The Lydia Wevers Scholarship in New Zealand Studies supported by The Stout Trust

Scholarship level: Master’s Research
Closing date(s): 1 November
Tenure: One year
Award for: Facing financial hardship
Value: $25,000

History and purpose

This scholarship was established by family and friends of Emerita Professor Lydia Wevers, ONZM, in association with the Stout Research Centre for New Zealand Studies, to encourage research into New Zealand’s history, cultures and society. Lydia passed away on 4 September 2021 and was an internationally renowned literary historian and critic, teacher, writer, and scholar who specialised in New Zealand studies. She was also a highly respected colleague, mentor and friend to many people around the University and beyond. Lydia may be most widely known at the University as the director of the Stout Research Centre, a role she held from 2001–2017. She is credited with reinvigorating the Centre and turning it into the recognised hub for Aotearoa New Zealand-focused research it is today. Her association with the University goes back to 1968, when she began studying here.

This scholarship is intended to assist with costs associated with pursuing a Master’s research degree in any research topic related to New Zealand/Aotearoa.

Who is eligible?

  • The scholarship shall be awarded annually to a part-time or full-time Master's by thesis student.
  • Students who are intending to transfer to Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University from other universities are eligible to apply.
  • This scholarship is open to domestic students (residents or citizens of NZ).

Selection criteria

  • The scholarship will be awarded primarily based on academic merit and the ability of the University to supervise the proposed research.
  • Where there is difficulty in distinguishing between applicants, financial need may be considered.

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

  • The application form must be accompanied by a one-page overview of the intended research project.
  • The applicant’s academic transcript.
  • Academic reference (to be requested via the online application).
  • Applicants must complete the financial section of the application and provide supporting documents.

Selection process

Applications for this scholarship will be ranked by the Stout Research Centre’s Research Committee and a family member of Lydia Wevers (or nominee) The Director of the Stout Research Centre will form the selection committee and reach out to family members to appoint a panel member. A recommendation will then be made to the Victoria University Research Scholarships Committee. Preference will be given to applicants who are not holding any other scholarship concurrently.

Additional information

  • The successful recipient must write a letter of thanks to the donors of the scholarship.
  • $25,000 towards domestic fees and remaining funds to be paid as a stipend in monthly instalments.
  • The student will be located in the Stout Research Centre for New Zealand Studies and supervised by an academic from their discipline.
  • If no suitable applicant is found in any one year, the scholarship will not be awarded.
  • This scholarship is supported by the Stout Trust for 2024 and 2025. Regulations are subject to change for the 2026 year onwards.

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. The Scholar will be expected to work full time on the research (and, where required by the regulations for the qualification, the accompanying coursework) that is required to complete the qualification (please note that for the terms of this contract full time is considered to be at least 35 hours per week). However, domestic students for whom socially compelling reasons make part-time enrolment preferable, may apply to hold the scholarship on a part-time basis pro-rated.
  3. The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a later year.
  4. The Scholarship may be held in conjunction with other University 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