Michael Baldwin Memorial Scholarship 2027

The Michael Baldwin Memorial Scholarship was established in 2004 in memory of Michael Baldwin, who was a member of staff at the University of Waikato at the time of his death in 2003.

Before joining the University of Waikato, Michael Baldwin had taught for several years in Papua New Guinea. The scholarship reflects his commitment to teaching and supporting others in their educational development and was made possible through a donation from the Baldwin family.

For 2027, the scholarship is intended to support promising students who are citizens of the South Pacific region and are undertaking an approved programme of study at the University of Waikato. The scholarship particularly seeks students who demonstrate a commitment to contributing to the future development and society of the South Pacific region.

The scholarship can support students across all subject areas and study levels, provided they are enrolled or intend to enrol in an approved full-time programme at the University of Waikato during the scholarship year. The 2027 regulations provide for one NZD 10,000 scholarship, paid directly to the recipient in two instalments during the year.

• Applicants must be citizens of a South Pacific nation as defined by the UN Coastal States of the South Pacific.
• Citizens of New Zealand and Australia are not eligible.
• Applicants holding dual citizenship with an eligible South Pacific nation and New Zealand or Australia are also excluded.
• Applicants may be residing in New Zealand or offshore when applying.
• Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in an approved full-time programme of study at the University of Waikato in 2027.
• Applicants must demonstrate commitment to contributing to the future development or society of the South Pacific region.
• Applicants who currently hold a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship are not eligible.
• Previous recipients of the Michael Baldwin Memorial Scholarship may apply again provided they passed all papers during the year or years in which they previously held the scholarship.
• Financial need may receive preference during selection.
• Preference may also be given to citizens of Papua New Guinea.
• Preference may be given to applicants who are not residents or permanent residents of New Zealand or Australia.

• NZD 10,000 total scholarship value.
• NZD 5,000 paid directly to the recipient after the withdrawal date of the first trimester of study.
• A further NZD 5,000 paid after the withdrawal date of the following trimester.
• The second payment is conditional on the recipient passing all papers in their first trimester.
• Financial support may help recipients meet study and living expenses while undertaking full-time study.
• Available across all subject areas at the University of Waikato.
• Scholarship recipients are strongly encouraged to participate in the University's Imua Programme.
• The scholarship may be held alongside another bursary, scholarship or award where the regulations of the other funding source permit co-tenure.

Applicants must submit the following as part of the online scholarship application:

• Personal Statement.
• CV of no more than two A4 pages.
• Proof of citizenship.
• Verified copies of academic transcripts, including the grading scale, from other tertiary institutions attended.
• Two confidential references.

The Personal Statement should address:

• Current, previous or intended contributions to community development or society in the South Pacific region.
• Financial need.
• Other funding available to support travel to and study in New Zealand.
• Previous recipients should additionally explain the impact the scholarship has had on their academic and personal life.

The two confidential references must include:

• One academic reference addressing the applicant's likely academic progress at university.
• One character reference.
• Neither referee may be an immediate member of the applicant's family.

Selection is based on:

• The applicant's current, previous or future contributions to community development or society in the South Pacific region.
• Academic merit.
• Financial need may receive preference.
• Citizens of Papua New Guinea may receive preference.
• Applicants who are not residents or permanent residents of New Zealand or Australia may receive preference.

The Selection Panel consists of representatives connected with the University's Scholarships Committee, Pacific leadership and the Baldwin family.

• Receive NZD 10,000 in direct financial support.
• Study at the University of Waikato in New Zealand.
• Available across all subject areas.
• Open across study levels where an approved full-time programme is undertaken.
• Supports students committed to development and positive impact in the South Pacific.
• Recognises both academic merit and community contribution.
• Can potentially be held with other awards where co-tenure rules permit.
• Provides an opportunity to become part of the University of Waikato academic community.