New $200,000 tertiary scholarships up for grabs in Tauranga

An artist's impression of the $39 million new University of Waikato campus on Durham St, set to open in February. Photo/supplied

Two hundred thousand dollars' worth of new scholarships have been established for Tauranga tertiary students.

The scholarships were donated by the Tauranga Tertiary Campus Charitable Trust with key funders of the campus development, Tauranga City Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust supporting the scholarships.

The scholarships are for students studying at the University of Waikato in Tauranga.

General manager of the Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust Wayne Werder said it was exciting to think that in early 2019 the Bay of Plenty will have a new university-led tertiary campus in the heart of the city.

"The completion of the building is an important milestone, however, the real success will be driven by what happens inside the building," he said.

"It's therefore very pleasing that the three foundation funders, through the Tauranga Tertiary Campus Charitable Trust, have been able to support a scholarship programme targeted at encouraging students to participate in a university education right here in Tauranga."

There will be three types of scholarships on offer ranging from $1000 to $23,000 per year for students to study at the University of Waikato in Tauranga. The University's motto 'ko te tangata' (for the people) is a core value underpinning the purpose of the scholarships.

The Tauranga Campus First-in-Family Scholarship is designed to assist students from families with no history of tertiary level study to embark on their university journey. The Tauranga Campus Returning Student Scholarship will enable students to continue on with their second or third year of tertiary education. The Tauranga Campus Research Masters Scholarship is available for students undertaking a master's thesis. Of particular importance is the potential of the student's research to contribute to the growth of industry and the economy in Bay of Plenty communities.

University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley was grateful.

"On behalf of the students, faculties and management at the University of Waikato Tauranga campus, the university extends its thanks to the TTCCT for its generous donation to help students with their tertiary studies in Tauranga," he said.

"The scholarships are an ideal way to encourage and assist students who want to study at the University of Waikato in Tauranga. I would strongly encourage all those who are eligible for the scholarships to apply for them."

The first round of scholarships will be advertised on the University website by August 2018 and applications will close on October 15, 2018. More information about other scholarships offered by the University of Waikato is also available on the website.