Fund Details
Admiral Sir Gordon Tait University Scholarship (Incoming First-Year Scholarship)
Award Amount
$4,500 per annum for three to four years

Brief Description:

To apply for this scholarship, please use the UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships 2027 application form. Applications open 11 June 2026 and close 6 August 2026

The purpose of this scholarship is to support ex-pupils of Timaru Boys’ High School who have demonstrated all-round excellence and financial need, to complete a programme for an undergraduate degree at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury.

Value/Benefits: Financial assistance at a value of $4,500 per annum for up to four years

Level of Study: Incoming First-Year Undergraduate

Closing Date: 11:59 pm (NZT) 7 August* (Applications open approximately 8 weeks before this date.)

*If the 7th falls on a Friday or Saturday, the closing day will change as follows:
  1. If it is a Friday, the closing date will shift to Thursday, 6th August
  2. If it is a Saturday, the closing date will shift to Sunday, 8th August
Tenure: Three to four years

Number Available Annually: One

Applicable Enrolment During Tenure: The scholarship is tenable during full-time enrolment in a programme for an undergraduate degree at the University

Citizenship/Residency Requirements: Not applicable

Special Requirements: Applicants must either be currently enrolled at Timaru Boys’ High School, or, in the case of a gap year, have been enrolled at Timaru Boys’ High School in the year immediately prior to the year of application

For more information, please read the regulations for this award: click here.

Special Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must either be currently enrolled at Timaru Boys’ High School, or, in the case of a gap year, have been enrolled at Timaru Boys’ High School in the year immediately prior to the year of application.

Selection will be based on:
  1. academic achievement
  2. leadership potential
  3. involvement in sport, cultural, and/or community activities; and
  4. financial need

Additional Information:

Philippa, Lady Tait, established the scholarship in 2008 in memory of Admiral Sir Gordon Tait KCB, DSC (1921–2005), who was a pupil at Timaru Boys’ High School from 1935 to 1939, and the son of AG Tait, Rector of the school from 1935 to 1947. Admiral Tait had a long career with the Royal Navy, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for courage and coolness in action while serving on HM Submarine Taurus in the Mediterranean. In 1978 he was promoted to Admiral and at the same time was made a Freeman of the City of London. Retiring to Auckland, Admiral Tait became involved in public work, chairing community trusts, and charity.

Contact Information:

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

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