A University of Auckland scholarship will help make studies a little easier for four John Paul College students.
Jennifer van Rouveroy, Sam Kelly, Robin Basra and Marc Rigter have received the award which will pay for tuition and compulsory fees and up to $5000 per year for three years of study.
"It's pretty exciting, it means life is a bit easier and we don't have to worry about having to find a part-time job, we can concentrate on studying," said Sam, who will be studying engineering.
Jennifer was still deciding on a Bachelor of Science or law degree but said she was looking forward to the move north.
"We will miss home but it is kind of a big step toward independence."
The students credited their school for giving them the skills to achieve the scholarship and preparing them for tertiary education. "John Paul College has been able to present us with opportunities in a supportive environment," Jennifer said.
"The students are all pretty competitive in a friendly environment but everyone raises each other to achieve," Sam said.
The scholarship winners each had to show an outstanding academic ability based on results at Level 2 or higher in NCEA, demonstrate leadership potential, all-round ability and achievement in cultural and sporting abilities and motivation to attend Auckland University.