Need to Access Scholarships Information
21 January 2006
One of the areas of which we have been conscious since opening
has been scholarships. Universities typically offer a broad range,
but it has taken a decade for us to gradually build up the number
available to students at USC.
We have been able to do this through the generosity of many
individuals and groups and there are now over 400 scholarships
available at USC, varying in value, duration and focus. We have
been able to provide so many because so many people have wanted to
help students, many of whom are the first to go to University in
their families.
The student recipients benefit in a number of ways, and means
that their debts can be lessened as a result.
Surprisingly, despite a range of student needs, many students do
not apply for scholarships and bursaries as they think that this
aid is available only for elite high achievers. Some of the
scholarships are for high achievers, but there are also many other
ways in which we are supporting students. To raise awareness about
how broad that range of support really is, and in some cases to
provide advice to ensure students are not missing out on equity
scholarships, for example, we are holding a special information
session on 24 January at 6.30 pm in Lecture Theatre 6.
This session will cover USC scholarships and bursaries, USC
support services which are becoming increasingly extensive, and
advice on career services and part-time jobs, as well as loan and
counselling services. Living on a student budget is not easy and as
well as our own staff, Centrelink staff will also be present.
It is wise for every student to explore whether any of the $1
million of scholarships, bursaries and prizes apply to them. Quite
apart from high academic achievement, it could also be that
financial hardship or relocation could elicit support. Many of the
financial support programs specifically target new students and
school leavers, but mature students also have opportunities, and
many have previously benefited, or had some of their worries
reduced.
Hundreds of students starting at USC in 2006 will receive
financial assistance through these programs, which can vary from
relatively small amounts to thousands of dollars.
Each scholarship bursary and prize has its own specific criteria
of eligibility so it is important to check details with our new
Scholarships Officer (Kathryn Hughes).
A few of these programs have closure dates as early as 27
January, so that they can be active for the new academic year
starting in February.
I would strongly advise that anyone commencing study at USC this
year, including mature age students, school leavers and their
parents seriously consider attendance at the 24 January session, or
opportunities for financial support could be lost.
In the years ahead we will continue to grow the number of these
scholarships as more and more generous people in the community
appreciate the need for such help. For those who have already
provided scholarships, the students are very grateful. For some it
can mean the difference between success and failure.
Professor Paul Thomas is Vice-Chancellor of University of
the Sunshine Coast