New Zealand Excellence Awards

The New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) give Indian students the opportunity to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate study in New Zealand in the fields of business, fashion, and STEM.

Shamili Ramasubramanian and Arya Watwe
NZEA Scholarship recipients Shamili Ramasubramanian (left) and Arya Watwe (right)

Shamili Ramasubramanian

Shamili is pursuing a Master of Information Technology degree at the University of Auckland.

“My passion for computers influenced my decision to focus on this area of study, and I chose the University of Auckland as it is the best university in New Zealand. The infrastructure, amenities, and facilities at the University are all good and the teaching and academic staff are knowledgeable and helpful.

“I received the NZEA scholarship which has helped me a long way towards paying my second semester fee. When I finish studying I want be a developer at a good IT company, and my degree in IT at the University of Auckland will help me get that.

“I enjoy the environment and people in Auckland and found it easy to make friends. In my spare time I like to explore the city, and have travelled as far as Cape Reinga. I also joined the University’s IT club, dessert club and Auckland University Students’ Association.”

Arya Watwe

Arya is studying towards a Master of Engineering Studies in Construction Management at the University of Auckland.

“I have always been curious about buildings, cities, their growth and development. From my background in architecture I am interested in the way buildings are built, and projects accomplished with a sensitivity that architecture and planning brings to these developments.

“It is during my practice as an architect and entrepreneur that I realised the power and influence the industry has. Architects are nuclei of projects in most cases. This is when I decided to be a stronger nucleus who can manage projects well.

“Auckland is a growing city and I feel lucky to be a part of its growth as a construction industry professional. Everyone has been very friendly and approachable – this is the friendliest place I have ever been to. I would like to explore each and every corner of New Zealand and all that it has to offer. It so beautiful everywhere.”

NZEA scholarship winners and Minister of Education Paul Goldsmith
NZEA scholarship winners and Minister of Education Paul Goldsmith (August 2017)

The New Zealand Excellence Awards give 35 Indian students the opportunity to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate study in New Zealand in the fields of business, fashion and STEM related programmes (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Each scholarship has a value of up to $10,000 (NZD) towards the first year tuition fees.