NZ Freemasons University Scholarships

FreemasonsNZ

In 1978 the Auckland District members of the Board of Benevolence were of the view that the Craft would derive some benefit from assisting young persons who had no Masonic connections and who were experiencing financial difficulties during their period of university studies.A pilot scheme was established for a trial period of one year at University of Auckland. In 1978 $1,000 was expended, which rose to $3,045 in 1979 and $3,010 over just four months in 1980. The scheme was terminated in 1980 as it was evident it should be extended to the other 6 universities.
In its stead in 1981 a substitute scheme designated for students awarding bursaries of $500.00 each. Eighteen per year were awarded and divided between the seven universities, proportional to their student population.
In 1992 the Bursaries were discontinued but replaced with applications for “Tertiary Assistance” a supplementary form completed in conjunction with “Application for Assistance.”
Photo: His Excellency, The Governor-General of New Zealand, The Hon Anand Satyanand presents a Freemasons University Scholarship award to Victoria University student, Alexander Feary.

Freemasons Scholarships were awarded for the first time in 1992 for academic excellence Scholarships Awarded to seven universities in New Zealand, now  we have eight:

Auckland

AUT

Waikato

Massey

Victoria

Canterbury

Lincoln

Otago

A scholarship committee works with the University directly in considering all applications and decides independently on the successful applicants.

Value of Scholarships Awarded 1998 – 2006  ( 9 years):
$1,540,000

Awarded in 2008:
7 Postgraduate Scholarships      @ $10,000 each
25 Undergraduate Scholarships @ $ 6,000  each

The committee may opt not to award a PG and use money in scholarships or vice versa.