Teresia Teaiwa Memorial Scholarship in Pacific Studies

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 Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington community from 2000 to 2017. 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, 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 undergraduate scholarship honours and acknowledges the significant contribution Teresia made to the lives of students.

Who is eligible?

• Applicants must declare Pacific Studies as their major or joint major and be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate programme at Victoria University of Wellington in the year following application.
• Applicants who are school leavers must have NCEA Level 2 endorsed with Merit in their Year 12 at the time of application.
• Successful applicants will be required to gain University Entrance or equivalent and will achieve Merit endorsement in their NCEA Level 3 certificate by the start of trimester 1 the year following application.
• Applicants who are currently studying their undergraduate degree must hold a grade point average of B (5).

Selection criteria

This scholarship is open to New Zealand citizens of Pacific Island descent, NZ permanent residents of Pacific Island descent, or residents of a Pacific Island who wish to study in NZ and are eligible for a student visa, as per New Zealand Immigration regulations to allow them to study at Victoria University of Wellington. This scholarship is open to students entering their first, second, third or final year in undergraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington.

Preference will be given to applicants who are experiencing financial hardship. The successful candidate must demonstrate a connection and commitment to the Pacific community 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

• New Zealand school leavers will be required to provide their NSN number or other candidate number for their qualification.
• Applicants based outside New Zealand will be required to provide an academic transcript from your most recent educational institution that demonstrates the level of academic achievement outlined in the criteria.
• Evidence of financial hardship (if applicable) will be required as part of the financial section in the online application.
• A personal statement detailing what holding this scholarship would mean to you, along with details of how you demonstrate your commitment to, and engagement with, the Pacific community and Pacific issues.
• An endorsement of your Pasifika ethnicity - to be requested through the online application.
• A letter of reference from someone who can speak to your community involvement and/or engagement with the Pacific community - to be requested through the online application.

Selection process

Programme Director of Pacific Studies, or their nominee, the Head of School of Languages and Culture, or their nominee, and a nominated representative of Teresia’s family. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview.

Additional information

Up to $6,000 (subject to funds available). This scholarship is intended to cover a student’s tuition fees for one year, but in the event of government subsidised fees, the scholarship may be paid as a monthly stipend in 9 equal instalments between March and November or towards accommodation at a University Hall of Residence.

Students are asked to write a letter of thanks to Teresia’s family and may be asked to meet with family members. The recipient will 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.

All offers of 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) by the start of the following trimester with a major or joint major in Pacific Studies.

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