The Craig Buck Andrews PhD Scholarship for 2025 is a prestigious, fully funded doctoral award designed to advance research in financial reporting and financial management, with a specific focus on developing countries. Established by the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation, this scholarship honors the late Craig Andrews of Washington DC. Known for his extensive work on World Bank projects in various developing nations and his collaboration with academics from Victoria University of Wellington, Craig Andrews’ experiences and dedication to supporting economic and social development in emerging economies inspired the creation of this award. The scholarship aims to enhance capacity-building in financial reporting and management in these regions.
Purpose and Historical Context
This scholarship embodies Craig Andrews’ strong commitment to economic progress in developing countries. Through his involvement with World Bank projects, he recognized the crucial role of sustainable, transparent financial systems for economic growth. The scholarship supports research that improves financial governance in primary and concessionable industries—key areas for development.
The primary goal of the Craig Buck Andrews PhD Scholarship is to promote doctoral research that develops expertise in financial systems for developing countries. By nurturing local knowledge and skills in financial reporting and management, the scholarship aims to enhance economic resilience and sustainability. Craig Andrews believed that bolstering financial management in emerging economies would drive broader social and economic development, which continues to be the scholarship’s central mission.
Degree Level:
The Craig Buck Andrews PhD Scholarship for 2025-2026 is available for undertaking PhD programs at Victoria University of Wellington.
Available Subjects:
Under this scholarship, you can pursue research in the following fields:
- Financial Management
- Financial Reporting
- Benefits
Benefits:
Total Value: NZD $105,000 (up to NZD $35,000 annually over three years)
Eligible Nationalities:
This scholarship is available to both domestic and international students of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria:
Institutional Affiliation:
Applicants must be enrolled in the School of Accounting and Commercial Law at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington.
Research Focus:
The PhD thesis must address topics related to financial reporting or financial management in developing countries.
Contribution to Capacity Building: The thesis should contribute to enhancing capacity for sound financial management, particularly in primary industries or industries operating under concession agreements.
Preference for Developing Country Nationals: Preference may be given to applicants from developing nations who plan to return to their home country after completing their studies, aligning with the scholarship’s mission to build local capacity.
Selection Criteria:
Enrolment in a PhD Programme: Applicants must intend to enrol in a PhD program within the School of Accounting and Commercial Law.
Research Focus: The thesis should directly support the scholarship’s goal of improving financial capacity in developing regions.
Preference for Developing Country Nationals: Priority may be given to students from developing countries.
Application Procedure:
Entry Requirements: Applicants must meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies at Victoria University of Wellington.
Submission: Applications must be submitted online through the Wellington Faculty of Graduate Research portal. Applicants should specify their intention to apply for the Craig Buck Andrews PhD Scholarship.
Required Documents:
- Personal statements
- Character references
- Evidence of financial hardship (if applicable)
- These documents will be reviewed by a selection panel that includes the Head of the School of Accounting and Commercial Law and other academic experts.
Selection and Tenure:
Selection Committee:
The recipient will be chosen by a committee including the Head of the School of Accounting and Commercial Law, Professor Keitha Dunstan (Bond University), and Tony van Zijl (Victoria University of Wellington).
Duration: The scholarship covers three years of full-time doctoral study. The recipient must remain enrolled full-time at Victoria University of Wellington. If the student withdraws or fails to make satisfactory progress, partial repayment of the funds may be required. The scholarship cannot be deferred and may be held alongside other awards.
Conclusion:
The Craig Buck Andrews PhD Scholarship provides a unique and valuable opportunity for both international and domestic students dedicated to advancing financial development in emerging economies. This fully funded scholarship, with its generous three-year tenure, significantly supports the academic and research pursuits of students at Victoria University of Wellington’s School of Accounting and Commercial Law.
Reflecting Craig Andrews’ vision of strengthening financial systems in developing countries, this scholarship ensures that recipients’ research has a meaningful and lasting impact on the economic development of their home nations. With a strong focus on capacity building and support for scholars from developing regions, this PhD scholarship exemplifies the transformative power of education in fostering social and economic change.
