30 September 2013

Local Tertiary Scholarship opportunities increase

More opportunities for Rotorua residents to complete tertiary education have been created with changes to the annual Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust Scholarships available in partnership with Waiariki Institute of Technology.

Following a recent review both parties agreed to an increase in the overall funding to $25,000 and the creation of three categories of scholarships that sees the total number of scholarships increase by four to 14 for 2014.

“We think the variety of scholarships available now to support students who wish to study locally at Waiariki will better reflect the diverse needs of our community,” says Rotorua Trust chairman Grahame Hall.

“Rotorua Trust is the region’s most significant provider of student scholarships and support for high performing youth and these three types allow for individuals with differing educational ambitions to receive support.”

Waiariki chief executive Professor Margaret Noble welcomed the fresher looking scholarships.

“Financial barriers affect many who want to take on tertiary r education and through Rotorua Trust’s s generosity we are enabled to support worthy scholars to take up their next educational challenge.”

The three categories means scholarships are now available across the institute in programmes from level 5 through to the new post graduate qualifications which Waiariki intends to offer in 2014. Previously the Rotorua Trust scholarships were for only specific Waiariki degree programmes.

There are now two new Post Graduate scholarships valued at $2500 each, available to students studying for postgraduate certificate, diploma or masters programmes on a full or part-time basis. Students must be studying a minimum of 60 credits in an academic year. All Waiariki postgraduate programmes will be open to applicants for scholarships.

There are eight new Undergraduate Scholarship at $1500 each, available to returning students studying full-time for programmes at level 5 and higher. Scholarships will be available to support up to three years of full-time study dependent on the length of the qualification. Students must be studying 120 credits in a given academic year. All Waiariki diploma and degree programmes will be open to applicants for scholarships.

Students over the age of 26 who might have re-assessed their life and career goals can apply for one of four $2000 Career Enrichment Scholarships to study either full-time or part-time. Students must be studying for a qualification at level 5 or above and for a minimum of 60 credits in an academic year. All Waiariki diploma and degree programmes will be open to applicants for scholarships.

The scholarship application period opens 1 October 2013 and application forms and details can be found on www.rotoruatrust.org.nz and www.waiariki.ac.nz.

Scholarships will be determined by a panel of Rotorua Trust and Waiariki representatives following the application period closure on 30 November 2013. Successful applicants will be notified before the end of December.

ENDS

© Scoop Media