Te Ratonga Tirorangi—MetService Scholarships
History and purpose
For more than 25 years, Te Ratonga Tirorangi—MetService has supported students undertaking meteorology training, helping to develop the next generation of meteorologists in Aotearoa New Zealand. Understanding the Earth’s atmosphere and applying this scientific knowledge to forecast weather impacts and translate them into meaningful insights is vital for keeping New Zealanders safe.
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and Te Ratonga Tirorangi—MetService jointly offer New Zealand’s only Master of Meteorology (MMet) degree. Delivered to World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standards, the programme provides an internationally recognised qualification.
The purpose of these scholarships is to support students to complete the Master of Meteorology and develop highly skilled meteorologists whose expertise contributes to public safety, informed decision-making, and community resilience in the face of weather and climate-related hazards.
Who is eligible?
Applicants must:
- be enrolled or intending to enrol fulltime in the Master of Meteorology at Te Herenga Waka in the year following application
- have completed a Bachelor, Honours, or Master of Science degree (BSc, BSc (Hons) or MSc)
- be a New Zealand citizen or Permanent Resident
- be able to demonstrate capability in mathematics, physics, or related scientific disciplines.
Selection criteria
Selection will be based on academic merit and preparedness for postgraduate study in meteorology.
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.
Applicants will be shortlisted and invited to an interview.
Scholarship specific documentation
Applicants must provide:
- a personal statement outlining interest in the programme and motivation to pursue a career as a meteorologist and contribute to weather forecasting and climate resilience in Aotearoa New Zealand
- a curriculum vitae
- academic transcript/s.
Selection process
A selection panel will comprise the Head of School (School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences) and/or their nominee, and representatives from Te Ratonga Tirorangi—MetService.
Additional information
Recipients are required to write a letter of thanks to the donor upon acceptance of the scholarship.
Tuition fees will be paid directly to the University by the Scholarships Office.
Recipients will receive a tax-free stipend of $36,000 for the duration of the programme, paid in three equal instalments during each trimester, and after the withdrawal period. Recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to receive the second and third instalments.
Recipients are required to participate in and complete additional programme components that support the Master of Meteorology qualification and preparation for a future career in meteorological forecasting. These components include the practical application of meteorological theory, strategies for managing shift work, foundational concepts relevant to programme delivery, understanding the impacts of meteorology on society, and communication and presentation skills development. Participation in these activities forms an integral part of the programme and is a condition of holding the scholarship. Further details of these requirements will be provided during the shortlisting process.
Successful completion of the programme typically leads to an offer of employment as a Trainee Meteorologist with Te Ratonga Tirorangi—MetService.
Conditions
- 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.
- 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.
- The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
- The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other awards.
- 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.
- Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and Te Ratonga Tirorangi—MetService and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
- 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