(stuff / NZFarmer.co.nz, RURAL REPORTERS, May 10 2018)
Veterinary students face lower student debt after Freemason scholarships worth $40,000
Five veterinary students facing student debt of $90,000 each at the end of their studies at Massey University have just had this burden lightened by $40,000 Freemason scholarships.
The students received the newly established scholarships for their studies from the Lawson-Smith Freemasons Education Trust.
School of Veterinary Science Dean Jenny Weston said veterinary education was expensive and the scholarships would help the students get through their studies.
“Graduates have an average student debt of $90,000 at the completion of their five-year programme and the ratio of student debt to starting salary does not compare well to that of other professional groups.
“Veterinary students also have a lot of practical work requirements to undertake during the holidays and the timetable is very full during their time at university so there is little opportunity for paid employment to support their studies,” said Weston.
“These scholarship recipients have been chosen on the basis of…