The University of Auckland, known in Māori as Waipapa Taumata Rau, is New Zealand’s leading higher education institution. People say the institution was established in 1883, and it has built a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and innovation. The university demonstrates its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity in higher education through initiatives like the Vaka Moana Scholarship.
The Vaka Moana Scholarship, launched in 2020, is a significant initiative by the University of Auckland to increase the participation of Pacific Islander students in tertiary education. This scholarship reflects the university’s strategic goal of promoting diversity and supporting underrepresented communities in higher education.
Overview of the Scholarship
The Vaka Moana Scholarship is designed to provide substantial financial support to Pacific students who are entering university for the first time. The scholarship’s name, “Vaka Moana,” carries cultural significance, referring to the seafaring traditions of Pacific peoples. This name symbolizes the journey of education and personal growth that the scholarship aims to facilitate.
The Vaka Moana Scholarship plays a crucial role in addressing the underrepresentation of Pacific students in higher education in New Zealand. This initiative not only benefits individual students but also contributes to the broader goal of building capacity and expertise within Pacific communities.
Benefits
The benefits of University of Auckland Vaka Moana Scholarship include the following:
- Financial Support: The scholarship offers up to $20,000 in value.
- Accommodation: It covers one year of catered accommodation in a University of Auckland Hall of Residence.
- Technology Support: Recipients are provided with a laptop to aid their studies.
Eligibility Criteria
Prospective candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for the Vaka Moana Scholarship below:
- Be of Pacific descent
- Be entering their first year of undergraduate study at the University of Auckland
- Have completed secondary school or kura in the year immediately preceding their university enrollment
- The scholarship is open to students from all Pacific countries, emphasizing the university’s commitment to the broader Pacific region.
Application Process
The application process for the Vaka Moana Scholarship involves several steps:
- Carefully review the scholarship regulations to ensure eligibility.
- Complete the online application form available on the Auckland Scholars portal given below
- Ensure all sections of the application are completed by the closing date.
- Be prepared to provide references or endorsements if required.
Auckland Scholars portal: https://aucklandscholars.communityforce.com/Funds/FundDetails.aspx?496F49596D593768464E3537506B6F754D5442315A354B6F7770674B5277453163547A4C37544D796277314E484D65734E62613444386F714F35564D58476F776C4C774F3854324A4C42593D
For more information, visit award webpage at https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/scholarships-and-awards/find-a-scholarship/uoa-vaka-moana-scholarship-1080-all.html
Selection Process
A selection committee reviews applications, and outcomes are typically notified around eight weeks after the closing date. While they do not detail specific selection criteria, the process likely considers academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to Pacific communities.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the 2024 academic year is August 21, 2024.
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