Protect our Islands Pasifika Award

Study area(s): Science
Scholarship level: Master’s Research; Master's by coursework; Honours; Returning students
Closing date(s): 30 November
Tenure: One year
Award for: Pasifika; Facing financial hardship; International; Domestic; Sustainability focused
Number offered: One or more annually, depending on the funds available.
Value: $5,000 for undergraduate, $7,500 for postgraduate

History and purpose

The Protect our Islands Pasifika Award is offered by Pacific Biosecurity Limited to increase the number of Pasifika students undertaking studies in ecology and environmental science.

Pacific Biosecurity Limited is a not-for-profit company formed by former student Monica Gruber. The company undertakes environmental consultancy work in the Pacific islands’ region, with an emphasis on supporting the protection of peoples, cultures, environments, and economies of Pacific Island countries and territories from the threat of invasive species.

The company wishes to encourage participation in the ecological and environmental sciences by Pasifika students and students of Pasifika descent, in the desire that they will use their skills to benefit their communities in Aotearoa and the wider Pacific.

The award provides financial support to returning or transferring Pasifika students enrolled or intending to enrol in a programme majoring or intending to major in Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, and/or Marine Conservation the following year.

Who is eligible?

  • Applicants must be:
    • of Pacific descent.
    • enrolled or intending to enrol in either undergraduate or postgraduate studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, in the year following application.
    • majoring or intending to major in Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, and/or Marine Conservation.
    • holding a GPA of 6.5 or above.
  • Applicants can be studying full or part time.
  • Applicants must meet the entry requirements for their chosen course of study.
  • This scholarship is not open to school leavers.

Selection criteria

Selection will be based on academic merit and commitment to the field of study.

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.

Award specific documentation

  • A personal statement outlining your academic journey so far, why you deserve the award, description of your study programme, motivations and plans to succeed, and plans on completion of studies.

Selection process

Selection will be made by the Equity Programme Scholarships Manager, in consultation with the Head of School, School of Biological Sciences (or nominee), and a Director of Pacific Biosecurity Limited.

Additional information

The award will be paid after the final withdrawal period of Trimester 1 in their next year of study.

Recipients are expected to write a letter of thanks to the donor on receipt of the award and a brief end of year progress report, outlining their work or study plans.

Pacific Biosecurity Limited offers mentoring to any applicant if the applicant wishes.

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 4.30 pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.
  2. All offers of the Award will be conditional upon the recipient being enrolled in a programme in the areas of Climate Change Science and Policy, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, and/or Marine Conservation. No payment of the Award will be made until this condition is met.
  3. The Award cannot be deferred to a later year.
  4. The Award may be held in conjunction with other awards.
  5. Should the recipient withdraw from Victoria University of Wellington during the tenure of this Award or fail to achieve satisfactory progress, partial repayment of the Award will normally be expected. Recipients must advise the Scholarships Office if they intend to withdraw.
  6. Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Te Herenga Waka—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 Award 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