Two University of Otago students say course fees and unforeseen expenses will be more affordable after each received $5000 Aurora Energy Scholarships last week.
Political sciences student Stephen Thomson was the Dunedin recipient, while law and English student Claire Davis received the Central Otago region scholarship.
Stephen (17), who attended John McGlashan College last year, said the $5000 might form an "emergency study fund''.
Stephen was dux co-recipient last year, a school prefect and a member of the New Zealand secondary schools volleyball team.
He studied under the International Baccalaureate programme, gaining 43 out of a possible 45 points.
Aurora chief executive officer John Walsh will present Stephen's award at the college on April 10.
Claire (18) said award funds would go towards accommodation expenses and course fees.
She was Mt Aspiring College humanities dux in 2007 and student council secretary; represented the college in speech, debating and drama; and won the aspiring writers award in 2006 and 2007.
She gained three New Zealand Qualifications Authority scholarships, in English, economics
and history, last year.
The scholarship programme is administered by the New Zealand Education and Scholarship Trust on behalf of Aurora.
To qualify, recipients must have attended secondary school in Otago and be studying at the University of Otago.
The interview panel comprised representatives from the trust, Aurora, the university and the Otago business community.