Established by the University of Otago Council in 2005 to celebrate academic excellence and cultural diversity, these scholarships are intended to encourage the progression of Maori and Pacific Islands students into tertiary study.
Eligibility:
Applications are open to students who are:
- New Zealand citizens or permanent residents of Maori and/or Pacific Islands descent.
- intending to enroll for full-time undergraduate study at the University of Otago for the first time in the year following the closing date.
Application Process:
Every student must:
- Submit an application to the University of Otago Doctoral and Scholarships Office by the specified closing date.
- Submit with their application a typed essay of no more than 500 words describing their involvement with the Maori and/or Pacific Island communities and the benefit they would gain from being awarded a Maori and Pacific Island Entrance Scholarship.
- Arrange for an academic reference from their School Principal, Deputy Principal, Assistant Principal, Year 13 Dean or equivalent, and for a further reference from an appropriate community member, to be forwarded to the University of Otago Doctoral and Scholarships Office by the specified closing date.
- Attach to their application, or authorize access to, their most recent results in NCEA or equivalent.
Selection Process:
The Selection Committee consisting of the Director, Maori Development, in the chair, a member of the Scholarships Committee, the Dean of Te Tumu, School of Maori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies, and the Managers of the Maori Centre, the Pacific Islands Centre and the Doctoral and Scholarships Office, or their nominees, shall consider the following factors in recommending the awarding of the scholarships:
- Academic ability (achievement of an overall grade of at least merit in NCEA Level 2, or equivalent, is required for consideration).
- Demonstrated involvement in the applicant’s community.
- Potential and motivation to succeed at University.
In making an award, the Committee may also consider the circumstances of the applicant, and the quality of the supporting essay provided.
Financial:
the scholarship, currently valued at $10,000, is normally received in the form of reduced Residential College fees and/or tuition fees for the first year of study at the University of Otago. Scholars whose normal place of residence is outside of Dunedin are guaranteed placement in a Residential College for their first year of study, though the University does not guarantee placement at the recipient’s first choice of Residential College.
Tenure:
- the scholarship will be for the first year of study only.
- the scholarship will usually be taken up in the year for which it is awarded; however, students may apply in writing to the Manager, Doctoral and Scholarships Office, for permission to defer starting the scholarship for up to one year. Deferrals will not usually be granted where a recipient is proceeding to study at another tertiary institution.
- The University of Otago Maori and Pacific Islands Entrance Scholarship may be held concurrently with the University of Otago Dux Scholarship but the maximum amount awarded will be $10,000 in total. The University of Otago Maori and Pacific Islands Entrance Scholarship may not be held concurrently with any other University of Otago scholarship valued at more than $3,000.
Other Requirements:
- Each Scholarship recipient must:
- Obtain entrance to the University.
- Participate fully in the Maori and/or Pacific Island Centre’s at the University of Otago, including participation in the mentoring programs available.
- Agree to reasonable requests from the University of Otago to appropriately represent the University and the scholarship.
University Name: University of Otago
Source: https://www.otago.ac.nz/study/scholarships/database/otago014653.html