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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Woolf Fisher Trust?
The late Sir Woolf Fisher was a passionate supporter
of education in New Zealand. In 1960 he founded the Woolf Fisher Trust
for the advancement of scientific and general education in New Zealand
through its prestigious fellowships and scholarships. When making these
awards, the Trust has always sought to uphold the guiding principles and
values of its founder.
WOOLF FISHER SCHOLARSHIP
What is the Scholarship worth?
The scholarships are estimated to be worth around $100,000
per student per year. Three or four years of funding will be provided,
depending on the length of the student’s doctoral course.
The funding includes:
| > | a maintenance allowance of £12,000 per annum |
| > | approved University and College fees |
| > | an annual London-New Zealand return economy airfare |
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Go to the NZVCC
website to apply online. Please do not send information directly to
the Woolf Fisher Trust.
How is the scholarship awarded?
The scholarship recipients will be announced at the completion of personal
interviews of a short-list of candidates by a Selection Committee. Application
closing date is the 1st of August in each year for doctoral study starting
the following year.
How does the Woolf Fisher Scholarship
compare with other awards?
The scholarship is broadly comparable to the long-established Rhodes Scholarship
which offers study at Oxford University for up to three
years.
However, the Woolf Fisher Scholarship has a strong emphasis on high academic achievement and potential, offers a choice of Cambridge or Oxford universities, and is for three or four years of doctoral study. It also seeks Scholars with strong connections to New Zealand and provides them with an annual return flight to New Zealand.
What are the criteria for applying?
The Woolf Fisher Scholarship recognises graduates of
New Zealand universities at the top of their chosen subject who have first
class Honours degrees and who want to undertake doctoral studies at a
world-class university.
Candidates must have studied for at least two years in a New Zealand secondary school and they should demonstrate some of the qualities which Sir Woolf Fisher admired: integrity, leadership, bold vision, exceptional zeal, keenness and capacity for work.
How are the scholarships funded?
Through the Woolf Fisher Trust, which since 1960 has managed and built
Sir Woolf Fisher’s original legacy.
Do Scholars have to come back to New
Zealand?
Scholars are not compelled to return to New Zealand, but will be encouraged
to do so during their studies through the provision of an annual economy
return airfare. It is hoped that former Scholars will maintain a beneficial
connection to New Zealand during their working life.
WOOLF FISHER FELLOWSHIPS
Who is eligible for a Fellowship?
Secondary, intermediate and primary principals, polytechnic senior managers
and secondary teachers. These are not available by application.
How do I apply for a Woolf Fisher
Fellowship?
The Trust does not accept applications for Fellowships. Instead, trustees
use a system of nomination which seeks to ensure that the awards are made
to worthy principals and teachers across a range of schools and subjects.
Please Note: The essence of the Fellowships is the element of surprise. Under no circumstances can we accept applications for the Woolf Fisher Fellowships. This is a longstanding policy.
How many Fellows are there each year?
Approximately 15.
Do the Fellows have a choice of which
countries they visit?
Countries are suggested by the trustees, but sensible variation is allowed.
Are Fellows paid during their study
trips?
Under an agreement with the Ministry of Education, Fellows will continue
to receive their full salary and the Ministry will pay for relief teaching
costs to cover the period the Fellow is away.
What qualities do Fellows have?
Fellows are measured primarily by the achievements of the schools they
lead or of the students they teach. They must also demonstrate some of
the qualities which Sir Woolf Fisher admired: integrity, leadership, bold
vision, exceptional zeal, keenness and capacity for work.
