Anne Tolley

Wellington, Nov 18 NZPA - Tertiary Education Minister Anne Tolley says the Government's summer research scholarships scheme has proved to be a success.

"I'm delighted that so many students have taken the opportunity to apply for these $5000 scholarships," she said.

The scheme came out of the Prime Minister's job summit earlier this year, after universities expressed concerns that there weren't enough job opportunities for students during the holidays.

In this year's budget, $4 million went to fund the initiative, giving 1600 university students the opportunity to earn money over the summer months.

"Some of the students will begin their research this week and I'm advised that demand for places has been incredible.

"The universities, which allocated the places, have matched the Government's investment in the scheme dollar for dollar. This kind of partnership is exactly what New Zealand needs to grow our knowledge base of the future."

The University of Auckland had 400 students receive scholarships, Auckland University of Technology had 50, University of Waikato 100, Massey University 50, Victoria University 350, University of Canterbury 200, Lincoln University 50 and University of Otago 400.