GWNZ Susan Byrne Memorial Scholarship
Value:
Up to $10,000
Location:
New Zealand
Open:
01 April 2026
Due:
31 May 2026
Purpose
The purpose of the Susan Byrne Memorial Scholarship is to assist mature women graduates (over 35 years) to change career through study or research at a university or other tertiary institution in New Zealand or overseas.
Eligibility criteria
The applicant is a woman degree graduate, who:
- Is 35 years of age or older at the date applications close
- Is enrolled for study or research at an approved tertiary institution in New Zealand or overseas
- Is using the Scholarship to assist a change in career
- Is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- Does not hold another GWNZ - Charitable Trust scholarship
Selection criteria
- Proposed study/research; preference is given to study/research in an area which is non-traditional for women
- Career change; preference is given to an applicant who is moving to a career which is non-traditional for women
- Academic profile
- Achievements
- Financial circumstances
- Potential impact
Award History
Susan Byrne was a member of NZFGW who generously bequeathed a sum of money to NZFGW with the suggestion that an award be established for women graduates wanting to make a change of career in mid-life. Susan first graduated in 1975 at Victoria University of Wellington, and in 1980 completed a PhD at Imperial College, University of London. She was a lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington, then at Massey University (Palmerston North) before moving to The University of Auckland where she began work in the Engineering School. Susan then changed to Mathematics, Operations Research and finally Management Information Systems before her untimely death in 2004.