Two prestigious new scholarships have been launched for university study in Tauranga, and applications are closing soon.

The University of Waikato's Tauranga Moana Futures Scholarship offers up to $40,000, plus paid internships, for study in Tauranga in the fields of Environmental Sciences and Civil Engineering.

It's a great opportunity and Priority One encourages interested students to submit their application in time for the December 10 closing date.

The scholarship has been developed through collaboration between the University of Waikato and Tauranga City Council, with support from Priority One, and is part of a broader work programme between the three organisations aimed at establishing Tauranga as a tertiary destination of choice.

The Tauranga Moana Futures Scholarship is the first of its kind for the region, with a two-fold purpose; firstly, helping address talent shortages by attracting students to Tauranga to study in fields of importance to local employers; and secondly, helping grow distinctive university offerings that grow enrolments to the University's Tauranga campus.

The two scholarships will offer $10,000 per year, plus a guaranteed paid summer internship or research scholarship, for students enrolling in civil engineering or environmental science at the University of Waikato in Tauranga.

The scholarships are one of a number of initiatives between Tauranga City Council and the University, alongside summer projects and work integrated learning, all aimed at growing connections between students and staff of the University with Council staff.

'This is a great example of a win-win we can achieve through development of the University in Tauranga,” says Shane Stuart, Innovation Manager for Priority One innovation manager Shane Stuart.

'It's great to see the Council investing and providing leadership in this way.

'These kinds of offerings will attract students to the region, and in turn will deliver returns to communities and ratepayers through shorter term benefits like reduced recruitment costs, and in the longer term, through being able to access the University's capability to support decision making and initiatives.”

For more information on the Tauranga Moana Futures Scholarship, and how to apply, click here.