Fifteen students from the Tonga Institute of Science and Technology (TIST), received scholarships from the Tonga Development Bank CEO, Leta Havea-Kami on Monday October 30.

The scholarships  are each worth $3,000 for studies in electrical engineering, carpentry, automotive mechanics, fitting and machining, and panel beating and spray painting.

The payment for the scholarships was provided to TIST Deputy CEO, Nonga Soakai.

This year, TDB has awarded 58 scholarships worth over $30,000 to 12 schools through its scholarship programme.

Scholars are selected by the principals of selected schools on their ability and financial needs, and recommended to the bank for the awards and funding.

The bank monitors progress of the students on a six-monthly basis through a system developed with the education institutions.

Since 2003, TDB has spent over $300,000 on scholarships tuition, assisting more than 400 students with their studies.

The 12 schools benefitting from these scholarship awards include: Tonga Institute of Science and Technology, Tupou Tertiary Institute, Montfort Technical Institute, St Joseph’s Business College, Tupou College, ‘Ahopanilolo Technical Institute, Queen Salote College, Tonga Institute of Higher Education covering the School of Tourism and Hospitality as well as the School of Agriculture, Hango Agricultural College in ‘Eua and the Pouono Campus at Mailefihi / Siu’ilikutapu College in Vava’u.