Submit Entries for Phyllis Augusta Rolfes Scholarship (New Zealand)

Deadline: 30-Oct-2026

The Phyllis Augusta Rolfes Scholarship is inviting applications from young New Zealand citizens from Kaikōura who wish to pursue overseas study in a scientific field. The scholarship supports young people who have attended a Kaikōura school for at least five years and want to gain international education, experience, and expertise in science. In the 2026 grant round, 2–3 scholarships of up to $30,000 each are available.

About the Phyllis Augusta Rolfes Scholarship

The PA Rolfes Scholarship Trust was established through the will of Phyllis Augusta Rolfes to provide ongoing educational support to young people from Kaikōura, New Zealand. The scholarship aims to encourage further scientific education overseas and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge and standards in New Zealand. By supporting overseas study, the scholarship enables recipients to gain international experience and expertise that can contribute to their future careers and the broader scientific community in New Zealand. Who Can Apply? The scholarship is intended for young New Zealand citizens who meet specific age, education, and Kaikōura connection requirements.

Applicants must:

- Be a New Zealand citizen. - Be aged between 18 and 30 years when the scholarship is awarded. - Have attended a school or schools in Kaikōura for at least five years. - Intend to undertake overseas study in a scientific field. - Demonstrate how their proposed studies can contribute to raising scientific standards in New Zealand. Applicants should provide evidence supporting their eligibility as part of the application. What Study Is Supported? The scholarship supports overseas study in a scientific field. Applicants should explain their proposed course or programme and demonstrate why overseas study is important to their educational and professional development. The proposed study should also have a connection to the scholarship’s objective of contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge and standards in New Zealand. How Much Funding Is Available? The Rolfes’ Trust Fund will offer 2–3 scholarships of up to $30,000 each during the 2026 grant round.

Key funding details include:

- Number of scholarships: 2–3.

- Maximum value: $30,000 per scholarship.

- Study location: Overseas.

- Study area: Scientific fields.

- Potential scholarship duration: One to three years.

- Continuation: Subject to annual committee approval.

The scholarship can provide substantial support towards eligible education and related costs associated with the proposed overseas study. How Is the Scholarship Paid? Payment is typically made directly to the education provider after confirmation of enrolment. However, scholarship funds may also be allocated towards other study-related expenses when these costs are clearly identified in the application.

Potential expenses may include:

- Books. - Accommodation. - Stationery. - Travel. Applicants should clearly detail any requested allocation for these expenses in their application. Scholarship Duration The scholarship may be awarded for a period of one to three years. Continuation beyond the initial period is not automatic. Ongoing support is subject to annual approval by the committee. Recipients should therefore demonstrate continued progress and meet any requirements established for continuation. Application Requirements Applicants must provide documentation demonstrating their eligibility and the details of their proposed overseas study. Required application information includes: - Proof of New Zealand citizenship. - Evidence of attendance at a Kaikōura school for at least five years. - Academic records. - Details of the proposed overseas study. - At least one reference related to the applicant’s study capabilities. - Information about research potential, particularly where relevant. - An essay explaining the reasons for choosing the proposed course of study. - Career aspirations. Applicants should ensure that their application provides a clear picture of their academic background, proposed study, research potential, and future career plans. Academic Records and Study Capabilities Academic records are required as part of the application. Applicants must also provide at least one reference relating to their study capabilities. Particular attention is given to research potential, so applicants should select a referee who can provide relevant information about their academic or research abilities. Required Essay Applicants must submit an essay outlining: - Why they have chosen their proposed course of study. - Their reasons for undertaking the study overseas. - Their career aspirations. - How their education may contribute to scientific standards in New Zealand. The essay should clearly connect the applicant’s proposed studies with their longer-term educational and career goals. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants should make sure their application clearly demonstrates their connection to Kaikōura and their commitment to scientific education.

A strong application should explain:

- The applicant’s academic background. - Their connection to Kaikōura. - The proposed overseas course or programme. - Why the chosen course is important. - Their research potential and study capabilities. - Their career aspirations. - How the proposed study can contribute to scientific knowledge or standards in New Zealand. - How the scholarship funding will be used. Applicants requesting support for books, accommodation, stationery, or travel should provide clear details of these costs. Key Facts About the Phyllis Augusta Rolfes Scholarship

- Scholarship: Phyllis Augusta Rolfes Scholarship

- Trust: PA Rolfes Scholarship Trust

- Grant round: 2026

- Number of scholarships: 2–3

- Maximum value: $30,000 each

- Applicant nationality: New Zealand citizens

- Age: 18–30 at the time the scholarship is awarded

- Kaikōura requirement: At least five years of attendance at a Kaikōura school

- Study location: Overseas

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