work will be guaranteed a rehearsed performance the following year.
Book and cash subject to available funds
This prize, in memory of David Payne who died while a student of Mathematics in 1980, arises from a fund subscribed to by students, staff and friends.
It is awarded to the best student in applied mathematics.
$1,000 p.a. over 2 years as funds permit
The scholarship was established in 1991 from a bequest by David Sievwright, a Wellington carpenter and builder. Its purpose is to encourage the study of building science at Victoria University.
Nominations are made by the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture to the Academic Board. Candidates must be enrolled for Honours or Masters in building science and will be chosen on the basis of their academic record in the Bachelor of Building Science.
$1,000 (subject to available funds)
This prize is awarded to the best student in ACCY 410 Advanced Taxation.
$250 (Subject to available funds)
This prize is awarded to the best student completing at least two second-year and/or third-year INTP courses.
$3000 each (subject to available funds) Each year, up to two awards may be offered by the selection panel.
$200 subject to available funds
This prize arises from gifts made by Mrs Winifred Macdonald to commemorate her brother, Dr Gerard Maskell, who was the first lecturer in Zoology and who died in London while on sabbatical leave in 1932 aged 32 years.
It is awarded to the best final year student who has completed their 300-level study in the School of Biological Sciences and who enrols for postgraduate study.
$1,000 each year
Historically, only a small fraction of science degrees were awarded to women, but in recent decades women's overall participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields has steadily increased. Today, women earn half of all bachelor's degrees in science. Women's involvement in advanced study and careers in STEM fields continues to grow. However, women are still underrepresented in postgraduate and post-doctoral positions.
Victoria University of Wellington is dedicated to fostering a community of learning that reflects New Zealand's diverse society. Through a generous gift from Margaret Bailey via the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation, we are delighted to offer this award to a female student wishing to pursue postgraduate study within the School of Mathematics and Statistics.
$1,000 each year
Historically, only a small fraction of science degrees were awarded to women, but in recent decades women's overall participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields has steadily increased. Today, women earn half of all bachelor's degrees in science. Women's involvement in advanced study and careers in STEM fields continues to grow. However, women are still underrepresented in postgraduate and post-doctoral positions.
Victoria University of Wellington is dedicated to fostering a community of learning that reflects New Zealand's diverse society. Through a generous gift from Dr Margaret L Bailey via the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation, we are delighted to offer this award to a female student wishing to pursue postgraduate study within the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences.
a) $40 b) $40 c) $60
Founded by Dr W E Collins for the encouragement of English Literature among graduates and undergraduates of this University, these prizes are awarded for work of outstanding merit in:
a) 100-level English Literature courses
b) 200-level English Literature courses
c) 300-level English Literature courses.
$100 subject to available funds
The prize arises from a fund subscribed in 1981 by friends of John and Maria Dronke, on the occasion of their Golden Wedding, to commemorate their contributions to the cultural life of the community especially in drama.
It is awarded for meritorious work in any aspect and at any level of drama studies.
$500 (subject to available funds)
The award is for a student enrolled in either the 300 or 400 level courses that year, who has been a regular workshop user, working in the medium of timber and demonstrating a love and respect for the material, its properties and the making process.
Subject to available funds
This prize arises from a bequest made by E M Kingston for the development of the Spanish Programme at Victoria University.
It is awarded to students completing a BA Major in Spanish based on their course work at 300 level.
$150 book and cash subject to funds available
This prize arises from a bequest in 1953 under the will of the late Siegfried Eichelbaum, one of the early graduates of the Victoria University of Wellington and a member of the Council from 1923 until the time of his death.
It is for the best student in the School of European Languages, other than French.
$180 book and cash
This prize arises from a fund subscribed by friends of Eileen Duggan to commemorate her contribution to poetry in New Zealand.
It is awarded to the best undergraduate student of New Zealand Literature.
$250
Sponsored by the Embassy of Israel, this prize is awarded to a student in Political Science and International Relations whose work on Israel is deemed to be of outstanding merit.
$500
Sponsored by the Embassy of Israel, this prize is awarded to the student who submits the best essay on an aspect of religious life and thought in a course in the Department of Religious Studies
$200 in book tokens (or similar) Certificate
The prize is awarded by the Emerald Group Publishing Ltd (UK) for the best piece of research showing appropriateness and application of methodology in particular, and overall quality in general, in INFO580.
$500 each
The funds for these awards are provided by The English-Speaking Union of the Commonwealth (Wellington Branch) via the Victoria University Foundation. They are for graduates of the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies who are following a career in teaching English to speakers of other languages and shall be made annually to those graduates who, in the judgment of the Head of School, have shown the greatest promise as effective and committed teachers of English to speakers of other languages.
2 awards at $750 each subject to available funds
The Erasmus Scholarship was established by the late Mr D J Riddiford in 1962 to encourage the study of classical languages. It is open to school leavers and to students at Victoria University of Wellington who want to major in Greek or Latin.
1st Prize: $250 book voucher2nd Prize: $150 book voucher3rd Prize: $100 book voucher
These prizes are awarded to undergraduate or postgraduate students who have completed an essay or thesis on an aspect of the European Union.
$3,000 subject to available funds
This prize has been established by the Expressions Piano Trust, Upper Hutt, via the Victoria University Foundation to encourage performance students in Classical Piano at Te Kôkî, New Zealand School of Music (NZSM). It is an annual award for a full-time second year or above performance student progressing to further study in Classical Piano.
Subject to available funds
This award was founded by the late Professor Francis Prendeville Wilson, Professor of History from 1921-1934 who bequeathed his residuary estate for the establishment of prizes or scholarships to promote the study of the history of New Zealand.
It is awarded to the author of a published work deemed to be the most distinguished contribution to New Zealand history during the previous two years.
a) $750 subject to available funds b) $500 subject to available funds
Founded by the late Professor Francis Prendeville Wilson, Professor of History from 1921-1934, whose bequest was for the establishment of prizes or scholarships to promote the study of the history of New Zealand.
They are for the:
a) best thesis on topic of New Zealand history; and
b) best essay on topic of New Zealand history at 300 or Honours level.
$1,000 subject to available funds
Founded by the late Professor Francis Prenderville Wilson, Professor of History from 1921-1934, whose bequest was for the establishment of prizes or scholarships to promote the study of the history of New Zealand.
This scholarship is awarded to a full-time student who is preparing a thesis for the degree of Master of Arts on a topic of New Zealand History.
$250
Funded by the Faculty of Law, this prize is awarded to the student who has done the best year's work in Legal System.
Up to $1,000 (subject to available funds)
To be eligible students must meet the following criteria:
$300 book and cash
Sponsored by the Financial Services Institute of Australasia, this prize is awarded to the top student in MOFI 301: Corporate Finance.
