[kall]

Students receiving a scholarship provided for in yesterday's $8.5 billion education budget will be bonded to stay in New Zealand.

However, they will be able to leave the country by paying it back or transferring debt to a student loan.

The move is part of a new drive to bond students to stay in the country and slow down the "brain drain".

New early childhood teacher trainee scholarships announced last week required teachers to teach in New Zealand, matching the time they received a scholarship for.

Education Minister Trevor Mallard said the 500 new scholarships of $3000 (inflation adjusted) per each year of study would be awarded to students who perform well in their first year of study.

"These are an additional set of scholarships for kids who actually perform in their first year," he told reporters.

"These will be the creme de la creme of our academic kids, people who we want to retain, and the fact that it's bonded afterwards will mean that we are more likely to hold them for a bit longer."

The scholarships were part of $57 million – over four years – announced to improve tertiary student support.

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Personally, I think it is a great idea. If they want free money, they will be required to remain here and give something back to the country.

[busyness53]

Yes i agree as well, but for them to pay it back there has to be a good job at the end of
it, the student loan is the same, so whats new for uni, students, besides the brain drain bit.
I have 2 nieces that attended Waikato uni. for 2 yrs they owe the gov. about $30,000.00
they have since pulled out because it was getting to hard, for them to pay back.
they now have jobs, 1 of them is paying 35% of her wages, the other has just started working but was paying $20.00wkly.

[Sparklechick]

I think it's fair enough that students who receive scholarships should remain in NZ at the end of it. We have to do something to keep these people.

[Glenfelik]

I too reckon that it is fair enough that people should have to stay in the country. But the students can still go away I suppose, because they transfer it to their loan and then take off overseas! I still believe that the government should do something about apprenticeships as we are so lacking plumbers, electricians etc!