Violet Wickham Memorial Bursary

For undergraduate agriculture students at Massey University who would otherwise be unable to study due to financial hardship.

Scholarship overview

Status: Closed

Key facts

Value: Approximately $5,000-$7,000
Duration: One year's duration
Number available: Multiple awards
Type of study: Full-time, Part-time, Undergraduate

Application dates

Applications open: 3 December 2024
Closing date: 3 March 2025

Restrictions

Eligibility restrictions: New Zealand born students. Full time or Part time. Have completed a minimum of 120 credits.

Violet Wickham (nee Zurcher) (1916-1988) was one of five children and grew up in Longburn, Manawatu on a dairy farm with her Swiss parents. Violet was deeply committed to helping those less fortunate than herself. Despite the demands of her own large family, she always found time to help other women and families in need. Her son Brian (born 1946) graduated from Massey with a Masters of Agricultural Science in 1972 and went on to complete a PhD in animal breeding and genetics at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA in 1975. Brian has used his knowledge and skills to contribute to the field of farm animal breeding in New Zealand, Ireland and worldwide.

The Violet Wickham Memorial Bursary was established by Brian Wickham in 2016. Like his mother, he believes in the value of education and the potential of young people no matter what their family circumstances.

Who we're looking for

We're looking for someone who is in the second or third year of an undergraduate degree in agriculture. You will be facing financial hardship.

What you'll be studying

This is an undergraduate scholarship. You will be enrolled in an undergraduate degree in agriculture and will have completed a minimum of 120 credits towards your degree at the time of application.

Eligibility criteria

In order to apply for this scholarship you will:

  • be born in New Zealand
  • be enrolled full time or part time (minimum of 30 credits per semester) in an undergraduate degree in the field of agriculture at Massey University
  • have completed at least 120 credits towards your degree at the time of application
  • have a grade point average of B or better in your study to date
  • be experiencing financial hardship

Application checklist

Include the following with your application:

  • a personal statement from you, describing your circumstances, outlining your ambitions for the future, and summarising your educational plans.
  • a financial statement which supports your claim of financial hardship and a budget which demonstrates how you plan to fund your education.
  • a copy of your Massey University transcripts/current enrolment. You can download your Study History Report from the Student Portal, under ‘Results and Exams’.

Selection considerations

When choosing our recipients we will consider your personal financial circumstances and demonstrated hardship, your intended education and career plans, and your grades to date.