A new partnership between National University of Samoa, APTC & the New Zealand Government was celebrated at the New Zealand High Commission in Apia, Samoa.

Ten graduates of the Australia Pacific Technical College have been granted scholarships by NZAID to continue their studies at New Zealand universities. This is the first time the New Zealand Government has so strongly targeted scholarships for students in vocational areas. The ten scholarships have been awarded to APTC graduates from carpentry, tourism, hospitality, welding/fabrication, electrical and automotive.

Two of these successful scholarship recipients and APTC graduates are also currently National University of Samoa (NUS) lecturers.

These Scholarships allow them to study in New Zealand for three to four years, depending on their courses and then return to benefit Samoa in either government or private industries. This encouragement came from the New Zealand High Commissioner Nick Hurley, who said "You are the future leaders for Samoa - make the most of this opportunity and come back to benefit your country."

NZAID is also supporting students who wish to come to APTC. Two graduates of the NUS Diploma of Tourism have been granted scholarships to study an Australian standard certificate at APTC for the Certificate III in Tourism.

Congratulations to all the Scholarship recipients from APTC and the Australian government.