$250
This prize has been established to recognise the best first year project in the Victoria University School of Design BDI degree in Design.
approx. $400 book and cash subject to available funds
This prize is in memory of D C H Florance, Professor of Physics 1923-51, from a gift by his widow Mrs Bertha Florance.
It is awarded to the best student in 300-level Physics who enrols the following year for Honours degree in Physics.
$1000 (subject to available funds)
This prize is available only to Honours students, and Master's degree by course work in Economics and/or Finance students, who are completing their degree in the year of the award.
Students completing Masters by thesis only, and Professional Masters degrees are not eligible. (For the avoidance of doubt, only students that complete graduate qualifications that explicitly lay the basis for entry to a PhD programme in Economics or Finance are eligible.)
$150.00 cash, plus a title by LexisNexis
Fran Wright was a valued member of the Victoria University Faculty of Law.
She is remembered fondly for her enthusiasm for teaching law, for research, and for life. Her creative ability to play with the law and to teach others to do so, ignited in both her students and colleagues a genuine passion for legal rules, for knowing the law, and for spending time engaging with statutes and cases. Fran demonstrated that using law to make an argument is an incredibly creative process, and that it is the most innovative use of law which drives research forward.
Fran passed away after a short illness on 14 April, 2013. She is survived by children Owen and Jennifer, and husband Paul. This prize has been created by her many colleagues, students and friends to honour her significant contribution to law and teaching.
Certificate of achievement
The French Government awards for excellence in French at 100, 200 and 300 level.
$1000 each
This prize is awarded to the top academic student studying towards a Bachelor of Health in each year of the undergraduate degree, and must have been taking at least 100 points during that period.
As determined by the Academic Board
These awards arise from a bequest by Mr G G G Watson, C.M.G., M.A., LL.B., a distinguished graduate of and lecturer at Victoria University College, to encourage the study of Economics.
The purpose of the awards shall be to defray the expenses of a research project in Economics for which no other funds are available.
$500
This prize is issued to a student in the MFA(CP) Film whose work and approach embodies the independent spirit of the NZ Film legend Geoff Murphy.
Book and cash subject to available funds
This bursary arises from funds given by Mrs Rowan in memory of her husband, a former student of Victoria University College and graduate in mathematics, who lost his life while serving in the Royal New Zealand Navy in World War Two. It is awarded to the best 300 level mathematics student who enrols for an Honours degree in mathematical sciences.
Subject to available funds
This prize is in memory of Geoffrey Allan Davies, the infant son of Bob Davies and Kathleen Davies, whose death has been associated with the toxic environment to which his father had been exposed during military service in South Viet Nam (1968-69). It is especially fitting that this prize be associated with the discipline of International Relations that was created in the first place to help solve the “scourge of war”.
Established via the Victoria University Foundation, it is awarded annually to the student in the Master of International Relations programme judged to be most worthy of the award who, in the year of the award, has completed the extended research essay in international relations (INTP 589).
The value of the prize shall be determined by the German Embassy.
Best academic performance in an undergraduate German course (language or culture).
$1,000, subject to available funds
This Prize was established in 2015, via the University Foundation, through a bequest from Emeritus Professor Gordon Orr, a former Secretary of Justice, Waitangi Tribunal member and Dean of Victoria University's Law Faculty. The Prize is to encourage and support Māori students in the Law Faculty at Victoria University who participate in the Māori and Pacific Island (MPI) tutorial programme at the 200 level. Selection will be based on academic merit.
$500.00
This prize will be awarded to the student with the highest overall mark in ESOL 801 & 802 combined each year.
$2,000 each
Sponsored by Graduate Women Wellington (previously the NZ Federation of Graduate Women, Wellington Branch) via the Victoria Foundation of Wellington, these two awards are for high achieving female Victoria University students entering their final (4th) year as nominated by the Faculty of Education of Victoria University of Wellington.
Currently $4,000
This prize is awarded annually by the Academic Board to the candidate who: (a) is deemed worthy of the award, and (b) would have been the next female in order of merit to be offered a VUW Graduate Award if sufficient funds had been available.
4 awards at $2,000 each
Sponsored by Graduate Women Wellington (previously the NZ Federation of Graduate Women, Wellington Branch) via the Victoria Foundation of Wellington, these four awards are for female Victoria University students entering the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) or Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary).
Book and cash subject to available funds
This prize arises from a gift made in 1980 by Mr F J E Hurst to commemorate his wife Gwenda Josephine Hurst, a former student of Victoria University College.
It is awarded to the best student completing an Honours degree in Geography.
approx. $150 subject to available funds
This prize arises from a fund subscribed in 1976 by the ex-students and friends of Victoria University of Wellington to commemorate the work of Professor H A Murray in the Chair of Classics 1946-72. The prize is administered by the Victoria University Foundation.
It is awarded to the best student enrolled in a 200 or 300 level course in LATI, GREE or CLAS.
$1,000 subject to available funds
This prize arises from a fund raised amongst teachers in New Zealand and officers of the Education Department to commemorate the work of the Rev. William James Habens, BA, who was the first Inspector-General of Schools 1878-1899, and has been supplemented by a donation from the Faculty of Education.
It is awarded to the best undergraduate student gaining at least 60 points for EPSY, EPOL, KURA or FEDU courses at 100, 200 or 300 level.
Book and cash subject to available funds
This prize arises from a bequest by Mrs Amy Hadfield Hutchinson of Napier in memory of her brother, Harold Large BA (Cambridge).
It is awarded to the best student in English literature of the Renaissance period.
$500
This prize is funded by Health and Disability Intelligence, Ministry of Health, to encourage awareness of the work of Health and Disability Intelligence within New Zealand and the wider Pacific communities.
It is awarded annually to the student who, in the opinion of the Head of the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Operations Research, is the best student taking STAT 392 Sample Surveys.
$1,000 per annum
In honour of the late Sir Frank Holmes, Professor of Economics and founder of the Institute of Policy Studies at Victoria, this prize is awarded via the Victoria University Foundation for the best research paper or thesis of 30 points or more in the Master of Public Policy, Master of Public Management or Master of Strategic Studies programmes on an issue of public policy or public management of importance to New Zealand.
Book and cash subject to available funds
This orize is provided from a fund subscribed by friends of the Victoria University of Wellington to commemorate the work of Sir Thomas Hunter, Principal Emeritus, and for over forty years Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy. It is awarded to the best student in Psychology at 100-level.
$3,000 per annum
Former President of the Court of Appeal, the Rt Hon Sir Ivor Richardson died in December 2014 _ during his career he made a substantive contribution to the law and to social policy. Having obtained his LLB at the University of Canterbury and his LLM and doctorate at the University of Michigan, Sir Ivor became a partner in an Invercargill firm, Macalister Brothers, from 1957 to 1963. From 1963- 1966, he served as Crown Counsel in the Crown Law Office. He joined the Law Faculty at Victoria University, where he was professor for six years and served as dean of the Law Faculty. Between 1973 and 1977, he was a partner in one of New Zealands leading commercial firms, Watts & Patterson. During this time he served on the Council of Victoria University, as Chancellor from 1984-1986.
