Jack Pearce Research Scholarship in History

History and purpose

The scholarship is in memory of Jack Pearce (1911-1994) who wanted to go to university but was unable to do so as a young man. University education was rare in those days, there were no grants and his father probably reasoned that as he and his five brothers had all achieved success in life with only a secondary education, further education was unnecessary for his son. The scholarship named in Jack Pearce's memory was established by Jack's daughter, the late Brenda Joyce. As a result of this scholarship, many young people will have opportunities for further education that Brenda and her father Jack would have cherished.

The Jack Pearce Research Scholarship in History established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation, offers students the opportunity to gain postgraduate experience in the area of History.

Who is eligible?

• The scholarship is open to a Master's by thesis or PhD student undertaking research in History at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
• Students who are intending to transfer to Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington from other universities are eligible to apply.
• Applications are open to both domestic and international students.
• Part-time students are eligible, and can be supported on a pro-rata basis.

Selection criteria

• The scholarship will be made primarily on the basis of academic merit and the ability of the University to supervise the proposed research.
• Preference will be given to Master's by thesis students, however, in the event that there are no suitable Master’s applicants, the Scholarships Committee may consider PhD applicants.
• Where there is a difficulty in distinguishing between applicants financial need may be taken into account.

If no suitable applicant is available in any one year, the scholarship will not be awarded and the funds will be re-invested.

Application process

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

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

Scholarship specific documentation

• A brief description of the research topic to be undertaken
• A personal statement
• Complete the Financial Information section of the application
• A reference (to be requested via the online application)

Selection process

The successful recipient will be selected by the University Research Scholarships Committee. The Head of History will communicate the outcome with the donor’s family.

Additional information

The value of the scholarship is $20,000 to be paid towards tuition fees with the reminder paid directly to the student as a stipend.

Recipients must write a letter of thanks to the donor of this scholarship and submit an end of year progress.

The scholarship may not be held in conjunction with other major postgraduate scholarships.

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 enrolled at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, within the criteria and tenure of the scholarship. No payment of the Scholarship will be made until this condition is met.
3. Where part-time study for the recipient is approved, their scholarship award may be pro-rated. This decision will be made by the decision-making panel. Before the recipient decides to reduce their workload from full-time study, this must be discussed with the Scholarships Office.
4. The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
5. The Scholarship may not be held in conjunction with other awards.
6. 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.
7. Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Victoria University of Wellington and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
8. 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