The Jack Pearce Research Scholarship is a prestigious award supporting postgraduate research in History at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Established in memory of Jack Pearce, it provides financial assistance to Master’s by thesis or PhD students, both domestic and international, enabling them to pursue advanced historical studies without financial barriers.
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is a leading university in New Zealand, renowned for its strong humanities and social sciences programmes. The university’s Scholarships Office administers this award, which is funded through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation, reflecting a commitment to supporting deep research and removing educational obstacles.
Benefits of Jack Pearce Research Scholarship
- $25,000 total value (subject to funds available)
- $20,000 applied directly to tuition fees
- Remaining balance paid as a stipend for living and research costs
- Part-time students receive pro-rata funding
Eligibility Criteria for Jack Pearce Research Scholarship
- Open to a Master’s by thesis or PhD student undertaking research in History at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
- Students intending to transfer from other universities are eligible
- Applications open to both domestic and international students
- Part-time students are eligible, and can be supported on a pro-rata basis
How to Apply for Jack Pearce Research Scholarship?
- Submit a completed online application by 4.30 pm on the closing date
- Provide a brief description of the research topic to be undertaken
- Include a personal statement
- Complete the Financial Information section of the application
- Provide one academic reference (requested via the online application)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Jack Pearce Research Scholarship 2026 supports postgraduate students researching New Zealand or English history. It offers financial assistance, encourages academic excellence, and helps scholars pursue meaningful historical research at an advanced level.
What is the value of the Jack Pearce Research Scholarship?
The scholarship has a total value of $25,000, subject to funds available. Of this, $20,000 is applied directly to the recipient’s tuition fees, with the remaining balance paid directly to the student as a stipend to support living and research costs.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
The scholarship is open to Master’s by thesis or PhD students undertaking research in History at Victoria University of Wellington. This includes students intending to transfer from other universities. Both domestic and international students are eligible, and part-time students can apply for pro-rata support.
What is the application deadline?
The closing date is 31 October each year. Applications must be submitted online by 4:30 PM (New Zealand time) on that date. Late or incomplete applications, including supporting documents and references, will not be accepted.
What are the selection criteria?
Selection is primarily based on academic merit and the University’s capacity to supervise the proposed research. Preference is given to Master’s by thesis students. If no suitable Master’s applicants are found, PhD applicants may be considered. Financial need may be a tiebreaker.
Can I hold this scholarship with other awards?
No, the scholarship may not be held in conjunction with other major postgraduate scholarships. Recipients must choose between this award and other significant funding sources.
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants must submit a brief description of their proposed research topic, a personal statement, and complete the Financial Information section. One academic reference must also be provided, which is requested via the online application system.
How long does the scholarship last?
The scholarship has a tenure of one year. It is intended for the 2026–27 academic year and cannot be deferred to a later year.
What happens if I study part-time?
Part-time students are eligible to apply. If approved for part-time study, the scholarship award will be pro-rated. Students must discuss any reduction in workload with the Scholarships Office before making changes.
What are the conditions for maintaining the scholarship?
Recipients must be enrolled at Victoria University of Wellington within the scholarship’s criteria and tenure. They must maintain satisfactory academic progress, cannot withdraw without potentially repaying funds, and are expected to act as University ambassadors if requested.
Who administers the Jack Pearce Research Scholarship?
The scholarship is administered by the Victoria University of Wellington Scholarships Office. The selection is made by the University Research Scholarships Committee, and the Head of History communicates the outcome with the donor’s family.
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