Philippa and Morvyn Williams Scholarship

Study area(s): Education; Humanities and Social Sciences
Scholarship level: Doctoral; Master’s Research; All postgraduate
Closing date(s): 1 October
Tenure: One year (Previous recipients are eligible to apply for one further year of scholarship support)
Award for: Māori; Women
Number offered: Up to two
Value: Either two awards of $10,000, or one award of $20,000 (subject to available funds)

History and purpose

These scholarships were established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation in 1995 by the Trustees of the will of Philippa Therese Williams. The purpose of the scholarships is to encourage study and research which will sustain and promote guardianship by Māori of their cultural heritage, and particularly their language; and to support and affirm Māori women in their role as teachers and leaders of future generations by encouraging them to proceed to postgraduate study.

Who is eligible?

  • Applicants must be female of Māori descent.
  • Applicants must be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in postgraduate study at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington.
  • Applicants must be studying, or intending to study in one of the following:
    • a Master's in Educational Psychology (MEdPsyc)
    • a Master's in Education (MEd or MA)
    • a Master's of Teaching and Learning - Secondary or Primary (MTchLrn)
    • a PhD level study in Education
    • a Master's or PhD in Māori Studies or Te Reo Māori
    • a Master's of Indigenous Studies

Selection criteria

  • This scholarship will be awarded to a candidate whose study focuses on the revitalisation of Māori language, culture or heritage, the promotion of Te Reo Māori, or the empowerment of Māori women as educational leaders. Financial need may be a secondary consideration, and applicants should include mention of this as they feel appropriate.

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 how you meet the criteria for this scholarship and what holding the award will mean to you. Please include details of the financial hardship, if applicable.
  • Kaumātua Endorsement. (to be requested via the online application)
  • Please include details of the financial hardship (if applicable).

Selection process

The successful applicant will be selected by a panel comprised of the Dean of the Faculty of Education, or their nominee, a senior colleague from Te Kura Māori, and a senior colleague from Te Kawa Māui, or nominee. Where possible, the committee should include two Māori and two women, and has the power to co-opt.

Additional information

Recipients are asked to write a letter of thanks to the donors’ family within one month of receiving the award.

Recipients are expected to provide an end of year progress report.

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