School Leavers can study for Free

Some secondary school leavers already know how they won't need to pay for their tuition fees next year at Waiariki Institute of Technology.
Scholarships have already been awarded to 11 students from the 56 secondary school scholarships it has available in 2005.

The scholarship covers course fees for the first year of full-time study and students from 28 high schools in the Waiariki district are eligible to apply, which amounts to two students per school.

Althea Oldman, Waiariki's secondary schools liaison officer, said that they received 18 applications by the early bird closing date.

"We have been able to award 11 of those, and two have been given provisional acceptance awaiting their exam results in January."

Applications received before December 3 were given priority but there are still plenty of scholarships available.

The scholarship covers a wide range of certificate, diploma and Bachelor courses, which are outlined on the application form. Subjects include Te Reo Maori, information and communications technology, art and design teaching, nursing, forestry, journalism, and many more.

Brodie Haereroa, of Kawerau was one of the students who won the scholarship this year and has just completed a year studying for his Diploma in Information and Communications Technology.

"I can honestly say that at the beginning of the year I had no idea what I wanted to do. Getting this scholarship has really broadened my horizons," he said.

"I am glad I did get to go to Waiariki this year. I have learnt quite a lot from my tutors and peers alike, about what life is like in the computer industry and learning how a computer works. Winning this scholarship has been a real learning point in my life and I am thankful for receiving it.

"The course is challenging, but it has a sense of fun added to it. It can be a bit overwhelming in work sometimes, but the tutors are easy and friendly to talk to, and can assist you if you need help."

Brodie plans to take a years break from studying next year to earn enough to complete his course in 2006 and go on to a bachelor degree the following year. He has no reservations about recommending others to apply for the scholarship.

"Waiariki is a great place to come to. If you are thinking of applying, then go for it! You will never regret it!"

Mrs Oldman said that they will be accepting applications throughout January. The closing date is January 31.

"A rush of applications is expected when the NCEA results come in January. Two students from each high school are generally chosen, although some conditions do apply."

Applications are available from the institute or can be downloaded from Waiariki's website. www.waiariki.ac.nz  

Note: Eligible schools are:
Edgecumbe College
Forest View High School
John Paul College
Kawerau College
Mangakino Area School
Opotiki College
Pio Pio College
Putaruru College
Rangitahi College
Reporoa College
Rotorua Boys' High School
Rotorua Girls' High School
Rotorua Lakes High School
Tauhara College
Taupo Nui a Tia College
Te Kuiti High School
Te Kura Kaupapa Maori a Ruatoki, Whakatane
Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Koutu, Rotorua
Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Tawhiuau, Murupara
Te Puke High School
Te Whanau Apanui, Te Kaha
Te Wharekura O Huiarau, Ruatahuna
Tokoroa High School
Tongariro Area School
Trident High School
Western Heights High School
Whakatane High School
Taumarunui High School