A trust is taking applications for scholarships to be awarded to three high-achieving female UCOL students.
The Graduate Women's Manawatu (GWM) Charitable Trust wants to assist women studying towards degrees and has been supporting them since the trust was established in 1988.
The trust also runs the Academic Dress Hire at Massey University and has granted more than $100,000 of their income, both locally and nationally, every year.
GWM's Ann Walker says the scholarships are directed at women by women, as a way to celebrate and encourage them to achieve academic success.
"There are still many professional fields where women are under represented so the more women we can see go into these fields the better. We like to think that it's more than just the monetary value, which we know can be a big help, but the biggest thing is the encouragement it gives them by recognising their achievements."
Last year Ashleigh Thompson was awarded a scholarship during her final year of a Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology). She says that although the $1500 she was awarded might not seem like much to some, for a student, it was a large amount.
"My parents had been supporting me so it helped take that pressure off of my family."
She also used the money towards attending an annual conference at the Institute of Medical Imaging which has opened up networking opportunities for her.
"I was able to meet people that are in the industry from all over the country, which was an invaluable experience. Getting that kind of professional growth while still being a student was incredible."
Miss Thompson graduated on Tuesday and says wearing her regalia hired from the GWM had an extra meaning attached.
"Hiring my graduation gown feels really good because it's like everything coming full circle. Supporting back the people that supported me so someone in a similar position as me will also benefit."
She says it's scary to embark on a career and study, especially when it comes with a hefty price tag.
"So, to have any sort of help towards that is incredibly humbling."
Applications close on April 3. Shortlisted applicants will be notified in May and the awards will be presented early July. More information is available at www.ucol.ac.nz.