Sir Ivor was appointed a judge of the then Supreme Court in 1977. Such was his reputation that he was almost immediately appointed to the Court of Appeal, where he served from 1978 to 2002. He was President of the Court of Appeal from 1996 until his retirement.
$500
This prize was established via the Victoria University Foundation by the late Professor Ian Gordon (CBE) to recognise excellence in students' work in the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies.
It will be awarded annually for the best piece of completed research (essay, project or thesis) on any aspect of the nature, structure or use of the English language by an Honours or Masters student in the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies.
$1,000
This prize has been established by Erica McLean via the Victoria University Foundation in memory of her mother, Ilse B Steinberger, a gifted teacher. One prize will be awarded annually to the top Graduate Diploma on Teaching (Primary) student or Masters of Teaching and Learning (Primary) student in the Faculty of Education who has achieved both academic excellence and excellence in their teaching performance in the relevant year.
Total prize value of $1,200.
These prizes were established via the Victoria University Foundation by ISACA, Wellington chapter, to assist students studying in courses relevant to careers in information systems audit, control, security and governance.
$500
Established by the Institute of Public Administration New Zealand (IPANZ) via the Victoria University Foundation, one prize will be awarded annually to the best student in PUBL302 - Public Administration.
$500
The Wellington Network of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) sponsors this prize for engineering students enrolled at Victoria University. The prize will be for the best student in their third year.
$750 per annum
This prize has been established by InternetNZ via the Victoria University Foundation to recognise the top student in COML 307 - Legal Issues for E-Commerce.
$50 for book and cash subject to available funds
This prize arose from a fund subscribed by staff, students and friends of Professor J T Campbell, Head of the Mathematics Department 1952-1968, upon his retirement. It is awarded to the best student in MATH 277.
$1,000
This prize arises from a fund donated by the family via the Victoria University Foundation in memory of Jan Whitwell, Senior Lecturer in Economics/Money and Finance at Victoria University of Wellington, 1989 -1993. It is awarded to the best student in ECON 305 or MOFI 303.
$1,000
The award is designed to encourage students who are passionate about discourse analysis to proceed to postgraduate study in this area. In particular it is designed to recognise top students in LING 321 Discourse and Meaning in the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies at Victoria University, a course which is offered every two years.
Cash and book subject to available funds
This prize was established by the Japanese Ambassador to New Zealand in 1980, His Excellency Mr Takashi Oyamada, to mark the introduction of the course on Modern Japan. It is awarded to the best student in JAPA 211 or JAPA 221.
No monetary value
Awarded at the end of the academic year for excellence in composition, the Jenny McLeod Orchestral Composition is an opportunity for a composition student - embarking on, or continuing with, postgraduate study - to compose a work for the New Zealand School of Music Orchestra or other NZSM ensemble. This work will be guaranteed a rehearsed performance the following year, as part of the normal concert programming of the relevant body.
$400 subject to available funds
This award was set up via the Victoria University Foundation by the family and friends of Jenny Whitmarsh (1946-1996), a graduate in mathematics and linguistics, in recognition of her desire to encourage the careers of young women in mathematics and science. It is awarded to the best female student completing 45 points of 200 level mathematics and proceeding to 300 level mathematics.
Book and cash subject to available funds
This prize was established in 1999 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the founding of what is now the School of Political Science and International Relations at Victoria University of Wellington. It arises from a donation by a former student of the School, Jeya Wilson. It is awarded annually to the student in Political Science or International Relations judged to be most worthy of the award.
$600 in total
The prize will be awarded to the student or students with the highest overall grades in their 200 and 300 level sociology papers.
$16,000
This award is open to undergraduate, Hons, postgraduate or PhD students for travel expenses, studying under the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, or New Zealand School of Music.
Subject to available funds
This award began in 2013 to celebrate academic excellence in cultural anthropology at Victoria University of Wellington and is named after Joan Metge, who helped to establish a vibrant anthropology department and who is recognised for her important role in the development of the discipline nationally. It is awarded via the Victoria University Foundation to a student majoring in cultural anthropology for the most outstanding essay submitted as part of the course work of a 200 or 300 level cultural anthropology course.
Up to $500 each (subject to available funds) for one undergraduate and one postgraduate student
This prize acknowledges the ideals and inspiration provided by President John F Kennedy and was established via the Victoria University Foundation in 2003 to encourage excellence in the study of American government and politics. It shall be awarded annually to both the undergraduate and postgraduate student judged to be most worthy of the award who, in the year of the award, has completed an essay or a thesis on an aspect of American government, politics or international relations.
Up to $500 subject to available funds
This prize was established in 2004 via the Victoria University Foundation to encourage excellence in the study of American history and the history of the relationship between New Zealand and the United States. It shall be awarded annually to the student in History who, in the year of the award, has completed an essay or a thesis on an aspect of American history, or the history of New Zealand-United States relations, and who is judged to be the best student of the year and most worthy of the award.
Around $300 per annum subject to available funds
Staff and former students in the Geology Programme established this prize via the Victoria University Foundation to acknowledge the work and contribution of John Gamble, Associate Professor of Geology, at Victoria University from 1980 to 2002.
One prize shall be awarded annually to a BSc (Hons), MSc or PhD student in Geology who has shown a talent for original research involving field-work and laboratory investigation, as well as an ability to inspire enthusiasm and a sense of team-spirit in their fellow students.
$300 subject to available funds
This Award was established via the Victoria University Foundation by Professor John Miller of the School of Biological Sciences and is awarded to a student who has successfully completed CLNR 405 with a high academic standard.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research (PGDipClinRes), launched in July 2010, was the first such focused postgraduate programme in New Zealand and provides existing and potential clinical researchers with the skills and expertise to undertake drug development and clinical trials.
$2000 each to two students
The award is offered to one undergraduate and one postgraduate student. Eligible students must be enrolled at Victoria University of Wellington. No person may receive the award more than once (at either undergraduate level or postgraduate level, or both).
Book and cash subject to available funds
This prize in memory of John P Good, a member of the Class in Pure Mathematics I in 1929, arises from a gift made by his parents, Mr and Mrs F.W. Good, in 1929 and augmented in 1984 by gifts from his brother, Mr D E Good, and the Wellington Mathematical Association. It is awarded to the best first year student taking at least 45 points of Mathematics.
$100
This prize was established in 1996 to commemorate the work of Dr John Robson, founding Director of the Institute of Criminology, and to encourage excellence in the postgraduate study of Criminology. It is awarded to the best student completing an Honours degree in Criminology.
Subject to available funds
This prize arises from a donation in 1886 by the late John Tinline Esq. of Amuri. It is awarded to a student deemed worthy of the award whose BA degree majors in English (or English Language) and who is proceeding to BA (Hons) in English in the following year.
