The first Women in IT scholarship from Otago Polytechnic has been awarded, which will see one Bachelor of Information Technology student awarded with $1000 for ever year of study.

Otago Polytechnic student Isabel Ryan was chosen as the first recipient of the scholarship.

“It's really nice to know that I was chosen. I really feel like I'm in the right place,” Ryan says.

Ryan says the scholarship will be a massive help with her student loan.

She's pleased Otago Polytechnic recognises that women are under-represented in the IT industry.

“It's something I've given a lot of thought to, so it's great to know that the place I'm studying also acknowledges it,” Ryan explains.

“I studied at Otago Girls' High School, so coming from that into an environment where women are supported is really important to me,” she adds.

Ryan plans to graduate in 2019, and hopes to then start her own business.

Director of Communications, Mike Waddell, says it's important to promote inclusion in all programmes.

“Otago Polytechnic values our responsibility in society. If we can support women into under-represented areas of study, it's better for the community as a whole,” he says.

IT is on New Zealand Immigration's skill shortage list for long term shortages.

Otago Polytechnic has also created a ‘Women in Engineering' scholarship. That is due to be announced on 24 February.