Do you want to study? Do you also want financial assistance, study leave and flexible working hours? Find out what is on offer from banks in New Zealand and Australia

Journal of Banking and Financial Services, Oct-Nov, 2003

ANZ Banking Group Ltd (ANZ)

Why encourage undergraduate and postgraduate study?

"Education is a solid foundation for a successful career and creates a pathway for our people. It expands our horizons and opens up new opportunities."

Shane Freeman, group general manager, people capital

"Undertaking undergraduate and/or postgraduate study is one of the ways which we encourage our people at ANZ to continue their development. In today's competitive environment, our organisation is being continually asked to raise the performance bar and differentiate ourselves from other organisations. ANZ regards tertiary education as beneficial in the development of our people."

Julie McClernon, practice leader, learning and knowledge management

Is there a growing trend to fund more postgraduate degrees?

"Today we happen to be funding more postgraduate degrees, this is not necessarily a growing trend rather a strong preference for postgraduate courses. This preference appears to be based on the appropriateness of the content for the experience profile of our candidates and the opportunity for work based projects."

Julie McClernon

Practical help?

ANZ is committed to providing focused and practical support to help our people earn a tertiary qualification. Support will be on the basis of reimbursement of up to 100 per cent of costs and is subject to the employee passing the subject, performing satisfactorily and other conditions.

Each business area of ANZ determines the support it will provide within these broad guidelines. As an example, our technology and shared service business area provides practical help in a number of areas, including 100 per cent reimbursement of tuition fees subject to conditions:

* Textbooks reimbursed up to $100 per subject

* Upfront payment of tuition fees in hardship cases

* Two days study leave per subject

How many degrees are you funding?

In excess of 450 annually: 150-plus undergraduate, 300-plus postgraduate.

Most common courses?

MBA, Bachelor of Management/Commerce

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Why encourage undergraduate and postgraduate study?

"The bank supports the initiative of employees who wish to enhance their professional development through tertiary study. While some of the most powerful learning experiences happen on the job, formal education helps to supplement that learning by providing opportunities to test theory against practice and develop new ways of doing things.

However it is important that the study undertaken is consistent with the ongoing and evolving needs of the bank and is a clear fit with the employee's development plan."

John Matthews, general manager HR services

Is there a growing trend to fund more postgraduate degrees?

"The bank has always funded postgraduate degrees. It is our belief however, that to get the most out of it, it makes more sense to acquire some work experience before an employee commences postgraduate study.

"When the time is right and the employee's needs are aligned with those of the bank, assistance is provided for employees who meet the eligibility criteria."

John Matthews

Practical help?

Assistance available can include a combination of all or some of these:

* Fees/HECS reimbursement

* Payment of compulsory textbooks

* Study leave

* Examination leave

Most common courses?

Finance and business related disciplines

National Australia Bank

Why encourage undergraduate and postgraduate study?

"We believe that talented people make a huge difference to the level of service we can provide to our customers, our ability to work as a team and develop as individuals, generate strong returns to our shareholders and the community's perception of the National.

"Undergraduate and postgraduate study allows our people to develop the capabilities they need to be more successful."

Paul Clark, general manager, business financial services.

Is there a growing trend to fund more postgraduate degrees?

"At the National, high-performing leaders are essential to business success. Equally important is the development of a pipeline of future leaders with the necessary competencies to execute our business strategies.

"Postgraduate degrees are still considered to be an excellent way for staff to develop their capabilities and knowledge, however there is a general trend, particularly at the executive level, towards experiential based learning and education. This offers opportunities to both develop the individual and have specific business impact."

Steve Meredith, group talent principal, people and culture

Practical help?

The National's study assistance policy is available to all National employees via the corporate intranet, and details practical assistance available to support employees undertaking approved external study, including:

* Provision of flexible working hours to accommodate attendance at classes and lectures

* Flexible working arrangements to enable completion of study commitments including study leave, exam leave and residential schools attendance

* Reimbursement of expenses associated with compulsory tuition fees, HECS charges and charges for course-related residential schools, upon successful completion of each subject