No monetary value
Named after the director of the Lilburn Electroacoustic Music Studios at Victoria University of Wellington from 1995–2000, this award recognizes excellence in the fields of electroacoustic composition and sound art.
Subject to available funds
This prize is provided from trust funds arising from a bequest of Joseph Samuel Beaglehole in 1962. It is awarded to the best student in Psychology 300-level courses.
$3,000
The Joyce (Liew Chui Ha) Chan essay award will be made for the best essay on a topic on Asian women completed by either a student in the final year of their BA degree majoring in Cultural Anthropology or Criminology or Sociology or Religious Studies, or an Honours student in Cultural Anthropology or Criminology or Sociology or Religious Studies.
Subject to available funds
This prize in memory of Kenneth John Scott, Senior Lecturer in Political Science 1946-60 and Professor of Political Science and Public Administration 1960-61, arises from a fund subscribed by students, staff and friends. It is awarded to the best student completing a BA with Political Science or International Relations as their major subject.
$800
This prize has been set up by KPMG via the Victoria University Foundation to recognise the top student completing ACCY 231: Financial Accounting.
$750.00
This prize has been set up by KPMG via the Victoria University Foundation to recognise the top student completing Fundamentals of Accounting - ACCY 115
$750.00
This prize has been set up by KPMG via the Victoria University Foundation to recognise the top student completing ACCY 223 - Management Accounting
$750
This prize has been set up by KPMG via the Victoria University Foundation to recognise the top student completing TAXN 201: Taxation.
$500
The prize was established in 2009 by the Kapiti Chorale via the Victoria University Foundation to reward the most deserving voice student progressing from second into third year of study in classical performance. Consideration will be given to academic merit and sustained effort.
Approx. $90 subject to available funds
This prize arises from a fund subscribed in 1946 by ex-students of the Victoria University of Wellington to commemorate the work of Professor H B Kirk in the Chair of Biology 1903-1944. It is awarded to the best student enrolled in specified 30 points of 100 level courses in Biology.
$350 (Book vouchers)
This prize was established by the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to New Zealand in 2004, His Excellency Mr Jung-seung Shin, to encourage research and scholarship on aspects of Korean politics and international relations. One prize each may be awarded annually to the undergraduate, honours, and MA or PhD student judged to be most worthy of the award who, in the year of the award, has completed an essay or a thesis on an aspect of Korean politics or international relations.
Book and cash subject to available funds
This prize arises from a fund established by Elisabeth Koutaissoff, Professor of the Russian Department, and is awarded for the best work in some aspect of Italian civilisation.
The value of the Prize shall be approximately $150, or as determined by the Academic Board after consideration of the income from the fund. If in any year for whatever reason the Prize is not awarded, the income for that year shall be added to the fund. If for whatever reason the Prize has not been awarded over a five year period, the Faculty of Commerce and Administration shall make a recommendation to the Academic Board regarding the conditions for the award of the Prize in subsequent years.
The Prize arises from a fund donated in 1991. The Prize shall be awarded annually by the Academic Board, on the recommendation of the Head of School, Accounting and Commercial Law, to the best student attending the Current Issues in Management Accounting course (ACCY 402). If, in any year, this course is not offered, the Prize shall be awarded to the best student in any 400- or 500-level Management Accounting course, or any other course having Management Accounting as a component, within the Faculty of Commerce and Administration.
$3,000
This prize, established to mark the centenary of the Todd family in New Zealand and in memory of Lady Todd, is provided annually by members of the Todd family. It is awarded to the best student enrolled for postgraduate study in Nursing and Midwifery.
Approx. $7,500 each subject to available funds
The two awards provided by Laywood and the late Joyce Chan via the Victoria University Foundation are intended to encourage students going on to postgraduate study with a focus on China, the Chinese language, and the contribution of the Chinese community to New Zealand. The awards are made to postgraduate students (Honours, Masters or PhD) in Chinese language and to postgraduate students undertaking research in Chinese history, politics or international relations. A focus on the contribution of the Chinese community to New Zealand is encouraged.
$250 book and cash
This prize is provided annually by the Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (LIANZA) in memory of the former University Librarian David Wylie (1925-85), and in recognition of his long concern with education for Librarianship. It is awarded to the student completing the best piece of written work on an aspect of Library and Information Studies.
Either one year LIANZA membership or LIANZA Professional Registration
This prize is awarded to the best student in INFO 546.
The value of the awards offered is at the discretion of the jury, and may vary from year to year.
A jury of three experts in the field of composition and performance will choose the winners from amongst the works presented at the annual Lilburn Trust NZSM Composers Competition Concert, usually held in September/October. The jury will be present at the concert and will collectively select the winners immediately following the concert. The winners will be announced at a ceremony following the concert.
approx. $125
This prize arises from a fund donated in 1985 and is for the best student of the year completing a Bachelor's degree with a major in Linguistics.
Approx. $1,000 subject to available funds
This award was established in 1925 through the will of Lissie Rathbone for such charitable, education or religious objects as the Trustees should select. Administered via the Victoria University Foundation, it is awarded to the top student in English and/or History at 100 level who has been a recipient for that year of a Victoria Excellence Scholarship (or any other scholarship offered at entry level based on academic merit) and who - at the time of the award - is enrolled in English and/or History at 200 level.
$1,000 subject to available funds
This prize was established in 2000 via the Victoria University Foundation by Lord Cooke of Thorndon, former President of the New Zealand Court of Appeal Court of Appeal and subsequently a Law Lord of the House of Lords until his death in August 2006. It is awarded to a student who has achieved an outstanding result in his or her law courses, is commencing the Honours programme and is considered to be the best student entering that programme.
$500 cash plus one year's associate membership and one professional level segment (to the value of NZ$1,250) which is to be presented to the recipient at a prize-giving to be organised by the faculty.
CPA Australia is one of the world's largest accounting bodies with a global membership of more than 150,000 members working in 120 countries around the world, with more than 25,000 members working in senior leadership positions. CPA Australia want to support high achieving students studying Accountancy and Finance at Victoria University.
Book and cash subject to available funds
This prize arises from a bequest by Margaret Macmorran in 1939 and subsequent contributions from Mr R C Macmorran in 1948 and Mrs Maggie Usher in 1961. It is awarded to the best student completing 45 points of 200-level Mathematics.
$500
The 'Madle Prize in Classics' will be awarded to the best mature student (over the age of 25)studying Greek or Roman History.
Subject to available funds
This prize arises from a gift made in 1949 by the Directors and staff of M Makower & Co Ltd, England, in recognition of the generosity of their New Zealand colleagues, extending over the many years, in providing food parcels for the members of the staff of the firm in England and their families. It is awarded to the best student in ECON 130.
