Craig Buck Andrews PhD Scholarship

The Craig Buck Andrews PhD Scholarship in Financial Reporting & Financial Management is a prestigious, fully funded doctoral award offered at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Established in honor of the late Craig Andrews of Washington, D.C., this scholarship aims to foster academic research in financial reporting and management within the context of developing countries. Through this initiative, the university seeks to support sustainable economic growth and development in these regions. The scholarship is valued at a total of $105,000, with an annual stipend of $35,000 for three years. This financial support enables scholars to focus solely on their research, thus promoting excellence in academic inquiry.

Scholarship Details:

• Scholarship Level: Doctoral (fully funded)
• Closing Date: November 2026 (not offered until then)
• Tenure: Three years
• Number Offered: One scholarship every three years
• Award Value: $105,000 (up to $35,000 per year)
• Eligibility: Domestic and international students

History and Purpose of the Scholarship

The Craig Buck Andrews PhD Scholarship was endowed through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation by the late Craig Andrews, a passionate advocate for financial management reforms in developing nations. Throughout his career, Mr. Andrews worked extensively on World Bank projects, collaborating with academics from Victoria University of Wellington. Based on these experiences, he wished to leave a lasting legacy by funding research that contributes to capacity building in financial reporting and financial management in primary and concessionable industries.

This scholarship was created with the goal of promoting sound financial practices in developing countries, which are often hindered by inadequate financial infrastructure and governance. By providing financial support for advanced research in this area, the scholarship aims to empower scholars to contribute to the development of sound financial policies, ultimately promoting economic stability and social welfare in their home countries.

Who is Eligible?

The Craig Buck Andrews PhD Scholarship is open to applicants who meet the following criteria:

• Enrolment in the School of Accounting and Commercial Law at Victoria University of Wellington.
• The applicant must intend to complete a PhD thesis focused on financial reporting and/or financial management in developing countries.
• The thesis should aim to contribute to capacity building in financial reporting and management in primary or concessionable industries in developing regions.
• Preference may be given to students from developing countries who plan to return home after completing their PhD, where they can apply their research to support local development initiatives.

Selection Criteria

In order to be considered for the Craig Buck Andrews PhD Scholarship, applicants must meet specific selection criteria, including:

• PhD Enrollment: Applicants must intend to enroll in a PhD in the School of Accounting and Commercial Law at Victoria University of Wellington.
• Research Focus: Their research should focus on financial reporting and/or financial management in the context of developing countries, particularly in primary or concessionable industries.
• Commitment to Development: The successful candidate should demonstrate a clear intention to contribute to their home country's development post-graduation.

Scholarship Documentation and Application Process

In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements, applicants will need to prepare the following documentation:

• Doctoral Admission and Scholarship Application: New doctoral applicants must complete this online form, ensuring they clearly indicate their interest in the Craig Buck Andrews PhD Scholarship.
• Supporting Documentation: Applicants may need to provide evidence of financial hardship, along with personal statements or character references to strengthen their applications.
• Doctoral Study Entry Requirements: To be eligible, applicants must meet the standard entry requirements for doctoral study at Victoria University of Wellington. This includes having an outstanding academic record, a strong research proposal, and letters of recommendation.

Selection Process

The selection process for the scholarship is rigorous. A panel comprising the Head of the School of Accounting and Commercial Law, alongside Professor Keitha Dunstan of Bond University and Tony van Zijl from Victoria University of Wellington, will review the applications. In some cases, nominees may be selected to replace these individuals on the panel.

The panel will evaluate the applications based on academic merit, the quality of the proposed research, and the potential impact of the research on financial management in developing countries. Candidates will be judged not only on their academic performance but also on their passion for using their research to foster growth in their home regions.

Additional Information and Obligations

Recipients of the Craig Buck Andrews PhD Scholarship are expected to meet the following obligations:

• Letter of Thanks: Recipients must write a letter of thanks to the donor, expressing their gratitude for the support.
• Full Enrollment: Recipients must be fully enrolled in a full-year, full-time program at Victoria University of Wellington for the duration of the scholarship.
• Ambassadorial Role: Scholarship holders are expected to serve as ambassadors for the university, representing Victoria University of Wellington at relevant events and participating in marketing efforts as needed.
• Return to Home Country: Preference is given to applicants who plan to return to their home countries to contribute to economic and social development after completing their studies.

Regulations and Conditions

The Craig Buck Andrews PhD Scholarship is governed by the following regulations:

• Submission Deadlines: All application materials, including references and supporting documentation, must be submitted by 4:30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Conditional Offers: Scholarship offers are conditional on recipients being fully enrolled in a full-time PhD program. No payments will be made until this condition is met.
• Non-Deferment: The scholarship cannot be deferred. It must be used during the academic period for which it was awarded.
• Combination with Other Awards: The scholarship may be held in conjunction with other financial awards, provided that the total value of all scholarships does not exceed certain limits.
• Withdrawal or Unsatisfactory Progress: If a recipient withdraws from the university or fails to maintain satisfactory academic progress, they may be required to repay part of the scholarship.
• Discretion of the Deciding Authority: In special circumstances, the terms and conditions of the scholarship may be modified to avoid hardship or accommodate exceptional situations.

Contact Information

For more information about the Craig Buck Andrews PhD Scholarship, prospective applicants can contact the Scholarships Office at Victoria University of Wellington. The office can provide guidance on the application process, eligibility requirements, and any other queries related to the scholarship.

• Email:scholarships-office@vuw.ac.nz
• Phone: 0800 04 04 04

To learn more and apply, visit Victoria University of Wellington official website here. 

The Craig Buck Andrews PhD Scholarship in Financial Reporting and Financial Management represents a unique opportunity for ambitious students from developing countries who are passionate about promoting economic and social development through sound financial management practices. The scholarship offers substantial financial support and provides a platform for conducting impactful research that can benefit entire regions. By offering this scholarship, the Victoria University of Wellington continues to honor Craig Andrews’ legacy while fostering global financial leadership.

Click here to visit Victoria University of Wellington official application page.