In a visit at USJ-R, Ambassador David Strachan announced that the New Zealand government now accepts scholarship applications for 2020.
Strachan was in Cebu to inform Visayans of this opportunity to pursue post-graduate studies in New Zealand. He visited the University of San Jose – Recoletos (USJ-R) on February 7 but the official opening of the application period was on February 15.
This scholarship is funded by the New Zealand Government through the New Zealand Aid Programme. Yearly, 24 qualified individuals from the Philippines are awarded scholarships to pursue pose- graduate degrees in New Zealand. New Zealand Scholarships foster and build future leaders as well as equipping scholars with skills and knowledge to benefit the Philippines.
“The New Zealand Government has issued a preference for applicants from the Visayas and Mindanao. We have seen a steady increase in our scholars over the past couple of years due to this policy,” said Strachan.
The post-graduate courses which the scholars will take should be in line with its five priority sectors namely agriculture, renewable energ, DRRM, governance, and private sector development.
This 2019, seven students from the Visayas will start their post-graduate studies in New Zealand. Strachan said that previous scholars from the Visayas have done well during their studies in New Zealand.
“We would like to encourage more applicants from the Visayas. There is opportunity for talented young students here to contribute to continued growth. We want them to learn from the New Zealand and upon their return, take on leadership roles in the region,” added Ambassador Strachan.
At present, only one Josenian alumnus, Lester Lastimosa, had qualified and availed the scholarship.
Joining the Ambassador’s visit is Ben Burrowes, Regional Manager for South East Asia, Education New Zealand.
“New Zealand was recently ranked as the number one country for preparing its students for the future, according to Economist Intelligence Unit’s ‘Educating for the Future’ Index. We’ve had a steady increase in enrollments from the Philippines over the past years. More and more Filipinos are considering to study in New Zealand because of our excellent universities and outdoor classroom experience,” said Burrowes.
The scholarship is open to eligible candidates from the public, private, and civil society sectors. It will cover full tuition, living expenses, establishment allowance, medical and travel insurance as well as travel cost to and from the Philippines.
To qualify, applicants should be 18 to 39 years of age at the time of commencing their scholarship; have at least 1 year of work experience (or 2 years if including internship and volunteer work); and agree to return to the Philippines for a minimum of 2 years upon completion of study.
Interested applicants may visit the New Zealand Embassy in Manila Facebook page for more details. Free brochures may also be claimed at the Public Affairs and International Relations (PAIR) Office which is located at the main lobby.
—with reports from NZ Embassy
