Sam Allan's Path from Burnside High to the Halls of Cambridge

Sam Allan, a standout graduate from Burnside High School in Christchurch, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Sir Douglas Myers Scholarship, opening doors to an undergraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. This achievement marks him as the first from his school and the first South Island student since 2019 to secure this honor. Valued at over $400,000 New Zealand dollars, the scholarship covers full tuition fees, college fees, and living expenses for three years, allowing Sam to pursue studies in history and politics at Gonville and Caius College starting in October 2026.

Sam's academic prowess is evident from his 2025 NZQA Outstanding Scholar Award, recognizing top performance across the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) scholarships. He excelled in multiple subjects, contributing to Burnside High School's impressive tally of 92 scholarships that year. Beyond academics, Sam represented New Zealand at the World Schools Debating Championships in Panama as part of the Secondary Schools’ Debating Team—the first Burnside student to do so. He also served as a Youth MP in 2025, showcasing leadership and civic engagement. His successes extend to the World Scholar's Cup, where he earned top awards alongside teammates.

Initially, securing admission to Cambridge posed financial hurdles, but the scholarship transformed this dream into reality. Burnside High School Principal Scott Haines lauded Sam's work ethic, talent, and curiosity, noting, “We knew that Sam was destined to do great things in life.”

The Vision Behind the Sir Douglas Myers Scholarship

The Sir Douglas Myers Scholarship, established in 2000, embodies the philanthropic spirit of its namesake, Sir Arthur Douglas Myers KNZM CBE (1938–2017), a prominent New Zealand businessman. Born into a brewing dynasty, Myers rose to lead Lion Nathan, expanding it into a major Australasian force before controversial sales in the 1990s. A Gonville and Caius alumnus (BA History, 1958), he channeled his success into education, hoping scholars would return as leaders benefiting New Zealand.

Administered by Universities New Zealand (Te Pōkai Tara), the scholarship targets Year 13 students (NCEA Level 3 or equivalent) with exceptional records for Cambridge entry. Eligibility requires New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency, five years of secondary schooling in NZ, and a conditional offer from Gonville and Caius College via UCAS. Exclusions include medicine, veterinary medicine, and law. One award annually covers fees and living stipend for the undergraduate duration, with extensions possible. Applications, due 1 August via Universities NZ portal, include achievement statements, essays on Cambridge motivations and career goals, referees, and results. A selection committee, appointed by the Myers family, assesses academics, leadership, extracurriculars, and ambassadorial potential, followed by interviews. Success demands Cambridge admission by international deadlines.

Scholars submit annual reports and allow academic oversight. For more, visit the official scholarship site.

Gonville and Caius College: Cambridge's Elite Heart

Gonville and Caius College, often called 'Caius' (pronounced 'keys'), founded in 1348, stands as one of Cambridge's oldest and most prestigious. Home to nearly 1,000 students, it boasts 15 Nobel laureates among fellows, including Francis Crick and James Chadwick. Centrally located, it offers rigorous supervisions (small-group tutorials), pastoral support, and vibrant social life.

New Zealand ties run deep: Sir Douglas Myers studied there, as did alumni like Lord Cooke of Thorndon, NZ's top judge. The college actively supports Myers scholars, hosting dinners and fostering Kiwi networks. Undergraduate life blends intense academics with clubs, sports, and formal halls, preparing global leaders.

Delving into History and Politics at Cambridge

Sam will tackle the Human, Social, and Political Sciences (HSPS) Tripos or History, immersing in Cambridge's world-renowned system. First-year papers cover political theory, international relations, and historical methods, with supervisions providing personalized feedback. Students analyze thinkers like Machiavelli or events like the Cold War, honing analytical skills through essays and exams.

This flexible Tripos allows specialization, perhaps in comparative politics or modern history, aligning with Sam's debating background. Cambridge's resources—libraries like the UL, seminars with experts—equip graduates for policy, diplomacy, or academia. NZ context adds value: understanding global affairs to inform Aotearoa's challenges like Treaty relations or Pacific geopolitics.

A Legacy of Leaders: Past Myers Scholars

Since 2001, 22 scholars have transformed lives. Highlights include:

• 2025: Ethan Chuang (Auckland Grammar), mathematics prodigy with five scholarships.
• 2024: Angus Baker (Gisborne), recent awardee.
• 2023: AK Baker (Auckland Grammar), senior prefect.
• 2022: Isaac Mellis-Glynn (Auckland Grammar).
• 2021: Logan Green (Tauranga Boys'), head boy.
• 2016: Callum Parker (Wellington College), economics whiz.

From diverse schools—King's College, Epsom Girls', Wellington College—these scholars often return to NZ leadership roles, fulfilling Myers' vision. For instance, early recipients like Michael Fletcher (2005) credit Cambridge for career authenticity. Full list at previous scholars page.

Boosting New Zealand's Higher Education Through Global Exposure

In NZ's higher education landscape, scholarships like Myers bridge domestic universities (Otago, Auckland QS top 1%) and global elites. With ~24,000 international students but few outbound undergrads, such programs foster 'reverse brain drain.' Myers scholars gain networks, returning with expertise—vital amid NZ's talent shortages in policy, STEM.

Complementing Rhodes (Oxford postgrad), Girdlers (Corpus Christi Cambridge), these enable merit-based access. Universities NZ administers many, promoting equity. Sam's win highlights state school potential, inspiring beyond Auckland powerhouses.

Explore more via Universities NZ.

Navigating Barriers: Finance, Competition, and Triumph

Cambridge fees (~£35,000/year tuition + living) deter many NZ families. Myers removes this, but competition is fierce: top 0.1% NCEA, extracurriculars, interviews. Sam's story—state school, debating passion—shows dedication pays. Challenges include cultural adjustment, but Caius support eases transition.

Broader NZ context: rising costs, visa changes affect mobility, yet scholarships sustain flows. Stats show Cambridge hosts NZ students yearly, enriching both.

Voices of Pride and Gratitude

Sam reflected: “I am so excited... My teachers have been so supportive... Burnside’s history department is truly world class.” Teacher Sarah Maguire: “His enthusiasm for... world history has been a career highlight.” Principal Haines: “A remarkable achievement... proud.”

These words underscore mentorship's role in NZ education.

Photo by Adam Young on Unsplash

Future Horizons: Impact and Inspiration

Post-Cambridge, Sam aims to amplify NZ's voice globally, perhaps in policy or advocacy. Myers alumni exemplify: leaders in business, academia, public service. For aspirants: excel academically, lead extracurricularly, apply early. This scholarship not only elevates individuals but strengthens NZ higher ed's global standing.