Scholarship Scheme Success for NZ on Global Stage

‘Scholarship Scheme Success for New Zealand on Global Stage’

Education New Zealand: Media Release 27/06/07

Embargoed till 1.30pm; Wednesday 27th June 2007

‘Education New Zealand is delighted with the success of the New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS) scheme, which has become an integral part of the way New Zealand positions itself globally as an educator of choice’ says Robert Stevens, Chief Executive of Education New Zealand. ‘The variety of recipients both geographically and by study discipline reflects the reality that New Zealand is a first choice destination for some of the world’s finest minds’.

The Minister for Tertiary Education, Hon. Dr Michael Cullen, hosted many of the NZIDRS scholars at a function in Parliament today, and announced some further changes to the scheme, including boosted living allowances. Education New Zealand manages the NZIDRS programme on behalf of Government.

‘Education New Zealand is very pleased to manage the NZIDRS programme, undertaking the selection of scholars via expert University consultation and managing the scholarship processes once the student is selected’ says Robert Stevens. ‘The NZIDRS was a bold initiative for Government, and adds value to New Zealand’s intellectual capital as well as assisting the recipient students’.

‘Just as importantly, it places a very visible ‘stake in the ground’, positioning New Zealand as a country that values high calibre students and that is prepared to encourage them’ says Robert Stevens. ‘For every student selected, there are scores more that have put New Zealand on their radar, and many who are not recipients of the scholarships subsequently decide to study in New Zealand at their own expense. The leverage for New Zealand is enormous’.

‘The value of schemes like this cannot be underestimated’ says Robert Stevens. ‘Every month, our New Zealand Educated.com website (the generic portal site for international education in New Zealand) gets over 25,000 visits to the scholarships section. And those students that are successful are themselves ongoing ambassadors for New Zealand, and the education we offer’.

ENDS

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