New Zealand Centre for Public Law LLM Scholarship

Study area(s): Law
Scholarship level: Master's by thesis; Master's by coursework
Closing date(s): 30 November
Tenure: One year
Award for: International; Domestic
Number offered: Up to two
Value: $10,000

History and purpose

The New Zealand Centre for Public Law Scholarship is funded by the New Zealand Centre for Public Law (NZCPL) at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Established in 1996 by the University Council with funding assistance from the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation, the NZCPL is New Zealand’s leading academic centre for the study of public law, providing a forum for discussion among Law Faculty staff, overseas academics, New Zealand public servants, and others with a stake in public law, with the aim of stimulating awareness and interest in public law issues, fostering and promoting research and providing a forum for the discussion of these issues

The scholarship has been established to encourage and support outstanding postgraduate research in areas aligned with the Centre’s mission and Faculty interests – New Zealand public law, public international law, and comparative public law, broadly understood. Through this scholarship, the Centre seeks to foster excellence in legal research, support emerging scholars, and allow for participation in NZCPL activities and contribution to informed debate on public law issues affecting Aotearoa New Zealand and its place in the wider international community.

Who is eligible?

  • Applicants must be intending to enrol in a Master of Laws (LLM) in the year following application.
  • The applicant’s postgraduate research must be aligned with the functions of the Centre, that is, relate to a public law issue, broadly understood as law affecting the relationship of the state with individuals and groups of individuals and other states, such as the law relating to the constitution, the rule of law and separation of powers, the Treaty of Waitangi, government, human rights and many other areas, as well as comparative public law including Pacific islands’ law, and public international law.

Selection criteria

  • Selection will be based on academic merit and the overall quality of the application, including the applicant's demonstrated interest and potential in public law, the originality and significance of the proposed research, and their potential to contribute to the Faculty and Centre during their studies.
  • While Master's by coursework students may apply, preference will be given to students undertaking a Master's by thesis or a Master's incorporating both dissertation and coursework.
  • Preference is also given to full-time students, although part-time students may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

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.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview.

Scholarship specific documentation

  • A personal statement (500 words approx.) explaining why they merit the scholarship and their interest and experience in public law.
  • Academic transcript/s.

Selection process

Selection will be made by the Director(s) of the New Zealand Centre for Public Law, in conjunction with the Dean (or delegate).

Additional information

The scholarship will be paid towards fees or in two instalments (one in Trimester 1; one in Trimester 2) - whichever is the preference of the student. The Trimester 2 instalment will only be released upon satisfactory progress in Trimester 1 and continued enrolment.

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 fulltime), 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 selection panel. Before deciding to reduce their study load from fulltime, the recipient must discuss this with the Scholarships Office.
  4. The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
  5. The Scholarship may/may not be held in conjunction with other University awards.
  6. Should the recipient withdraw from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington during the tenure of the Scholarship or fail to achieve satisfactory academic 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 conditions of the Scholarship may be modified in special circumstances or to avoid hardship to any recipient of the Scholarship.

Contact

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