John Fitzgerald Memorial Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington 2025-26

John Fitzgerald Memorial Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington

This scholarship was established in memory of John Fitzgerald, a 1997 graduate of the Victoria University of Wellington School of Architecture, through contributions from his former employer Holden and Partners (London) along with colleagues, clients, friends, and family in the UK and New Zealand. It supports studies, research, projects, exhibitions, or related activities towards completing undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications.

Eligibility Criteria: 

1. The scholarship is open to students in their fourth year or higher in architecture, including Masters and PhD students. Undergraduate students in their fourth year who have completed all third-year core papers or have equivalent credit or experience, and intend to pursue postgraduate study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, are also eligible.
2. The selection committee considers projects that advance architectural knowledge, techniques, or developments, encouraging innovation and alignment with John Fitzgerald’s interests, including contemporary minimalist architecture in harmony with the environment, historic urban site architecture, precision and technology in design, and New Zealand’s architectural identity.

Selection Criteria: 

1. Applicants must be in their fourth year or higher and enrolled in an architecture degree or research programme at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
2. Undergraduate applicants must have completed all third-year core papers or have equivalent credit/experience and intend to pursue postgraduate study, with full enrolment in a full-year programme in the scholarship year.

Application Process: A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4.30 pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.

Award: NZD 7,500.

Deadline: 1st October, 2025.

Note: 

1. Recipients are expected to prepare project outcomes suitable for presentation to students, professionals, and the public, while fostering NZ–UK architectural connections and benefiting from cross-cultural experiences.
2. The award is generally presented annually in November by the Head of the School of Architecture, and recipients must write a thank-you letter to the donors.
3. The Fitzgerald family and Holden & Partners may provide support with practical arrangements, including accommodation, hosting, advice, networking, or local transportation.
4. The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
5. The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other awards.