Christchurch high school student heading to Cambridge University with the Sir Douglas Myers Scholarship

Sam Allan, the recipient of the 2026 Sir Douglas Myers Scholarship, is heading to Cambridge University next year to study a Bachelor of History and Politics.

He chose his course because it “interweaves how we can use the past to solve problems of the present”.

“Cambridge wouldn't just teach politics and history, but how to think about politics and history, something crucial in being able to adapt my learning to the challenges of today.”

Sam recently graduated from Burnside High School, where he had outstanding results. At NCEA level 2, he received excellence endorsed in all subjects. In 2023 and 2024 Sam took courses at the University of Canterbury, where he achieved straight A+’s across all of his assignments.

Outside of school, Sam has contributed to the ECan Youth Ropu, which is an official advisory group to the Environment Canterbury regional council. He also worked with Manu Ka Rere, a Mental Health group in Christchurch, where he sat on their Youth Advisory Group for two years. At Burnside, he led a number of clubs, such as Debating, World Scholars’ Cup, and Model UN.

In his application for the prestigious scholarship, Sam was described as “an exceptional young person”.  “No matter what he does in the future, he will continue to make a significant difference in the world.”

Sam believes in the power of debating, saying the need to defend your position, a way of teaching that Cambridge embraces, is something he looks forward to.  “It can be easy to form beliefs based on what you already know, or what those around you are expressing. But when you must explain why you have formed a view, it is a great test of the legitimacy of that belief.”

Sam has excelled in debating during his time at high school. He was one of only five students who was selected to represent New Zealand at the 2025 World Schools Debating Championship, and was also awarded the Best Speaker in both the Canterbury Regional Championships, and the Canterbury Impromptu Championship.

The Myers Scholarship was established in 2000 by the late Sir Douglas Myers. The scholarship provides an opportunity for students who have already distinguished themselves academically to take up a place at Cambridge University. Sir Douglas expressed the hope that graduates will return to New Zealand to become leaders in their chosen fields, and to directly benefit New Zealand and its people.

For more information visit UNZ’s Scholarships web page.