$500 subject to funds available
The prize is awarded to the Honours student in the Political Science and International Relations Programme judged to be the most worthy who, in the year of the award, has completed an essay on an aspect of NZ government, politics or international relations.
$500
The prize shall be awarded to the student attending the class in Maritime Law (LAWS351) who in the opinion of the course coodinator, is the best student of the semester in this class and worthy of the award.
$300 subject to available funds
This prize originates from residual funds from sponsorships raised by the Victoria University Foundation to support improvement in the quality of financial journalism. The Master of Applied Finance (MAF) Prize is considered to be in close sympathy with that original purpose and is awarded to the top full-time student completing study requirements for the MAF degree.
$500
This prize was established in 2014, via the Victoria University Foundation, and is sponsored by Professor Matthew Marshall, classical guitarist, former Head of the Conservatorium of Music at Massey University (later the New Zealand School of Music) and graduate of Victoria University of Wellington. The award is for the best composition for classical guitar and its purpose is to support students studying composition at Te Kôkî The New Zealand School of Music and to encourage a greater understanding and appreciation of the classical guitar.
$5,000 (subject to available funds)
The prize acknowledges academic excellence for a student completing their second year of study majoring in Classics at Victoria University of Wellington.
$400
This prize has been named to honour the distinguished contribution by Maurice Gee to children's literature in New Zealand and is administered via the Victoria University Foundation. It will be awarded to the author of the best folio in Victoria University's undergraduate children's writing workshops.
$500
This prize, established in 2001 via the Victoria University Foundation, arises from a fund donated by Maurice Goldsmith, Emeritus Professor of Political Theory at the University of Exeter and Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Victoria University of Wellington. It is awarded annually to the students completing undergraduate and honours degrees in Philosophy in the year of the award and who in the opinion of the Head of the School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations are the best students of the year and are worthy of the award.
Subject to available funds
This prize was established from a gift made to the University in 1998 and is awarded to the best student completing the Masters of Environmental Studies.
$1,000
This scholarship is offered, via the Victoria University Foundation, to a New Zealand-based Maori/Pasifika student who has the best average grade in two 100-level Art History courses and who is intending to Major in Art History. To be eligible for the award, recipients must enrol for full-time study at the 200-level of an Art History course in the following year at Victoria University.
$3,000
This prize is awarded to a student who has just completed a Masters in Creative Writing at Victoria University.
$3,000
This prize is awarded to a student who has just completed a Masters in Creative Writing at Victoria University.
$500 subject to available funds
This prize arises from a fund given by Mrs A Danilow in 1983 to commemorate her husband Dr N N Danilow (1896-1981) who founded Russian studies in New Zealand when he introduced a course in Russian at Victoria University College in 1943. Administered via the Victoria University Foundation, the prize is awarded to the best student in Spanish language and literature at undergraduate level.
$400
This prize was established in 2013 via the Victoria University Foundation by Mrs Nina Berzins, a Victoria University graduate and former staff member, in memory of Dr Nicolas Danilow (1896 – 1981) who founded Russian Studies in New Zealand when he introduced a course in Russian at Victoria University College in 1943. The prize is awarded to the best student in 300 level Latin.
$500 each, subject to available funds
These prizes are awarded for excellence in Practice Management Processes which lead to prudent risk management in architecture. They are offered to the top third and fourth year students _ SARC362 Introduction to Practice and Management, and SARC461 Professional Practice.
One year's subscription to NZ Law Review
The Legal Research Foundation and the New Zealand Law Review together set up this prize to recognise the three best students who
1. have completed in the year of the award their final 200 level LAWS courses; and
2. in the opinion of the Dean of Law have achieved the best work in aggregate over the four 200 level LAWS courses.
Cash, travel vouchers, tickets to industry events and book packages.
The NZ Institute of Architects (NZIA), via the Victoria University Foundation, has established these awards to:
1. Acknowledge design excellence in students of Architecture.
2. Signal to the profession, the industry and the public that a major talent has been discovered.
3. Assist in a positive relationship between students of Architecture and the NZIA.
All prizes and awards relate to the design projects undertaken by all students of Architecture in Studio. The awards are for Years 1-4 inclusive, and for Year 5.
$250
This prize was established at Victoria University in 2014 by the New Zealand Institute of International Relations (Wellington branch). Its purpose is to encourage and recognise undergraduate excellence in the study of International Relations, consistent with the Institute's long-standing commitment to enhancing New Zealanders' understanding of international issues.
$500
This award is provided by the New Zealand Insurance Law Association (NZILA). The award is linked in with the teaching of the LAWS358 course.
The Supreme prize consists of $500 (or a sum as agreed by the Committee) + one year's free graduate membership + certificate for one student winner per tertiary institute.
NZILA sponsor three awards (9 prizes in total) annually to each Educational Provider in the following categories:
1. NZILA Supreme Student Award - Final Year Student
2. NZILA Award of Excellence - Best student in the Second to last year
3. NZILA Award of Excellence - Best student in the Third to last year
As determined by the NZIOB
The New Zealand Institute of Building (NZIOB), Central Chapter, offers various awards to students studying within the field of construction. They are awarded to the best students completing a degree/diploma course in building and are available within the NZIOB Central Chapter's geographic zone. An award may also be offered to the most promising first year student.
$1,000 plus the use of an excellent Luis and Clark carbon fibre cello.
This award was established in 2018 by the New Zealand School of Music for a student who is in need of an instrument and who shows promise for a professional career in cello. The recipient and cello will be featured annually in a public concert.
From $500, up to $2,000 per award. Awards over $1,000 will be paid in two instalments, one payment at the beginning of trimester 1 and one payment at the beginning of trimester two.
As part of the auditions for entrance into the first year at NZSM, students will be ranked on their performance and top ranked students will receive prizes of approximately $2,000 per student. Additional scholarships of approximately $500 will be available for students experiencing financial hardship.
$500
The Award may be granted annually by the Academic Board, on the advice of the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and with the agreement of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, to one student in any year of study who has achieved a highly meritorious result in a work, project or topic of recognition, appreciation, conservation and maintenance of an historic place, historic area, wahi tapu or wahi tapu area in New Zealand.
$250 each cash and/or book and a certificate
These prizes are provided annually by the New Zealand Indonesia Association (Wellington) via the Victoria University Foundation. The prizes shall be available to NZSM student performers in the Javanese 'Padhang Moncar' and/or Balinese 'Taniwha Jaya' gamelan orchestras whom the NZSM deems to have made
1. the most outstanding contribution to gamelan playing (Javanese) at an introductory level; and
2. the most outstanding contribution to gamelan playing (Balinese) at a more advanced level.
$300
The Wellington Branch of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry provides four prizes annually for Victoria University of Wellington Chemistry and Biochemistry students. The prizes are for:
1. the best student in their first year.
2. the best student in their second year.
3. the best student at 300 level in CHEM.
4. the best student at 300 level in BCHM.
