ACC "Jonathan Nicholls" Scholarship

Study area(s): Business and government; Science
Scholarship level: All postgraduate; Returning students
Closing date(s): 15 March
Tenure: One year
Award for: International; Domestic
Number offered: One
Value: $6,000 (please see additional information)

History and purpose

In honour of Jonathan Nicholls (ACC's Head of Actuarial Services who passed away in early 2015), ACC wishes to promote the actuarial profession in much the same way that Jonathan did. ACC is dedicated to supporting Actuarial Science students and others looking to pursue a career in the actuarial profession.

ACC’s actuarial team provides support to ACC and the Ministry of Social Development. This allows for a unique opportunity for any potential internship offered, as the successful candidate could be placed in either of the two agencies. As such, a successful student would have the chance to gain exposure to a variety of areas where actuarial skills can be applied, including a combination of traditional and non-traditional areas.

The purpose of the scholarship is to promote, develop and grow students wishing to pursue a career as an Actuary. It is also an investment towards local talent to provide a student in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Finance or specifically Actuarial Science with financial support to complete their final year of study at Victoria University of Wellington.

Who is eligible?

  • This scholarship is offered to current students (undergraduate or postgraduate) at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington.
  • Applicants are expected to have commitment to working in the actuarial profession, a good academic record, communication skills (ability to explain complex ideas clearly both verbally and in writing), motivation to achieve, committed to achieving agreed objectives and working in the actuarial profession and meeting the needs of our business customers.
  • Applicants are also required to have a good team work attitude (demonstrated contribution to a positive and supportive team environment) as well as some knowledge of ACC scheme benefits and business environment.

Selection criteria

  • Applicants must be currently studying (undergraduate or postgraduate) at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington.
  • Applicants must be studying Actuarial Science, Economics, Finance, Mathematics, or Statistics.
  • Preference will be given to applicants who are intending to finish their studies in the next year and have completed ACTS201.
  • Open to domestic and international students. Preference will be given to candidates intending to stay and work in New Zealand in the actuarial profession after the completion of their study.

Application process

A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4.30 pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.

Applications will normally open one month prior to the closing date. If no application link is provided below, check back again closer to the closing date. Contact us if you have any queries.

Scholarship specific documentation

  • A statement outlining current/proposed programme of study
  • A CV
  • Two references (to be requested via the online application)

Selection process

The successful recipient will be selected by the Head of Actuarial Services at ACC, Head of School of Mathematics and Statistics, Programme Director of Actuarial Sciences, Head of School of Economics and Finance (or their nominees).

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an informal interview with the donor (ACC).

Additional information

Recipients must write a letter of thanks to the donor of this scholarship and provide an end year progress report to ACC.

The successful recipient may also be offered an internship at ACC over the summer break, subject to business requirements.

Regulations and conditions

  1. A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4:30pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.
  2. All offers of the Scholarship will be conditional upon the recipient being fully enrolled in a full-year programme (full-time will be at the level of points considered by Studylink as full-time) within the stipulated criteria and tenure of the scholarship. No payment of the Scholarship will be made until this condition is met.
  3. The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
  4. The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other awards.
  5. Should the recipient withdraw from Victoria University of Wellington during the tenure of this scholarship or fail to achieve a satisfactory progress, partial repayment of the Scholarship will normally be expected. Recipients must advise the Scholarships Office if they intend to withdraw.
  6. Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Victoria University of Wellington and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
  7. At the discretion of the Deciding Authority, the application of the terms and conditions of the Scholarship may be modified in special circumstances or to avoid hardship to any candidate for the Scholarship.

Contact

Scholarships Office
scholarships-office@vuw.ac.nz
Phone 0800 04 04 04