Hayley Wright’s transition into study was made easier by being able to stay at home in Gisborne.  The student nurse also has the added bonus of a fees-free first year of study – thanks to an EIT Year 13 Degree Scholarship.

For Hayley, being nearly one year through her Bachelor of Nursing degree is all the sweeter for being debt free. “I was extremely happy when I found out I had received a scholarship,” she says. “It made me more excited to start my studies, knowing fees were something I didn’t have to worry about.”

This year EIT Tairāwhiti awarded 21 scholarships, worth more than $120,000 in fees. Scholarships are available to Year 13 students straight out of high school applying to study a degree at EIT. 

Hayley attended Mangapapa Primary School and then Campion College. She says her decision to stay in Gisborne to undertake tertiary study was motivated by family and finances.
“I have family here and I didn’t really want to leave them. Plus studying at home is a lot more affordable. It’s so expensive to pay for everything out of town.”
Hayley is able to live at home with her mum Nikki and brother Darryl thanks to her decision to stay in Gisborne.“I have always been very family orientated, so having family around me all the time has just been a huge support.”

Hayley has just finished a placement at Te Wiremu House. “I am not sure yet what kind of nurse I want to be. I am going to wait till I go round all the different areas but I do love children so maybe paediatrics. “In terms of nursing, I think I have always wanted to help people and it’s just a passion of mine.” Hayley has found the support offered at EIT a huge plus too.“It’s a really good place to study and there is such a supportive network of people that want to help you and really want you to succeed. I love that.”

Applications for the 2018 round of Year 13 Degree Scholarships are now open. Scholarships are limited and most programmes are open to students from Hicks Bay to Wairoa.
Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts (Te Toi o Ngā Rangi), Bachelor of Wine Science and Bachelor of Viticulture (which can be studied concurrently) scholarships are open to students nationwide.
EIT Tairāwhiti offers seven bachelor degrees – Bachelor of Arts (Māori), Bachelor of Business Studies, Bachelor of Computing Systems, Toi o Ngā Rangi – Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts, Bachelor of Nursing, the Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Teaching (Primary).