Kelliher Economics Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship

Study area(s): Business and government
Scholarship level: First year students; School leaver
Closing date(s): 9 October
Tenure: Up to three years (see additional information)
Award for: Domestic
Number offered: 1
Value: Up to $10,000 per annum towards fees (see additional information)

History and purpose

The Kelliher Economics Foundation (KEF) was established in 1964 by Sir Henry Kelliher, a prominent New Zealand businessman and philanthropist. Sir Henry was deeply committed to enhancing the economic understanding and wellbeing of New Zealanders. The Foundation's initial focus was an essay competition aimed at encouraging young New Zealanders to study the workings and effects of the monetary and economic system under which they live, particularly the role of the Reserve Bank in achieving and maintaining a stable level of prices.

Over time, KEF, funded by the Kelliher Charitable Trust, has evolved to support higher-level thinking in economics through postgraduate and postdoctoral research at New Zealand universities and research groups. This undergraduate scholarship programme aims to extend KEF's support to students at the beginning of their academic journey in economics.

By providing financial assistance and development opportunities to students, KEF seeks to:

  • Encourage talented students to pursue studies in economics.
  • Support students who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to contributing to New Zealand's economic wellbeing.
  • Foster a new generation of economists equipped to address the country's economic challenges.

Who is eligible?

  • Eligible applicants must either be current first year students enrolled at the Wellington School of Business and Government, majoring in Economics or incoming school leaver students, intending to enrol at the Wellington School of Business and Government, majoring in Economics.
  • Eligible applicants must be either a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.

Selection criteria

Selection will be based primarily on academic merit, with secondary consideration given to the applicants demonstrated interest in economics and potential to contribute to New Zealand’s economic development (as evaluated by a personal statement).

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

  • Personal statement detailing the applicant’s interest in economics and potential to contribute to New Zealand’s economic development as evaluated by a personal statement.
  • Level 2 and Level 3 NCEA results, or the equivalent in another qualification (for school leavers).
  • Academic transcript (for current students).

Selection process

The decision will be made by the Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Undergraduate Scholarships Committee, in consultation with the Head of School, School of Economics and Finance (or nominee) .

Additional information

  • The scholarship will be paid in one payment towards the student’s fees. Should there be any additional funds remaining, this will be paid to the student directly, once the total fees amount has been covered.
  • This scholarship may be held in conjunction with other awards; however, preference will be given to those without current scholarships, bursaries or awards.
  • Recipients must write a letter of thanks within a month of receiving the award, as well as a progress report and the end of each year, which will be forwarded to the donor.
  • As a condition of tenure, awardees will be required to enrol full-time in a degree and achieve a passing grade in all courses. Where an awardee does not achieve a passing grade in one or more courses, their eligibility to retain the Scholarship will be reviewed with the donor, taking into account their overall GPA and any exceptional circumstances beyond the student’s control.
  • If the successful student’s final year is their third year (and covered by free fees) the tenure will then be two years.
  • Students will be invited (but not required) to participate in the Kelliher Economics Foundation Alumni Programme.

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 in a full-year programme (as stipulated by Studylink as full-time), within the 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 University 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