"We have 40 Tertiary Study Awards available, which each have a value of $2000 per academic year. Providing the student meets the academic criteria each year, they could get up to $8000 in scholarship funding for up to four years.
"This is a substantial contribution to their programme of study and takes away some of the financial burden students and their parents face when considering tertiary studies."
The Tertiary Study Awards recognise students' merit in two ways, through their academic achievement, and for demonstrating they are leaders who have a significant involvement in the community and their school.
The awards are open to students who live in the Rotorua district, are New Zealand citizens or have permanent resident status.
During the course of this year, applicants must have attended Rotorua Boys' High School, Rotorua Girls' High School, Rotorua Lakes High School, Western Heights High School, Reporoa College, John Paul College, Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Ruamata, Te Kura Kaupapa o Te Koutu, or Te Kura o Ngati Rongomai.
The trust also has 20 Waiariki Institute of Technology, Whare Takiura Awards available for students studying towards a diploma, degree or postgraduate qualification at the institute.
"The trust has been backing the polytechnic for a number of years now by offering the Waiariki Institute of Technology, Whare Takiura Awards. This is an important way for us to invest in our community and help to keep local talent in the region," Mr Hall said.
• Applications close on November 30 and can be made at www.rotoruatrust.org.nz or www.waiariki.ac.nz.