Roger Robinson Scholarship for Student Runners

Scholarship level: Returning students; First year students; School leaver
Closing date(s): 30 November
Tenure: One year
Award for: Athletes
Number offered: One
Value: $5,000 (subject to funds available)

History and purpose

This scholarship has been established by Roger Robinson to support student runners studying at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Roger Robinson combined his academic and athletic interests for 35 years as Professor of English and Assistant Vice-Chancellor at the University, competing as an international runner through most of those years, and also serving as athletics stadium announcer, TV commentator, and writer. His many publications similarly cover Literature and Sport.

This scholarship is open to all students who are intending to enrol, or are already enrolled, in an undergraduate degree at Victoria University of Wellington. This scholarship is to assist competitive runners, in distances of 800m or longer, to succeed both academically and in their sport.

Who is eligible?

Applicants for this scholarship must be:

  • a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • enrolled, or intending to enrol, in full-time undergraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington
  • in special circumstances, consideration may be given to requests to follow part-time study, but prior application must be made through the Dean of Health
  • a competitive runner, competing in a branch of running administered by Athletics New Zealand (not necessarily affiliated with any specific club or athletics organisation).

The award is not normally awarded to the same athlete more than once.

Selection criteria

  • Selection will be based primarily on competitive record as an athlete.
  • Weight will also be given to academic record.
  • Personal circumstances of financial or other hardship may be taken into account.

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 letter including:
    • a summary of significant personal athletics results and achievements (championship placings, team selection, ranking in Athletics New Zealand annual lists, etc)
    • academic record
    • a list of sports-related scholarships or funding previously granted.
  • A letter of recommendation from a coach or similarly qualified person will be taken into account.

Selection process

Selection will be made by members of the athletics community, Wellington Faculty of Health, or their nominee, in conjunction with representatives from University Recreation.

Additional information

More than one scholarship will be provided annually if available funds are in excess of the amount required for a single award.

Previous recipients are eligible to apply for up to three years.

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