The New Zealand government's 2012 In Country Awards has granted 330 scholarships for Tongan students to study at approved tertiary institutions in Tonga during the 2012 school year.

The total cost for the 2012 In country Awards is TOP$550,000, and this year New Zealand will also support a number of students to complete their final year of their bachelor degrees at the USP, Fiji.

The scholars will have 50% of their tuition fees paid at the beginning of the semester and the remaining 50% will be reimbursed provided that the recipient achieves an A or B grade average. Recipients with C grade averages will receive 25% of their full tuition cost. Applicants who do not achieve an A, B or C grade average will not be eligible for a reimbursement.   

The New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga Dr Jonathan Austin said that the In Country Awards scheme is the most effective way for New Zealand to help ordinary Tongans get a tertiary education.

"Supporting study at local institutions builds local capacity and enables us to help many more people compared with the cost of study overseas."

"The scholarships also reward good performance."

"We’re committed to Tonga’s future.  These students are part of that future."

The local institutions where these scholars will be attending are: 'Ahopanilolo Technical College, St Josephs Business College, 'Atenisi Institute, Tonga Institute of Higher Education, Queen Salote Catering, Tonga Institute of Science Technology, Upou Tertiary Institute, National Centre for Vocational Studies, Hango Agricultural College and Mailefihi/Siu'ilikutapu Pouono Campus.