A former Mount Maunganui College student has revealed how she managed to complete her Waikato University degree and emerge debt free at the end of it.

While many New Zealand graduates leave university with debt in excess of $30,000, Darelle Howard says hard work and asking lots of questions were key to staying in the black for the duration of her Bachelor of Social Science degree.

Former Mount Maunganui College student Darelle Howard. Photo: Supplied.

'I apply for every scholarship I'm eligible for, I work part-time and I ask lots of questions which has opened up lots of funding opportunities,” explains Darelle.

In all, she's won five scholarships totalling more than $27,000 – the latest being a $6000 Freemason's University Scholarship.

She also received a $5000 Vice-Chancellor's Academic Excellence School Leaver Scholarship for achieving NCEA endorsed with excellence.

'Some scholarships have a long application process,” she adds, 'but it's worth the effort if you're successful – it's not a bad hourly rate really.”

On top of the scholarships, Darelle receives student allowance from StudyLink works part-time during the semester and full-time over the breaks.

And although she admits it's been stressful juggling work and study, not having a student loan is something Darelle's proud of.

'A bit of hard work can go a long way and there are so many support services at University to help,” she adds. 'You've just got to ask.”

Waikato University's new applicant day event takes place on Saturday, September 19, from 10am - 3pm, at the Hamilton campus. For more information, click here.