Waiariki school leaver scholarships open

FILE

Waiariki Institute of Technology has opened applications for the 2016 Waiariki Scholarships for School Leavers.

With subject areas including social work, creative technologies, tourism, forest management and more, the 2016 line-up offers a wider range of scholarships than ever before.

"The 2015 Waiariki Scholarships for School Leavers were an unprecedented success," said Professor Margaret Noble, Waiariki chief executive.

"As we looked towards 2016, and considered how best to serve the career needs of our community and the skill-demands of industry, it was clear that expanding the range of scholarships Waiariki offers was one way we could achieve this."

The 27 scholarships valued at $2000 each, cover nine of the institute's most sought after qualifications, including seven industry-recognised degrees and two comprehensive two year diplomas.

For those looking at full-time study, the scholarships are coupled with additional benefits such as the Waiariki Fees Refund Scheme and free public transport, both around the city or between the institute's campuses in Whakatane, Tokoroa or Taupo and Rotorua.

To match their widening range, the scholarships will be open not only to the Year 12 or Year 13 students attending a secondary school, wharekura, area school or correspondence school within the Waiariki and Bay of Plenty region, but those from Matamata College, Piopio College, Taumarunui High School and Te Kuiti High School as well.

"Waiariki prides itself on providing good quality, industry relevant, tertiary education to the people of our rohe," Mrs Noble said.

"No one should have to move away in order to achieve their higher educational aspirations."

Applications for the 2016 Waiariki Scholarships for School Leavers are available from the Waiariki website and must be returned by 4pm Friday, 25 September 2015.