​​​​​​​SIR EDUMND HILLARY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME



Named in honour of New Zealand’s greatest adventurer, the programme educates scholars within the values of Sir Edmund Hillary and supports their growth and excellence in sport, creative and performing arts, academia, and leadership.

Hillary Scholars are supported to pursue their passion while completing their qualification at the University of Waikato, and receive tailored personal development and leadership training throughout their studies.

If you exhibit leadership capabilities, excel academically, and have achieved in sport, or creative or performing arts, you might be eligible to apply for the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship programme.

Who can apply?

  • Students who excel academically, and in sports or creative performing arts
  • School leavers who have/or will have achieved an NCEA Level 2 Certificate with Merit or Excellence and University Entrance
  • School leavers who have/or will have achieved the equivalent to the above in the Cambridge International examinations or the International Baccalaureate examinations
  • Students intending to study at the University of Waikato at either the Hamilton or Tauranga campus
  • Students with demonstrated leadership potential

What do you receive?

  • A scholarship worth up to $10,000 per year for full-time undergraduate enrolment
  • Personalised academic support
  • Leading coaches/tutors in your area of sports/arts
  • Leadership skills and personal development coaching
  • And more...

How do I apply?

  • Applications are due by 31 August each year, prior to starting study in March the following year.
  • You can contact the University's High Performance Student Scholarship Manager to discuss your application.
  • An Online Application Form is available from the University of Waikato Scholarships website.
  • Applicants are required to submit a 3-minute video of themselves outlining why they should be a Hillary Scholar and what it would mean to them.
  • As a number of references are required for the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship we suggest that you give yourself plenty of time to complete the online application process.

Applications close on the 31st August 2024

Current Canoe Slalom Scholars

Nick Collier

Nick only began kayaking seven years ago, but he's already become one of the top paddlers in the country for his age. He was drawn to canoe slalom after watching his older brother competing at various national events and decided to try it out for himself. Since then he's found a passion for all aspects of the sport.The former Dunstan High School prefect from Alexandra has competed nationally and internationally, but the 2021 season was a standout for him, placing first in the U18s and overall at the South Island champs, second U18 and fourth overall at the North Island champs, third U18 at the New Zealand Open, 7th overall at Oceania champs, first U18 at the New Zealand national secondary schools, first U18 and 4th overall at the New Zealand nationals and he was selected to represent New Zealand at the Junior World Championships in Slovenia.Nick will be studying towards a Bachelor of Business at the University of Waikato and keeping up his training of up to 12 hours a week.Alongside canoe slalom, Nick also competes in canoe freestyle, canoe polo and extreme slalom. In 2023 he won a Silver medal at the U23 Canoe Slalom World Championships in Kayak Cross.

Charlie Evans

Charlie’s kayaking journey began at age 11 with Canoe Polo, but his passion shifted to Canoe Slalom during his final year of Intermediate, thanks to the AIMS Games program. Drawn by the diverse experiences the sport offers, Charlie committed to Canoe Slalom. In 2023, he represented the Junior team in Kayak Cross at the World Championships in Poland, further fueling his competitive drive. He is dedicated to becoming a well-rounded athlete, receiving the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship for his excellence in academics, sport, and leadership.

Charlie is currently pursuing a BE(Hons) in Civil Engineering at the University of Waikato while continuing to train in Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross. He also competes in Wildwater Canoeing, having participated in the 2023 Junior World Championships. His ultimate goal is to contend for a spot in both K1 and Kayak Cross at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.


Tom Goldsmith

Tom was first introduced to kayaking when he was 12 years old when he took part in a beginner slalom race on the Manuherikia River. His passion for the sport grew as he was introduced to whitewater and freestyle kayaking. Excited by the opportunity to compete in Europe, he focused on his slalom skills heading into the 2021 season. Tom continued to improve as he competed at Junior Worlds in 2022 and 2023. This success has fueled his motivation to become a well-rounded athlete as he continues to improve.

Tom is currently studying for a Bachelor of Laws at Waikato University. While being an athlete and a student can be challenging, the support provided by the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship has allowed Tom to thrive as a student and an athlete. His primary goal as a paddler is to improve his skills and become the best he can be heading into the coming seasons. 

Former Canoe Slalom Scholars​​​​​​​

Claudia Patterson

Bachelor of Laws - LLB (hons) 

Political Science and Government

Jaimee Wilson

Bachelor of Environmental Planning