Teresia Teaiwa Memorial Postgraduate Scholarship in Pacific Studies

History and purpose

This scholarship was established in to honour the life, legacy, and enduring contributions of Associate Professor Teresia Kieuea Teaiwa, whose scholarship, leadership and generosity helped shape Pacific Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and beyond.

Of Banaban, I-Kiribati and African American heritage from Fiji, Teresia was an internationally renowned scholar, activist, poet, and educator, celebrated for her groundbreaking work in Pacific Studies. In 2000, she joined Victoria University of Wellington to teach in the world’s first undergraduate major in Pacific Studies, serving as Programme Director until 2009. In 2016, she became Director of Va’aomanū Pasifika, home to the University's Pacific and Samoan Studies programmes. Throughout her time at the University, Teresia was known not only for her innovative academic exellence, but also for her warmth, generosity, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to nurturing Pacific students and communities.

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 pursuing Pacific Studies. It stands as a tribute to her vision, her dedication to empowering future generations, and the profound impact she had on the lives of her students, colleagues, and communities across the Pacific.

This scholarship is open to postgraduate students of Pacific Islands descent who are New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, or international students.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must be:

• of Pacific Islands descent
• enrolled or intending to enrol in a postgraduate programme at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington intending to complete an Honours, Masters, or Doctorate qualification in Pacific Studies.

Selection criteria

Selection is based primarily on academic merit and scholarly ability, followed by financial need, and demonstrated connection to, and commitment to Pacific communities 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.

Apply online

Scholarship specific documentation

• A personal statement outlining what receiving the scholarship would mean to the applicant, their commitment to, and engagement with the interdisciplinary field of Pacific Studies, and their connection to, and involvement with, Pacific communities and issues.
• Applicants must complete the Financial Information section of the online application.

Selection process

The scholarship decision is made by a selection committee chaired by the Programme Director of Pacific Studies, or their nominee. The committee will also include the Head of the School of Languages and Culture, or their nominee, other appropriate academic staff, and where possible, a member of Associate Professor Teresia Teaiwa’s family.

Applicants may be asked to attend an interview.

Additional information

The scholarship will first be applied towards the recipient's tuition fees, with any remaining funds paid directly to the recipient as a stipend.

Recipients must write a letter of thanks to Associate Professor Teresia Teaiwa’s family and may have the opportunity to meet with family members.

Recipients will also be expected to act as ambassadors for this scholarship and may be invited to participate in events, promotional activities, and engagement opportunities that support Pacific Studies and Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

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 4.30 pm 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 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 Te Herenga Waka—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