To support the initiative, Lincoln University is offering 20 Pathway Scholarships to cover fees for up to two semesters at the University for students who have completed at least one academic year at Waiariki.
By opening a pathway from certificate and diploma study to completion of a degree programme, the arrangement offers goals for Waiariki students that previously they may have considered impractical.
Furthermore, the Pathway programme is not confined to school leavers. Adult and part-time learners are also eligible.
Through the Pathway to Lincoln University students can earn a Bachelor of Commerce and Management degree with majors in a variety of areas such as accounting, agribusiness, computing, finance, hotel management, marketing, property studies, tourism management and more. Specialist BCom degrees are also available.
The Pathway approach offers students a number of tangible benefits in addition to qualifying for a degree, says Lincoln University’s Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Sheelagh Matear.
“By completing their first year at home in Rotorua, or at any of Waiariki’s regional campuses, they will save money in fees, accommodation and travel expenses compared with moving to a city and studying for the entire degree at a university.”
In addition if students qualify under the 2008 Free Fees scheme, it applies to the Pathway as well, which means further savings.
“Allowing students to begin their academic career at one place and move easily to another to complete a degree will create a more seamless transition and hopefully encourage more students to take their education beyond the certificate and diploma levels,” says Professor Matear.
Waiariki’s CEO Dr Pim Borren said the Pathway initiative was a “really important step” for his institute.
“We’re trying to establish a network of provision. Relationships with universities are very important to us.”
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Ian Collins, Communications Group,
Lincoln University, Canterbury.
Tel: (03) 3252811 ext 8549.
Email: collinsi@lincoln.ac.nz