The Terence O'Brien Family Scholarship in International Relations or Strategic Studies

Study area(s): Humanities and Social Sciences
Scholarship level: Master’s Research; Master's by coursework; Honours; All postgraduate
Closing date(s): 30 June
Tenure: One year
Award for: International; Domestic
Number offered: One
Value: $5,000 (subject to funds available)

History and purpose

Terence O'Brien served as a diplomat with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for over 40 years from 1959 - 2001. This service included postings as New Zealand's Representative to the Cook Islands, Ambassador to the United Nations, to GATT/WTO in Geneva, to the European Union in Brussels, and finally to the United Nations in New York, including a term as President of the UN Security Council.

He was appointed Founding Director of the New Zealand Centre for Strategic Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, a post he held for nearly eight years until his retirement in 2001.

The scholarship is to recognise and encourage top Honours and Masters students in International Relations and Strategic Studies who are studying international governance and/or some aspect of multilateral diplomacy or multilateral cooperation in the political, economic or security areas. It is hoped that the scholarship will help equip those who may have a career interest in professional diplomacy.

Who is eligible?

  • This scholarship is offered, via the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation, to Honours or Master’s students of International Relations or Strategic Studies at Victoria University of Wellington. Both full-time and part-time students are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

Selection criteria

  • Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol (full-time or part-time) in an Honours or Masters of International Relations or Strategic Studies at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington during the tenure of the scholarship.

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 proposal on the planned research in the areas of International Relations or Strategic Studies
  • A personal statement to highlight financial difficulties
  • A CV
  • Two academic references (to be requested via the online application)

Selection process

Recipients will be selected by the Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies and the Head of School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations. Selection will be based on the basis of applicants' academic track record as well as the strength and appropriateness of their research proposal. Financial need will also be taken into consideration.

Additional information

Recipients must write a letter of thanks to the donor's family.

Recipients of this scholarship may also be invited to an informal meeting with the donor's family.

If part time study for the recipient is approved, their scholarship award may be pro-rated. This decision will be made by the decision-making panel.

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 or part-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