Murray McNae Scholarship

Purpose

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial support for a Mana College school leaver intending to study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University to pursue studies in Computer Science or Software Engineering (Bachelor of Engineering) or in general Science (Bachelor of Science). While preference will be given to these career paths, consideration may also be given for a degree involving a significant Information Systems component. The scholarship value is $16,000 and will be awarded each year to one student, payments being spread over 3 or 4 years.

Who is eligible?

This scholarship is only available to Mana College leavers for studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

Selection criteria

• Each student must have attended Mana College for at least one school year in Year 12 or Year 13.
• The selection of the student will be based on both the demonstration of interest and promise in the subject of computer science or general science, and of financial need.

Application process

Students must complete an application form and a one page personal statement. Applicants must submit at least one reference must be included when applying for this scholarship. NCEA results achieved to date must be included.

The deadline for applications is the first Friday after the commencement of the 4th term in the year prior to when studies commence

Scholarship specific documentation

Students must include:

• Application form from Mana College
• At least one reference must be included when applying for this scholarship.
• NCEA results achieved to date.

Selection process

A shortlist of eligible applicants will be drawn up on the basis of the merits of their application in terms of academic achievement and potential, financial need, and the quality of their personal statement. References will also be considered. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by the selection panel consisting of the Principal of Mana College, a senior manager of the school, and the scholarship donor Murray McNae, or his designated appointee.

The successful applicant will be announced at the annual prize giving ceremony at Mana College.

Additional information

The scholarship will be put primarily towards tuition fees, however, given the first year’s fees are now paid for by the Government, the scholarship will be paid as follows (depending on successful academic progress):

• Year 1 - $3,000 - paid as a one off stipend payment
• Year 2 - $5,000 - paid towards fees
• Year 3 - $5,000 - paid towards fees
• The final $3,000 will be paid in either the third year as a one off stipend payment, or paid in the fourth year towards fees.

Passes must be achieved in studies undertaken in order to unlock the following year’s funding. Limited discretion to this criteria may be applied on a case by case basis.

The Victoria University of Wellington Foundation will ask the recipient to provide a letter of thanks and an end of year update for each year that the Scholarship is held, which will be forwarded to the scholarship donor.

The payment process will commence upon confirmation of enrolment, and apart from the initial stipend of $3,000 which will be paid directly to the scholarship recipient, the student will have the scholarship amounts credited against their total yearly fees by the Victoria University’s scholarship office. Any remaining balance for fees costs will need to be paid by the student, either through student loan or direct credit.

Regulations and conditions

1. A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4:30pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.
2. All offers of the Scholarship will be conditional upon the recipient being fully enrolled in a full-year programme (full-time will be at the level of points considered by Studylink as full-time) within the stipulated criteria and tenure of the scholarship. No payment of the Scholarship will be made until this condition is met.
3. The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
4. The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other awards.
5. Should the recipient withdraw from Victoria University of Wellington during the tenure of this scholarship or fail to achieve a satisfactory progress, partial repayment of the Scholarship will normally be expected. Recipients must advise the Scholarships Office if they intend to withdraw.
6. Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Victoria University of Wellington and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
7. At the discretion of the Deciding Authority, the application of the terms and conditions of the Scholarship may be modified in special circumstances or to avoid hardship to any candidate for the Scholarship.

Contact

Scholarships Office
scholarships-office@vuw.ac.nz
Phone 0800 04 04 04