Bay of plenty students who have a significant physical or intellectual disability can now apply for their share of the BayTrust's $100,000 Dillon Scholarship fund to help them undertake tertiary study next year.

The scholarship is now in its 27^th year and recognises that students with disabilities often face additional study costs over and above those incurred by their able-bodied peers. There is no age restriction and those eligible may receive up to $5000 per year for a maximum of five years to help them obtain tertiary qualifications.

Chair of the Dillon Scholarship committee, Bill Cleghorn, says the Dillon Scholarship was the first established in 1990 to commemorate the 25^th anniversary of the Bay Savings Bank, the forerunner of Trust Bank Bay of Plenty. It was named after the late Ray Dillon, a former Chair of the Trust Bank Bay of Plenty Board and former Mayor of Tauranga.

Since inception, $1.7 million worth of scholarships have been awarded to over 500 students with significant disabilities.

'The beauty of this scholarship is that the funds can be applied by the student to any costs reasonably associated with their tertiary study,” says Bill.

'The funds awarded to each student is designed to help level the playing field with their fellow students and recognises their achievement in pursuing a tertiary education.”

Past recipients have used their Dillon Scholarship money to pay for course fees, books, computers, transport and living costs.

'It reduces the financial pressure and allows them to concentrate on studying rather than having to work a part-time job or worrying about how to make ends meet,” says Bill.

The Scholarship Committee will consider applications from students whose home base is within the Bay of Plenty, and who are applying to study at university, polytechnic or other New Zealand-based institutions recognised by NZQA or equivalent.

Applications for the Dillon Scholarship open on October 1 and will close on December 7 2018 for the 2019 academic year. Bay of Plenty students who have a medically-recognised significant disability can apply online by visiting www.baytrust.org.nz/dillon-scholarship or phoning BayTrust on 0800 654 546.