$250 subject to available funds
This prize was established in 2012 by John Niland through the Victoria University Foundation in memory of his parents, Ruth and Joe Niland, to support students studying jazz at Te Koki New Zealand School of Music (NZSM). The prize is awarded annually to the composer of the best composition. Preference will be given to a composer who is also a performer.
$120 (book and cash)
This prize - in memory of Noel Vincent Ryder, Senior Lecturer in Physics 1947-1958 - arises from a fund subscribed in 1959 by his friends, to which the University added a like amount. The prize fund was later increased by further donations. It is awarded to the best student in 200-level Physics.
$500 subject to available funds.
This prize arises from a fund established in 1987 from the estate of Morris Owen Osborne. It is awarded for the best student in ARTH 103.
$250 subject to available funds
This prize was initiated by Pablo Etchegoin's colleagues in Physics, and supported by other friends, students, and associates, in celebration of Pablo's life. Pablo was Professor of Nanotechnology within the Physics grouping of the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences (SCPS) until he passed away in 2013. Administered via the Victoria University Foundation, the purpose of the award is to recognise outstanding performance in 300 level Physics, with particular note of laboratory work, by a student majoring in Physics or Applied Physics, as established by performance in the first trimester of each academic year.
Subject to available funds
The prize is awarded annually to a student in Political Science or International Relations who has completed an essay or a thesis on an aspect of Pacific Islands' government, politics, and international relations and is considered worthy of the award.
Preference may be given to students of Pasifika descent.
$1,500
This prize is open to all past and present students of a university in New Zealand and is awarded via the University of Otago for excellence in original composition.
Subject to available funds
The prize is awarded annually to the student in Political Science or International Relations who completes an essay or a thesis on any topic within the field of political theory and is considered worthy of the award.
$500
This prize is awarded annually to the graduate of the Master of Public Management who has achieved the best all-round academic performance of all those graduating in the year.
$500
This prize is awarded annually to the graduate of the Master of Public Policy who has achieved the best all-round academic performance of all those graduating in the year.
$1,000
This prize is awarded annually to the graduate of the Master of Strategic Studies who has achieved the best all-round academic performance of all those graduating in the year.
Subject to available funds
This prize arises from a fund established by the Wai-te-ata Press in 1986 and is awarded to the best undergraduate or graduate student completing courses in film history, criticism or production.
$250 each
This prize has been established by Methven via the Victoria University Foundation to recognise the best final year projects in the Victoria University School of Design completing the BDI degree in Industrial Design.
$500 subject to available funds
This prize arises from a fund established by the Wai-te-ata Press and the Victoria University Press in 1986 in memory of Pamela Tomlinson, the first editor of Victoria University Press. Its purpose is to encourage original writing and is is awarded to the best person worthy of the prize who is enrolled in CREW 254 or CREW 257.
1. $500 2, $1,000
Every year, the Law Faculty awards prizes and scholarships to students in recognition of their hard work and talents with many being named after earlier alumni or staff. These two prizes are named for the late Quentin Quentin-Baxter, a former Law Professor at Victoria. The prizes are:
1. Top Student International Law (LAWS 340).
2. LLM Prize in Public and International Law - for the best piece of research on Public Law, International Law, or law relating to indigenous peoples or the laws of the Pacific.
$400
This prize arises from a gift in 1968 from R S V Simpson to the Students' Association to mark the 30th year of publication of Salient. "Comment is free but facts are sacred" (C P Scott of the Manchester Guardian). Now administered via the Victoria University Foundation, it is awarded for the best published news or feature article written by an undergraduate of Victoria University of Wellington who is either a member of the editorial staff of Salient, or a contributor.
Subject to available funds
This scholarship was established via the Victoria University Foundation in 1994 by colleagues and friends of Mr R W Steele to mark the contribution of Mr Steele to the accounting profession. It will be awarded to the student(s) judged most worthy of the award on the basis of academic performance in Part 1 of the MCA degree.
$100
This prize arises from a fund subscribed in 1946 by the ex-students and friends of the Victoria University of Wellington to commemorate the work of Professor Sir J Rankine Brown in the Chair of Classics 1899-1945. It is awarded for the best work in LATI 104 or GREE 113 (LATI 214 in the case of a student entering 200 level Latin directly).
$250 (for books, recordings or music scores)
This prize arises from a fund donated by Miss Rere Beckway in 1981 and is awarded to a student enrolled with the NZ School of Music, completing a Bachelor's Degree. It is awarded on the basis of merit in pianoforte performance.
$250 subject to available funds
This prize arises from a fund subscribed by students, staff and friends of Victoria University of Wellington to commemorate the work of Professor Robert Orr McGechan in the Chair of Jurisprudence and Constitutional Law 1940-1954. It is awarded for the best work for Victoria University of Wellington Law Review.
$1,000
This prize was established in 2004 via the Victoria University Foundation in honour of Dr Roderic Alley on the occasion of his retirement from Political Science and International Relations after a career that began in 1967. The prize shall be awarded annually to the student in Political Science or International Relations judged to be most worthy of the award who, in the year of the award, has completed an essay or a thesis on an aspect of human rights.
No funds attached
Named after the director of the Lilburn Electroacoustic Music Studios at Victoria University of Wellington from 1980–1994, this award recognizes excellence in the field of live electronics (sonic art).
$500
This prize has been established via the Victoria University Foundation from a bequest that Dr Ross McQueen left to Victoria University of Wellington following his death in July 2004. It is awarded annually for the best thesis primarily on plants for BSc(Hons) or MSc in Ecology & Biodiversity or Conservation Biology at Victoria University.
The recipient is to present a seminor on their research to staff and students in their discipline.
Up to $1,500 each subject to available funds
These prizes, estabalished in 2002 via the Victoria University Foundation, are made possible by a trust fund established by Sir Roy McKenzie. Two prizes are available each year, one for a classical performance student and one for a jazz performance student. They are awarded on merit, based on the performance and potential of students and are made available to assist with study at either 300 on Honours level.
The winner is invited to give a short performance at one of the lunches of the Wellington Rotary Club.
$2,500
This prize was established in 2009 by the Rotary Club of Wellington, with the support of a grant from the John Illott Charitable Trust, to acknowledge the top student undertaking Music at Honours level who is undertaking further study.
Subject to funds available
In 1999, in order to mark Victoria University's centennial, the Rotary Club of Wellington endowed nine prizes via the Victoria University Foundation for first-year science study. The prizes are offered in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Statistics.
$50
This prize arises from a fund donated by Sir Roy Jack shortly before his death in 1977, and is awarded for merit in performance to a student enrolled with the NZ School of Music in a performance course on a bowed string instrument.
The award will be a taonga which is clearly Mâori in appearance and which is excellent in quality.
