In August, the University launched Great Futures, a new scholarship programme aimed at ensuring more talented young people can realise their potential through accessing and completing a university education. The programme aims to more than double the University’s philanthropic scholarship funds by 2020.
Great Futures will support students who face increased barriers to participation and achievement in tertiary education, including Māori, Pasifika, and refugee-background students.
The scholarship programme will help ensure recipients can focus on their studies and complete their degrees by covering the ‘real costs of study’.
As well as financial support, the scholarships will offer access to holistic support, including mentors and health and wellbeing services.
Patricia Danver, executive director of the University’s Development Office, says Great Futures will enable students who never thought tertiary study was an option to come to Victoria University of Wellington.
“Scholarships are not just a gift, they’re an investment in the future,” she says.