Jack Pearce Research Scholarship of $25,000 for Postgraduate Students at Victoria University of Wellington
A single scholarship worth up to $25,000 is available each year for a postgraduate history student willing to dig deep into research at Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Named after Jack Pearce, a man who never got the university education he wanted, this award exists because his daughter Brenda Joyce decided no one else should face the same barrier.
The Jack Pearce Research Scholarship is open to both domestic and international students pursuing a Master’s by thesis or PhD in History, with a clear preference for Master’s candidates. Only one award is offered per year, and if no applicant meets the standard, the money rolls back into the fund — so the bar is real.
Where the Money Goes: A Breakdown of the $25,000 Award
The scholarship is structured to cover both institutional costs and living expenses, though the split is fixed rather than flexible.
- $20,000 is paid directly toward tuition fees at Victoria University of Wellington.
- The remaining balance is paid to the student as a stipend for personal and research-related costs.
- Part-time students can receive funding on a pro-rata basis, meaning the amount is adjusted to reflect reduced enrollment load.
- The total value is subject to available funds, so the figure may shift slightly year to year.
- This scholarship cannot be stacked with other major postgraduate awards — it stands alone in your funding package.
Who Actually Qualifies: Eligibility Stripped Down
This is not a scholarship buried behind dozens of niche requirements, but a few non-negotiable conditions do apply.
- You must be enrolled (or intending to enroll) in a Master’s by thesis or PhD program in History at Victoria University of Wellington.
- Students transferring from other universities are welcome to apply.
- Both domestic and international applicants are eligible.
- Part-time students can apply, though funding will be adjusted proportionally.
- Master’s by thesis candidates are given priority; PhD applicants are considered only when no suitable Master’s candidate is found.
- Academic merit is the primary selection criterion, with financial need used as a tiebreaker between equally strong applicants.
How to Apply Without Missing a Step
Start by accessing the online application form through Victoria University of Wellington’s scholarship portal — the link typically goes live one month before the deadline. Fill in every section of the form completely, including the financial information portion, which is mandatory for this particular award. You will need to provide a brief description of your proposed research topic along with a personal statement that speaks to your background and motivation.
One academic reference is also required, and you will request it directly through the application system rather than submitting it separately. Every piece of documentation, including that reference, must be received by the deadline — there is no grace period, and incomplete submissions are discarded outright. If you do not see the application link yet, check back closer to the closing date or contact the Scholarships Office directly.
The Clock Is Ticking: Final Deadline
All applications of Jack Pearce Research Scholarship must be submitted by 4:30 PM (New Zealand time) on 31 October, 2026.