The timing could not have been better for Alexander Lea.
Just as the government announced it would be scrapping the fees-free tertiary education scheme, the first-year University of Otago computer sciences student was awarded the inaugural University of Otago/Dunedin City Council Entrance Scholarship, worth $15,000 yesterday.
- SUBSCRIBER: Students face 'uncertain' future
- SUBSCRIBER: Editorial - If not fees free, then what?
The Dunedin 18-year-old said it meant he would be ‘‘one of the lucky ones’’ who would be able to graduate without the financial burden of his studies hanging over him for several years after he finished his studies.
‘‘Winning this scholarship is quite an honour, to be honest. I feel really privileged.
‘‘Given the latest news, I feel even luckier now.
‘‘I think it’s probably going to put a lot of strain on a lot of people, especially if they haven’t got the opportunity I have of the scholarship.
‘‘I think [the government’s decision] is probably not a great thing overall, because people will have to spend more time working instead of focusing on studying.
‘‘And it’s probably also going to put a lot more pressure on them to find a job quickly and be able to pay off their debts when they graduate.’’
‘‘And I think the spirit of this scholarship is the DCC and the university working together and thinking about the kind of graduates and students that we want to see from here, who would not only excel in their studies but also contribute, in this case, across the city.
‘‘And so, Alex measured up.’’
Mr Lea regularly volunteers for Rotary, helping with everything from book sales and charity fundraising to rally racing security.
He also contributes to iFixit, an online repair forum for smartphones and laptops, and recently started volunteering at Com2Tech — a Dunedin-based not-for-profit focused on reducing digital inequity through sustainable recycling, technology re-use and education.
Mr Robertson said the $15,000 scholarship was at the ‘‘upper end’’ of scholarships awarded by the university, and it was recognition of a joint project between the university and the city aimed at making sure people were supported to study in areas that were important to the development of the city and of the university.
‘‘We rely on one another so much ... the scholarship is a really good one to encourage young talent that’s here in Dunedin, that can stay in Dunedin and can contribute to all of our futures.’’
Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker said the scholarship would be awarded once every three years in memory of ‘‘our dear esteemed colleague, former mayor and councillor Jules Radich’’.
‘‘So, it is quite a poignant moment to be here today.
‘‘I hope it will make a huge impact on Alex’s studies, and I guess after the announcements from the government today, it’s even more meaningful to be able to help a student in their studies.’’
Mr Lea said the scholarship would, by halving his tuition costs, help him get on his feet faster on leaving university.
