I am a straight A Masters student trying to get my accounting and finance qualification. Academically my course has been easy; the most challenging part has been financial as I have a husband and son. We can't survive on my husband's wages. People I know from a stint working in the Pacific are doing the same course as me, fees and stipend fully funded by NZAid. I have met accountants who were actively recruited by NZ employers from overseas, and given assistance with their Skilled Migrant visa because of the shortage of accountants. This qualification would take two years fulltime. Instead, I have been struggling since 2013, studying part time and working part time, earning low wages, putting off having another child and I will only be halfway through at the end of this semester. I could offer the workforce so much more. I think the govt should offer a limited number of performance based scholarships for NZ citizens, to fill gaps on Immigration NZ's Essential Skills list.