Brief Description:

This scholarship supports students in their pursuit of an MSc in Chemistry at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury.

Value/Benefits: $2,500 per 120 points of thesis enrolment.

Level of Study: Masters

Closing Date: No application necessary. Enrolment in CHEM690 will be regarded as an application.

Tenure: Up to 120 points of enrolment

Number Available Annually: Determined annually

Applicable Enrolment During Tenure: Full-time enrolment in the thesis component of an MSc degree programme in Chemistry at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury.

Citizenship/Residency Requirements: Not applicable

For more information and to view the regulations, click here

Special Eligibility Requirements:

Selection will be based on:

academic achievement;
ability and willingness to contribute positively to science-based activities in the community and/or student experiences in Chemistry within the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences; and
financial need.

Additional Information:

The scholarship was established in 2011 with a gift from Ngaire Elisabeth (Betty) Wignall. Mrs Wignall was born on 27 March 1927 in Sumner, near Christchurch and spent her childhood there before attending secondary school at Columba College in Dunedin. She spent one year at the then Canterbury College in 1945, studying Medical Intermediate, prior to completing her degree in Home Science at the University of Otago. She then taught science and clothing at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls (1949– 51). After a year working at the Hammersmith Hospital laboratory in London, Mrs Wignall returned to New Zealand, where she worked briefly in Christchurch and then, for four years, with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in Wellington. She returned to Christchurch in 1958 to marry and raise her children. In 1974 Mrs Wignall became Administrative Secretary for the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry under the guidance of the late Denis Hogan, a highly recognised New Zealand Chemistry personality. Although working from home during her time with the Institute, Mrs Wignall spent many hours with the University of Canterbury’s Department of Chemistry, liaising with various members of the Chemistry fraternity. All three of Mrs Wignall's children were students of the University, with her daughter, Anne Wignall, studying Chemistry there. Following the Christchurch earthquakes, Mrs Wignall wanted to assist the Department of Chemistry in any way that she could, and, after consultation with the University, this scholarship was established. Mrs Wignall died in Christchurch on 20 December 2014, survived by her children Trevor, Anne, and Keith.

When the award was established in 2011 it was for students within the Department of Chemistry. In 2017 the Department of Chemistry merged with the Department of Physics and Astronomy to form the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences.

Contact Information:

For questions about this application, please contact Scholarships Office at scholarships@canterbury.ac.nz

Search Filters:

Level of Study

Postgraduate
Masters

Domestic/International Students

Domestic
International

Equity Awards

Financial hardship
Part-time study

Faculty/School

Science

Award Type

Any
Scholarship

Begin Accepting Applications Date:

18 Aug 2025

Deadline Date (NZT Time Zone):

18 Sep 2025 11:59 PM