Applications for health scholarships still open

Students planning to study for human and animal health degrees this year are being encouraged to apply for Step Up scholarships which will pay most of their tuition fees.

The new bonded scholarships, which are worth as much as $43,000 over six years for some students, are being offered for the first time in 2004. Students who receive a scholarship will pay a flat fee of $2000, irrespective of the tuition fee for their chosen course, with the scholarship paying the remainder of normal tuition fees for that course. The scholarships are available to students from low-income families and are being piloted amongst those studying human and animal health degrees in 2004.

Steve Maharey said it is expected that around 500 scholarships will be awarded in 2004.

“Applications for Step Up scholarships have been extended, so I encourage students who are thinking about health sciences this year to apply. Students who meet the student allowances income test will be eligible to apply for the scholarships.

“To date nearly 450 prospective students have applied for a Step Up scholarship, so additional places are still available. StudyLink is currently contacting students who have indicated an interest in health sciences to encourage them to apply, but students can also apply directly on-line at www.studylink.govt.nz or request an application pack on 0800 88 99 00.

“Step Up scholarships are designed to ensure that people from low-income backgrounds are not deterred by cost from beginning tertiary study and will help to keep skilled graduates in New Zealand contributing to our economy. Students receiving a Step Up scholarship will be required to remain and work in New Zealand for up to four years after graduation.

“The individual value of the scholarships will depend on the course being undertaken but they offer students big savings. For example students studying medicine can expect to save around $43,000 in fees over the length of their degree, nursing students $5,500, veterinary students $20,000, midwifery students $5,400 and dentistry students $36,000,” Steve Maharey said.

A full list of eligible courses is available on the StudyLink website at http://www.studylink.govt.nz/pdf/approved-courses.pdf.

© Scoop Media

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