The Jackson Family Foundation Scholarship

Eligibility

Applicants must:

1. Be women students of Cook Island descent, who are citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand. Applicants of other Pacific Island descent may be considered at the discretion of the selection panel.
2. Be enrolled or intending to enrol in full-time study in any year of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree level programme at AUT.
3. Applicants entering or in the first year of study will have as a minimum a NCEA 200 rank score based on results at Level Two or higher in the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA).
4. Applicants in the second or subsequent year of study at AUT will have a minimum GPA of 3.5 (C+) across the most recently completed 120 points of study (two semesters).
5. Able to demonstrate challenging personal, family, or financial circumstances that may prevent them from undertaking full-time study.
6. Previous recipients may reapply in subsequent years and may hold the scholarship for not more than three years.

About the fund

Background

The Scholarship was established in 2013 and is funded by The Jackson Family Foundation, formerly known as the Fair Wind Foundation Trust. The Foundation supports underprivileged and underserved populations with a special focus on women’s and children’s education.

Purpose

The main purpose of the Scholarship is to assist women students of Cook Island descent, who are experiencing challenging personal, family, or financial circumstances that may prevent them from undertaking full-time study.

Value

$0 - $10000

Tenure of award

One year only (two consecutive semesters).

Funds available

$10000

Number of awards

1

Application process

How to apply

Applications are via the AUT online scholarship application portal.

REGULATIONS
APPLICATION FORM

Applicants will be asked to:

1. Upload a one-page personal statement outlining the applicant’s personal connection to the Cook Islands, motivation to succeed at university and demonstrated financial hardship.
2. Upload a current copy of the applicant’s NCEA record of achievement or academic transcripts for any tertiary study not completed at AUT.
3. Request through the online system a recommendation from an independent referee (e.g., school principal, community group leader). The recommendation should:
   a) Confirm that the applicant would have no realistic opportunity of university study without this study award because of personal/family or financial barriers.
   (b) Indicate whether the referee thinks that the applicant has the determination and ability to succeed in their chosen area of study.
   (c) Provide any other relevant information.

Selection

Selection will be upon the recommendation of a panel comprising the Assistant Vice-Chancellor Pacific Advancement, Chair of the Scholarships Committee (or nominee) and an executive member of AUT Foundation. No award will be made if in any year there is no candidate of sufficient merit. The panel will consider the candidates academic achievement, personal connection to the Cook Islands, motivation to succeed at university, demonstrated financial hardship.

Notified

Applicants will be notified the outcome by the University Scholarships Office as soon as The Jackson Family Foundation Board has approved the selection.

Requirements

The award of this scholarship is conditional on the recipient being enrolled and fees paid, or arranged to pay the fees, for full-time study in any year of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme. Scholars will enrol in no less than 120pts each year during the tenure of the scholarship. The award will be paid as a monthly stipend.

Who else has information about this fund

University Scholarships Office

Other information

The final value of the award is subject to current exchange rates at the time of transfer of funds to New Zealand.

Contact details