PM's business scholarships open for 2011

Photo / Greg Bowker

The 2011 Prime Minister's business scholarships for people planning to study at internationally-recognised business schools opened today.

Prime Minister John Key launched the scholarships last year. They are designed to build business capability and develop skills.

The Government will pay for 50 percent of course costs and other expenses directly related to the successful applicant's study.

Nine 2010 first round recipients are attending institutions such as Harvard, INSEAD, London Business School, Wharton School, Parsons Design School and Stanford University this year.

Economic Development Minister David Carter said he expected the scholarships to bring long-term benefits to New Zealand.

"We expect recipients to bring back a raft of skills they can apply in their firms, plus they'll build international networks that their firms can profit from, and they'll have new ideas to help their organisations go global," he said.

"We're looking for people who we know have the potential to make a positive contribution to New Zealand's economy. Managers, executives and business owners of New Zealand-based firms who plan to attend international business schools are all encouraged to apply."

Applications close on June 7.

- NZPA