Te Papa Scholarships: The Dame Cheryll Sotheran Memorial Scholarship

History and purpose

The late Dame Cheryll Sotheran was a founding CEO of Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa), which celebrated its 25th Anniversary in February 2023. Te Papa has established two scholarships to honour both Dame Cheryll Sotheran, and her co-leader, Cliff Whiting the Kaihautū. These scholarships mark their legacies and make a vital contribution to research and training for the next generation of museum professionals.

The Dame Cheryll Sotheran Memorial Scholarship will support a student studying a full-time taught Master's during their four month internship towards the end of their course.

Who is eligible?

• Applicants must be current students doing the Masters of Museum and Heritage Practice or be a current Masters student studying a related field at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington.

Selection criteria

• The applicant's proposal for an internship must be of professional value to Te Papa.

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 interest in museums and career aspirations.
• A CV.
• Two references (to be requested via the online application).
• A brief outline of the proposed internship project.

Additional information

The value of the scholarship is $6,000.

Recipients will be invited to give a presentation on their research and findings to Te Papa staff upon completion of their course.

Recipients must write a letter of thanks to both the donor of this scholarship (Te Papa) and the family of Cheryll Sotheran.

Selection process

The selection panel will consist of one representative from Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington, usually the Programme Director for Museum and Heritage Studies, or their nominee, a representative from Te Papa, and a member of the Sotheran family.

Students may be invited to interview, dependent on the number and calibre of applicants.

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