Kate Sheppard Chambers Scholarship for Research Relating to Women and the Law

Study area(s): Humanities and Social Sciences; Law
Scholarship level: Master’s Research; Master's by coursework; Honours; All postgraduate
Closing date(s): 30 June
Tenure: One year
Number offered: One
Value: $1,500

History and purpose

This scholarship was established in 2021 by Kate Sheppard Chambers to encourage students at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington to pursue study relating to women and the law.

Kate Sheppard Chambers (www.katesheppardchambers.co.nz) is a network of women barristers located Aotearoa-wide. The members of Kate Sheppard Chambers support and promote women in the law and are inspired by Kate Sheppard’s example to work towards inclusivity and equality. Kate Sheppard Chambers values assisting and encouraging those starting out in the law. To this end, Kate Sheppard Chambers established the Kate Sheppard Chambers Scholarship in 2021 (funded by the members of Kate Sheppard Chambers). In recognition of the clear gender disparities remaining in Aotearoa, the members of Kate Sheppard Chambers would like to see an increase in research (whether theoretical or quantitative/qualitative) about women and the law. It is hoped that further study into the issues facing women will contribute to the advancement of women.

Who is eligible?

  • Open to any students currently enrolled in Honours or postgraduate Law or Humanities, studying or researching a topic relating to women and the law, at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington.

Selection criteria

  • Applicants must be enrolled in an LLB (Hons) or postgraduate degree in Law or Humanities at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington.
  • Applicants must be studying or researching in a field related to women and the law.
  • Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
  • Applicants from a diverse or minority background are encouraged to apply.
  • Preference may be given to applicants who intend to pursue a career in litigation following the completion of their studies.

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

  • A personal statement outlining your background.
  • A brief description of your research topic or intended field of study relating to women and the law, reasons for your interest in issues relating to women and the law, and your career aspirations.
  • Academic transcript for any previous study.

Selection process

The successful recipient will be selected by the Kate Sheppard Chambers in consultation with representative from the Faculty of Law, Victoria University of Wellington.

Additional information

The successful recipient must write a letter of thanks to the donor within one month of receiving the award.

The successful recipient may be offered mentorship and support from a member of the Kate Sheppard Chambers.

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