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Last modified: 11 Sep 2023 10:34am

Applications for the Council’s tertiary education scholarships are open now to help give students a head start with their fees next year.

The scholarships are awarded to year 12 or 13 students from Darfield High School, Ellesmere College, Lincoln High School or Rolleston College. Students who have achieved outstanding success in academic, sport, cultural, art, social responsibility or other areas at school or in their community, and students who have overcome barriers or hardships, are encouraged to apply.

To be eligible they must live in and attend school in Selwyn and be planning to undertake full-time education/training at a recognised university, polytechnic or training institution in New Zealand.

Ardra Heffer, who received a scholarship in 2022, is currently completing her first year at the University of Canterbury studying towards a Bachelor of Health Sciences, majoring in health education. She says she found the process of applying for the scholarship straightforward, and that the financial support has made a big difference.

“I’m enjoying all my classes. It’s a big change from high school and it’s a lot of hard work, but the key is choosing subjects you’re interested in. I’ve also been joining a few groups around university and making new friends, so this year is going quite well,” says Ardra.

One of the things that appealed to Ardra most about her degree was the chance to complete internships at prominent health and wellbeing organisations. “I want to be able to do something in my career where I can help people.”

She encourages all students who are eligible to apply for the scholarship. “It’s important to have a bit of confidence in yourself and just go for it. The scholarship has definitely helped financially so I would encourage any high school students thinking about applying to try their best and apply.”

Applications for the scholarships are open until 30 September 2023. For more information or to apply, visit selwyn.govt.nz/tertiaryscholarships. Successful applicants will be announced and awarded at their end of year school prize giving.