GFS (Girls Friendly Society) Pasifika Scholarship

History and purpose:

GFS (Girls Friendly Society) was founded in London in 1875 by Elizabeth Townsend, to provide support and skills training for girls who came from the country to work in the city. The Society is non-sectarian but it is under the umbrella of the Anglican Church. GFS was established in New Zealand in 1881 by Lady Jervois, wife of the Governor-General. It grew to a network of branches throughout the country and specialised in the establishment of hostels for young women living away from home. With changes in society all the hostels eventually closed. Wellington is unique in New Zealand as it is the only GFS branch which retained the capital from the sale of property. The invested capital now funds scholarships which mirror the ideals of Elizabeth Townsend. The Society’s scholarships are ‘means tested’ - aimed towards students from lower socio-economic backgrounds and refugees where a large student loan can often deter students from pursuing tertiary studies.

This scholarship is offered to female, domestic Pasifika students under 25 years of age who are facing financial hardship, and currently enrolled in their first or second year of tertiary study. Scholarship offers are conditional on the recipient being fully enrolled in the year of tenure.

Criteria:

• Applicants must be female.
• Applicants must be domestic (New Zealand citizen or permanent resident) Pasifika students.
• Applicants must be under 25 years of age.
• Applicants must be currently enrolled at Victoria University of Wellington in their first or second year of study.
• Applicants must be experiencing financial hardship.