International students overcome challenges to win Wellington University scholarships

Six young international students have achieved academic excellence in the face of adversity, winning scholarships for their first year of study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

The students from Russia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, India, Sri Lanka and Japan have been awarded scholarships for their academic achievements during their UP International College Foundation Studies Programme.

Completing their foundation studies during a global pandemic saw these young students navigate a range of challenging circumstances including border closures, a national state of emergency, a six-week lockdown and a rapid shift from classes on campus to online learning.

UP Education CEO of University Partnerships Marnie Watson said the scholarships awarded this year held special significance.

“The scholarship programme recognises and celebrates the hard work and commitment of our students during the academic year, and the announcement of the recipients this year was particularly meaningful.

“These students demonstrated true resilience to academically excel during a time of global challenge and uncertainty, while also being away from their home countries, families and friends. We couldn’t be prouder of them and all our students who recently graduated,” says Marnie Watson.

Wellington University Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford also congratulated the students on their scholarship success.

“International students are highly valued members of our community, bringing a wealth of different experiences and perspectives to enrich our community and our learning and teaching.

“We look forward to welcoming these scholarship recipients, connecting them to our excellent education and providing them with the opportunity to create a brighter future for themselves and the world.”

Partnering with Wellington University for the past three years, UP Education supports international students to successfully transition into higher education at the University.

The scholarships range from $3,000 – $5,000 and support the tuition fees of students in the first year of an undergraduate degree at Wellington University.

Watch the scholarship awards here. 

2020 UP Education and Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University Wellington Scholarship Winners

Scholarship Student Country Undergraduate Degree
Top Academic Achievers Reem Al Suhaibani Saudi Arabia Commerce
Ganesh Kambli India Law
Strong Academic Achievers Fugo Takefusa Japan Psychology
Chanura Dissanayake Sri Lanka Science
Study Award Ekaterina Kovtun Russia Psychology
Pimpisa Petchsud Thailand Psychology

 

More news

A Tongan student’s story

At eight-years-old, Mele Koula Ahomana arrived in Aotearoa from Tonga with her family unable to speak English, which made school a challenge. These barriers persisted through secondary school. But when she enrolled to study Early Childhood Education at NZMA, a Category One UP Education provider, she was greeted with tapa cloths and Pacific students and…

Read more >

A Melting Pot of Cultures Celebrate Academic Success at NZMA

A graduation ceremony for NZMA’s Health and Early Childhood Education students was not only a celebration of outstanding academic achievement – but also a unique way to honour diversity and inclusiveness at NZMA Manukau. Hundreds of family members, friends and supporters packed out the Papakura Marae on Friday July 6, to cheer on the 130 students graduating…

Read more >

Yoobee Graduate Success | Amber Leigh Stevens

We’re getting used to celebrating success at Yoobee School of Design. The latest making waves is Amber Leigh Stevens who was production manager on the 48 Hours Grand Final Winner, Under The Bridge, by Cool Story Bro Film. 48 Hours is an annual film-making competition where entrants are required to produce a film in its entirety…

Read more >