Hillary Scholarships keenly sought

University of Waikato Hillary Scholarships keenly sought

University of Waikato Hillary Scholarships are again being keenly sought after with a total of 205 national and international applicants, representing 36 different specialist areas.

The new Hillary Scholarship winners will be announced in February. Past successful winners include netballer Laura Langman, musicians Julia Hill and Callum Hall, rugby player Mark Burman and shooter Emily Olsen.

The prestigious Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship Programme is based on strong support, partner networks, planning and commitment that stimulate Hillary scholars to excel in academic study, leadership, and in sport or the arts.

Successful recipients receive a full fees Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship to study at the University of Waikato, personalised academic support, leading coaches/advisors in their area of sports/arts, physical conditioning, leadership skills and personal development coaching.

The university's Vice-Chancellor Professor Roy Crawford says the Hillary Scholarship Programme provides the support for students to excel.

"The scholarships are an excellent way for us to support our high achievers. The students are constantly working to find a balance between their academic and sporting or cultural life, and it is important that we support them."

There are currently 89 Hillary Scholars at the university, with 40 further scholarships to be awarded in 2008.

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