The Federal Government has announced that the latest round of a scholarship program to help students from regional and remote communities access tertiary education opportunities is now open for applications.
Federal Education Minister, Alan Tudge, said that the government’s Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships program will help 700 commencing students meet the cost of university or other tertiary education and training with scholarship awards of up to $18,000.
“We are helping more students from regional and remote Australia into higher education so they can get a qualification and get into a job,” Minister Tudge said.
“We know there can be significant financial barriers for regional students, and $18,000 will be a huge help for them.”
Additionally, Minister Tudge said that special consideration “will also be given to applicants from areas affected by recent natural disasters such as drought and bushfires.”
More than 3,000 scholarships have been awarded through the first four rounds of the $62.6 million program. A further round is scheduled to run in 2022.
Federal Minister for Regional Education, Andrew Gee, said the program will ensure that more students from regional communities enrol and complete tertiary education training.
“This program is about improving educational outcomes for country people – and that starts with access to high-quality university education and training,” Minister Gee said.
Since 2016, the Federal Government has invested more than $1bn in programs, such as the Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships, to improve education opportunities for regional and remote students.
“These scholarships are an investment in the regions,” Minister Gee said.
“I encourage students from regional Australia to make the most of this fantastic opportunity and apply now for a Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarship.”