This award was established in 1987 as a memorial to the late Ruka Broughton, Lecturer in Maori Studies, who died 17 April 1986. The object of the award is to recognise and encourage students to pursue with excellence and determination, proficiency in the skills of Maoritanga, such as whaikorero (oratory), waiata (traditional music), waiata-a-ringa (action songs), karanga (ceremonial call), and te reo (speaking the language). Candidates for the award must have majored in Mâori Studies or are currently taking MAOR 311 and MAOR 313.
$150
This prize shall be known as the School of Economics and Finance Prize in Second Year Macroeconomics and is awarded annually to the student judged by the Head of the School of Economics to be the best student in ECON 202 and who is worthy of the award.
$150
This prize shall be known as the School of Economics and Finance Prize in Microeconomics and is awarded annually to the student judged by the Head of the School of Economics to be the best student in ECON 201 and who is worthy of the award.
$100
The prize shall be known as the School of Economics and Finance Prize in Economics and is awarded annually to the student judged by the Head of the School of Economics to be the best student in ECON 140.
Up to $500
In 2009 Senate Communications established this prize as part of its commitment to fostering excellenc ein communications.
Students are automatically eligible for the Senate Prize by completing the set assignment within the designated paper (MARK 301 Marketing Communications) as agreed with Victoria University.
Five assignments are selected by the lecturer against their own criteria and which also best match additional criteria provided by Senate, and these are forwarded to Senate Communications who then decide on the prize recipient.
$400 subject to available funds
This prize was established in 1998 by Dr Shayle R Searle through the U.S. Friends of Victoria and the Victoria University Foundation in appreciation of his 1950 Victoria University M.A. in Mathematics having been of lasting value to his 1962-1995 career in the U.S.A. It is awarded to the best student in STAT 193.
$3,000 each
These prizes, established to mark the centenary of the Todd family in New Zealand and in memory of Sir Desmond Todd, are provided annually by members of the Todd family. There are two prizes:
1. for the best student completing a thesis in Political Science and International Relations for the degree of MA.
2. for the best student completing a thesis in Political Science and International Relations for the degree of PhD.
$1,000 for a full-time student OR $500 for a part-time student
This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Victoria University. It shall be awarded to a full-time student (or a part-time student not in paid employment) who is enrolled in 200 level POLS courses and who is intending to major in Politics.
$250 (subject to change and funds available).
The prize will be awarded to the top student in trimester one 400 level physics.
Approx. $3,000 subject to available funds
This prize has been funded in perpetuity, via the Victoria University Foundation, from a bequest by the late Mrs Moira (Babs) White in honour of her grandfather Sir Thomas Hunter. The prize is to assist Honours students in Psychology who are continuing on to postgraduate study and shall be awarded to the student who earned the highest grade for his/her fourth year research project in Psychology and who is undertaking postgraduate study for at least another two trimesters.
Subject to available funds
This prize arises from a fund raised in recognition of the service given by the Rt Hon. Sir Walter Nash, CH, to the Labour Movement, and donated by him to Victoria University to be used for improving relations between the races of the world.
It is awarded for the best essay on a topical subject, of the candidate's own choice, dealing with peace, conflict resolution or the improvement of relations between the different races, nations and peoples of the world.
$1,000 subject to available funds
Professor Janet Holmes established this prize in 2013, via the Victoria University Foundation, to encourage students of Sociolinguistics at Victoria University to continue to postgraduate study. The award is to recognise top students in Advanced Sociolinguistics (LING 330) in the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies at Victoria University, a course which is offered every two years.
$400 , subject to available funds
1. The essay shall be no more than 500 words written in Spanish on a topic to be selected by the Spanish Embassy in conjunction with the Spanish Programme at Victoria University.
2. The student must be enrolled in a Spanish course at Victoria University of Wellington.
3. The prize shall be awarded annually to the student who, in the opinion of the Spanish Embassy and the Spanish Programme at Victoria University, writes the best essay that is worthy of the award.
4. Students are to submit their essay to the Director of the Spanish Programme, Victoria University of Wellington.
$1,000
This prize, established in 2002 by the Rt Hon. Jonathan Hunt, is provided annually by the Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives to encourage excellence among students taking part in the parliamentary internship Honours course offered by the Political Science and International Relations programme.
$400
In 2000, Wellington exhibition design company Story! Inc created a permanent installation called the "Wall of Words" in the lobby of the Royal Sun Alliance building in Auckland. The Wall uses over 80 New Zealand quotations to create an expression of our national identity. What could be more appropriate than a prize for New Zealand's next generation of poets? The prize is awarded by the on the basis of literary merit when the Victoria Undergraduate Poetry Workshop is completed. A copy of the selected work will be sent to Story Inc before the prize is awarded.
Between $1000 - $5000 per award based on the available funds and number of awards given in any year.
Recipients must be enrolled in a postgraduate degree at the New Zealand School of Music, majoring in Composition/Sonic Art, on 10 February of the year of award. To be eligible, students must be at the start of a postgraduate degree or be in the first three months of postgraduate study. Doctoral students in the first two years of study, however, are also eligible. Commissioned works must be completed within the calendar year of the award. Previous recipients are not disqualified from receiving an award in subsequent years, although consideration may be given to the benefits of making awards to a range of different composers. Recipients must be 18 or older and must have been for a period of five years immediately preceding the making of the award a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand.
Valued at $2,000 for travel to Queensland, Australia
This award was established via the Victoria University Foundation by Professor Gordon Holden, a previous Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Design, on his departure from Victoria University in September 2009. It is awarded to a student up to and including Master's level across all disciplines in the Faculty whose design and research project demonstrates excellence in adding knowledge, processes or examples that advance sustainable futures in the designed/built environments.
$2,000
This prize was established via the Victoria University Foundation in 2002 by Dr Glenn Swafford, a graduate of Victoria University, to acknowledge an oustanding student enrolled in the Faculty of Education at Victoria University. Selection will be based on academic merit with special consideration also given to financial need.
$100 each
The Swets Information Services Prizes are provided annually by Swets Information Services for students in the Master of Library and Information Studies. The prizes are awarded to the students who are considered by the Director of the Master's programme to be the best in class and the most worthy of the awards in Reference and Management.
approx. $6,000 (subject to funds available)
This Award was established in 2013, via the Victoria University Foundation, through a bequest made by John Drake, in memory of his wife, Therle.
$5,000 split proportionately between the two recipients.
This prize is to recognise the Best Speaker at the annual Mooting Final held by the Law Faculty at Victoria University. An award is also given to the first runner up at this final.
Books to the value of $200
This prize is provided annually by Thomson Reuters for the best student in Jurisprudence.
Books to the value of $200
This prize is provided annually by Thomson Reuters for the best student in Law of Contract.
Book
The Tsubota Pearl Prizes were established through the generosity of the Tsubota Pearl Company Ltd, and are awarded by the Japanese Programme at the end of each academic year to the top scholars in each of the four levels of Japanese language courses.
