Teresia Teaiwa Memorial Postgraduate Scholarship in Pacific Studies

Description

This scholarship is open to postgraduate students who are New Zealand citizens of Pacific Islands descent, permanent residents of Pacific Islands descent, or international students of Pacific Islands descent.

History

This scholarship has been established in memory of Associate Professor Teresia Kieuea Teaiwa. She was the Director of Va’aomanū Pasifika, a renowned scholar, activist and poet, and a hard-working, generous and warm personality of the Victoria University of Wellington community from 2000 to 2017. Of Banaban, I-Kiribati and African American descent from Fiji, Teresia is internationally known for her ground-breaking work in Pacific Studies. In 2000, she moved to New Zealand to join Victoria University of Wellington to teach the world’s first undergraduate major in Pacific Studies, of which she was Programme Director until 2009. She was promoted to Director of Va’aomanū Pasifika in 2016, home to the University's Pacific and Samoan Studies programmes. Associate Professor Teresia Teaiwa passed away in March 2017 from cancer, leaving an immense legacy. It was Teresia’s wish that scholarships be established to support Pacific students doing Pacific Studies. This postgraduate scholarship honours and acknowledges the significant contribution Teresia made to the lives of students.

Who is eligible?

• Applicants must be of Pacific Islands descent.
• Applicants must be enrolling in a postgraduate programme at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington intending to complete an Honours, Masters, or Doctorate qualification in Pacific Studies.

Selection criteria

This scholarship is open to New Zealand citizens of Pacific Islands descent, permanent residents of Pacific Islands descent, or international students of Pacific Islands descent. Applicants must be enrolling in a postgraduate programme at Victoria University of Wellington majoring in Pacific Studies. This scholarship will cover the recipient’s full fees, and any remaining funds will be paid as a stipend in instalments.

The primary consideration will be the applicant’s scholarly ability, followed by financial need, and a demonstration of a connection and commitment to Pacific communities and issues.

Application process

A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4.30 pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.

Applications will normally open one month prior to the closing date. If no application link is provided below, check back again closer to the closing date. Contact us if you have any queries.

Scholarship specific documentation

• Applicants must complete the financial section of the online application.
• A personal statement detailing what holding this scholarship would mean to the applicant, along with details of how the applicant demonstrates commitment to, and engagement with the interdisciplinary field of Pacific Studies, and with Pacific communities and issues.

Selection process

The successful recipient will be selected by a committee chaired by the Programme Director of Pacific Studies, or their nominee, comprising of the Head of School of Languages and Culture, or their nominee, other appropriate academic staff and a nominated member of Teresia’s family where possible.  Applicants may be asked to attend an interview.

Additional information

Recipients must write a letter of thanks to Teresia’s family and may be asked to meet with family members.

Recipients will also be asked to act as an ambassador for this scholarship and may be asked to be involved in events or promotional activities associated with Pacific Studies and the University.

Regulations and conditions

1. A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm on the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4:30pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.
2. All offers of the Scholarship will be conditional upon the recipient being fully enrolled in a full-year programme (full-time will be at the level of points considered by Studylink as full-time) within the stipulated criteria and tenure of the scholarship. No payment of the Scholarship will be made until this condition is met.
3. The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
4. The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other awards.
5. Should the recipient withdraw from Victoria University of Wellington during the tenure of this scholarship or fail to achieve a satisfactory progress, partial repayment of the Scholarship will normally be expected. Recipients must advise the Scholarships Office if they intend to withdraw.
6. Recipients are expected to act as Ambassadors for Victoria University of Wellington and participate in appropriate events or marketing if requested.
7. At the discretion of the Deciding Authority, the application of the terms and conditions of the Scholarship may be modified in special circumstances or to avoid hardship to any candidate for the Scholarship.

Contact

Scholarships Office
scholarships-office@vuw.ac.nz
Phone 0800 04 04 04