New Zealand Scholarships Open; Visayans Encouraged to Apply

New Zealand Ambassador David Strachan announced that the ASEAN New Zealand Scholarships open for applications this week.

During his visit to Cebu, Ambassador Strachan met with students from different universities and encouraged them to take advantage of New Zealand education through these scholarships.

“New Zealand is unique in having all of its eight universities ranked in the world’s top 3 percent. It is a great opportunity for personal and academic growth and a way to make a difference to the Philippines upon return,” Strachan said.

This scholarship is funded by the New Zealand Government through the New Zealand Aid Programme.

Yearly, 24 qualified individuals are awarded scholarships to pursue post- graduate degrees in New Zealand.

New Zealand Scholarships foster and build future leaders as well as equip scholars with skills and knowledge to benefit their country.

For the coming intake, there will be a preference for applicants from Visayas and Mindanao.

These scholars will be selected through a competitive process to ensure that they will be able to adapt and excel at New Zealand education institutions.

This year, four scholars from the Visayas region will head to New Zealand to begin their post-graduate degree. They are Johannes Magpusao (PhD in Food Science, University of Otago), John Lester Lastimosa (Master of Business in Finance, Lincoln University), Norma Bagarinao (Master of Food Technology, Massey University), and Patrice Sucalit (Master of Energy, University of Auckland).

“New Zealand is determined to do what we can to support the Duterte Administration’s efforts to promote more balanced regional development in the Philippines. I am personally committed to do what we can to help talented students in the Visayas to recognize their potential,” said Strachan.

Applications for study in 2019 opened on 1 February 2018. It will be open to eligible candidates from the public, private, and civil society sectors. Scholarship will cover full tuition, living expenses, establishment allowance, medical and travel insurance, and travel to and from the Philippines.

To qualify, applicants should be at least 18 to 39 years of age at the time of commencing their scholarship; have at least 2 years of work experience (including internship and volunteer work); and agree to return to the Philippines for a minimum of two years upon completion of study.