$500
This prize was established in 2009, via the Victoria University Foundation, by Derek Levett in memory of Val Gormly. It is awarded to the most successful student, in terms of total marks/grades obtained throughout the year, in Property Law 301.
$500
This prize is funded annually by the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Operations Research for those who are completing an undergraduate degree in Statistics.
$75 each
The VicBooks Awards for Best Tutors are annual awards which aim to acknowledge the best tutor in each of LAWS 211, 212, 213, 214, 301 as demonstrated by:
1. the results of the tutors' University Teaching & Development (UTDC) "Student Feedback on Tutoring" evaluations, and
2. the tutors' performance and fulfilment of their role as prescribed in their job description and employment contract.
There are five awards: one for each of LAWS211, 212, 213, 214 and 301.
Subject to available funds
This award arises from a bequest by Hugh Vickerman in 1960 to provide a scholarship, bursary or prize to students enrolled at the University to pursue professional engineering studies. The award shall be open to any student taking the Engineering Intermediate Examination (or any substituted or equivalent examination) including students taking the first year of a Bachelor of Engineering at the Victoria University of Wellington.
The award shall be made annually to the student who in the opinion of the Dean of the Faculty of Science has done the best work in the year in which he/she qualifies for the award and is deemed to be worthy of the award.
Monetary value varies from being $0 - $500.
A number of Excellence Awards have been established through the Victoria Business School to recognise the achievements of students in the various disciplines of e-Commerce and Information Systems; Economics; Finance; International Business; Marketing; Public Policy; Accounting; Commercial Law; Management; Tourism Management.
$3,000 per student for up to four students per offshore competition. A reduced prize may be awarded to enable more offshore competitions to be attended.
Selection is based on the performance of teams and individuals. This is evaluated throughout the year by panels of judges in local and SDS case competitions. It is also evaluated by judges of the Marketing Brand and Stock Valuation Challenges. Selection is also based on student service activities such as organising competitions, mentoring high school and VBC participants, and engaging with judges.
Up to $5,000 towards first-year living costs at Victoria University of Wellington
This prize was established in 2011 and is offered to the most innovative class 5 project (Years 11-13) in the annual NIWA Wellington Regional Science and Technology Fair and must be taken the year following completion of secondary school.
$300
This prize was established at the time of the Earth Sciences Centenary in 2009 to honour the work of Michael Crozier as the first Professor of Geomorphology at Victoria University Wellington. It shall be awarded to the student who has achieved excellent results in 300 level physical geography courses and who is judged most likely to continue to achieve excellent results in postgraduate study.
$300 (books and/or cash) and one year's membership of the Scottish Interest Group
This prize was established in 2002 by the Victoria University of Wellington Scottish Interest Group to encourage interest in Scottish architects and architecture. It shall be awarded annually to the student who, in the judgement of the Examiner's Committee, has produced the best work dealing with issues related to Scottish architects and architecture.
$300 (dependent on funds)
This prize was established at the time of the Earth Sciences Centenary in 2009 to honour the work of Paul Vella, a first professor in Paleoecology at Victoria University Wellington. The prize recognises the student with the overall best results in the 200 level ESCI Geology courses and who is judged most likely to continue to achieve excellent results in undergraduate study.
Selection criteria
The prize will be awarded to a 2nd year Geology student(s) with the overall best results in the 200 level Geology courses, and who is judged most likely to continue to achieve excellent results in undergraduate study.
$1,300 - $1,500 annually subject to finance available (SFA).
This prize was established by a private donor, via the University of Wellington Foundation in 2018, to recognise excellence in cello performance by postgraduate students at the New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington.
This award is made through an endowment and so the amount available each year will depend on the funds available.
The prize was established by a private donor, via the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation, in 2016, to recognise excellence in ensemble playing and to cultivate a love of classical chamber music by undergraduate students at Victoria University of Wellington's Te Koki New Zealand School of Music.
Subject to available funds
These prizes were established in 1985 and arise from a donation by Dr W G C Paterson, MD (NZ), MRCP (Lond), FRACP. The purpose of the prizes is to increase the interest in Classical Civilisation.
The prizes are for:
1. the best essay on a subject concerned with aspects of classical civilisation and its connection with the modern world as prescribed by the Director of the Classics Programme; and
2. the best essay from a student enrolled in Classical Studies at 300 or Honours level.
$5,000 towards course fees
$5,000 towards course fees for undergraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington is awarded to the top achieving Up Education Partnerships Study Programme students.
$500
The recipient should be a student undertaking a Masters thesis through the School of Psychology at Victoria. The recipient will be chosen on the basis of academic merit and the proposal of research on a cutting-edge or innovative topic.
$160 (book and cash)
This prize arises from a fund subscribed in 1950 by ex-students and friends of the Victoria University of Wellington to commemorate the work of Professor G W von Zedlitz, first Professor of Modern Languages. It is awarded to the best student in French.
$400 subject to available funds
W H (Bill) Vaughan, a founding trustee of the Mathematics Trust, worked for many years writing, printing and distributing model solutions to University Entrance Bursary and Scholarship Examinations. The Trust funds are used to encourage and support Mathematics in a variety of ways. This prize, established via the Victoria University Foundation, is awarded to the best student completing the Mathematics major.
Subject to available funds
This prize arises from a fund established by the Wai-te-ata Press in 1986 and is awarded for the best critical and/or scholary writing on Shakespeare's works by student enrolled in ENGL 200-499 or enrolled in a research degree in English.
Subject to available funds
Arising from a donation made to Victoria University, this prize is awarded to the best student completing the Masters of Development Studies Programme. The award will be based on performance in both papers and the thesis, and will be decided by the Director of the Programme, in consultation with the Institute of Geography.
Subject to available funds
This prize arises from a donation by the Wellington City Council to Victoria University of Wellington of a sum which the City Council held upon trust to further musical education. It is awarded for the best musical composition for performance at Victoria University.
The award will be a taonga which reflects the fields of endeavour and interests of Wiremu Parker.
An award known as Te Tohu Whakamaumaharatanga ki a Wiremu Parker (The Wiremu Parker Memorial Award) was established in 1988 as a memorial to the late Dr Wiremu Parker (Hon. D. Lit.) who died 10 November 1986. It is awarded to recognise notable academic achievement, and to pay special tribute to the contributions made by the recipient to the cultural life of Te Herenga Waka whanau. Candidates must be of the status of taipakeke (mature student) and should have either passed the Tohu Moritanga (Diploma in Maoritanga) or be a Maori Studies major for the Bachelor of Arts Degree.
$300 - $500 subject to available funds
This prize was established in 2004 via the Victoria University Foundation to encourage postgraduate study in History. The prize was made possible through a bequest from Channa Durden in memory of her sister Esther Zander and is offered in honour of family members who studied at Victoria University of Wellington. Ir is awarded to the student judged to be most worthy who has completed an MA or PhD thesis in History.
