Pakohe Sustainability Scholarship for Current Students

Scholarship level: All postgraduate; Returning students; First year students
Closing date(s): 30 May
Tenure: One year
Award for: Facing financial hardship; International; Domestic; Sustainability focused
Number offered: Up to 10
Value: Up to $4,000

History and purpose

The Pakohe Sustainability Scholarship for Current Students is a collaboration between Te Maka, the Scholarships Office, and the Sustainability Office.

The scholarship has two purposes; the first is to provide financial support to students who have contributed significant efforts to sustainability in the wider community, or through university initiatives and their studies.

The second purpose is to financially support students to invest time in leading or developing sustainability initiatives or projects that align with the University sustainability goals.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must be:

  • Students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
  • Championing sustainability through their studies or active participation in extra-curricular activities such as clubs, Wellington Plus, Wellington International Leadership Programme, Green Impact, community groups, advocacy work, employment etc.

Selection criteria

The scholarship will be awarded to students who have made the greatest contribution to sustainability impact and/or have well developed plans for future sustainability initiatives. Where there is more than one top applicant, consideration will be given to applicants experiencing financial hardship or disadvantage.

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 personal statement that highlights why you deserve the scholarship, outlining your involvement in sustainability initiatives and projects to date and any future sustainability action you have planned. Include details about your role and contribution to any initiatives, the impact your work has had (or will have) on improved environmental and societal outcomes, and any other recognition your work has received.
  • Complete the financial section of the online application.

Selection process

Selection will be made by a committee comprised of members from the University Scholarships and Sustainability Offices.

Additional information

The scholarship comprises tuition fees contribution up to $4,000 paid during Trimester 2 of 2025.

Recipients must act as ambassadors for the University, which may include some promotional activity.

Part-time study may be approved at the discretion of the selection panel.

Conditions

  1. Applications close 4.30 pm, 30 May 2025.
  2. The grant covers up to $4,000 tuition fees contribution.
  3. 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.
  4. The selection committee may approve award of the scholarship to a recipient undertaking part-time study under exceptional circumstances. If part time study for the recipient is approved, their scholarship award may be pro-rated.
  5. The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
  6. The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other awards.
  7. Should the recipient withdraw from Victoria University of Wellington during the tenure of this scholarship, partial repayment of the Scholarship will normally be expected. Recipients must advise the Scholarships Office if they intend to withdraw or change their enrolment from full-time study.
  8. Recipients are expected to act as Sustainability Champions and Ambassadors for Victoria University of Wellington and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
  9. 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 Scholarship candidate.

Contact

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