ILT increase tertiary scholarships after 'unprecedented applications' – The Southland Tribune
ILT has increased the number of scholarships it will award for 2025 as part of the ILT Tertiary Scholarship programme.
ILT’s board approved the one-off increase from 65 to 70 at the final triennium meeting, following an unprecedented number of applications this year.
ILT President Paddy O’Brien said it was the highest number of applicants in the initiative’s history.
“This year we saw the largest pool of applicants we’ve ever had at 144, and the standard was simply outstanding. It’s clear Invercargill is producing young people with talent, ambition, and community spirit,” he said.
“This increase came not only from school leavers but also from adults heading to tertiary study in 2026. The board made the one-off decision to extend the programme so more of our city’s brightest minds could receive support.”
“It’s an additional investment we are proud to make because we know these students will go on to achieve great things,” O’Brien said.
All successful scholarship recipients receive $2000 per year for three years of their studies.
The total investment for ILT and ILT Foundation into this programme is approximately $320,000 per year. The 5 additional scholarships will result in an increase of $10,000 per annum for 3 years.
This initiative is one of the group’s largest grants every year, and since its inception in 2007, over 900 Invercargill-based students have been supported, with total investment exceeding $5 million.
“It was an easy decision for the board, as it reflects our long-standing commitment to education, from the Learn to Swim programme in primary schools to supporting gifted students. Helping ease the financial burden of higher learning is the next important step in that journey,” O’Brien said.
Every eligible applicant is interviewed by an independent panel of three respected adjudicators, and they are assessed across a range of criteria, including academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, community contribution, and future aspirations.
“This year’s candidates had varying career aspirations from teachers to accountants and musicians to aerospace engineers. The board and all those involved would like to acknowledge the effort of every student who applied and extend their very best wishes for the year ahead in their studies,” O’Brien said.
The names of the 2025 ILT Tertiary Scholarship recipients will be officially announced following a presentation evening on Monday, November 3, at the Ascot Park Hotel.
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