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USC to boost equity grants in 2007
Receiving a University of the Sunshine Coast equity bursary early this year has made a world of difference for graduating teaching student Anthony Brial.
Anthony, 36, said he was about to withdraw from his Graduate Diploma in Education program in March due to financial pressures but was able to continue his studies after receiving a $2080 equity bursary.
The now-qualified English and Art teacher yesterday applauded the USC’s plans to boost its equity bursaries from $20,000 to $94,000 next year in a bid to help more students from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Anthony said his wife, Jennifer, was unemployed when he started studying at USC this year and the cost of travelling to the Sunshine Coast from Redcliffe each day was taking a toll on their finances.
"It didn’t even seem like a possibility to continue studying until I received the bursary because, at the beginning of the year, we were both on welfare,’’ he said. "We were really battling. We didn’t have any money at all."
Anthony said he had used the bursary money to buy books and pay for car maintenance and general living expenses.
"When we got the bursary, I couldn’t believe it. It’s taken a lot of pressure off us," he said. "Last semester, I received a High Distinction for the subject Language and Literacy in Education. I believe this was largely due to the help of the bursary making it possible."
USC Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said 47 University Equity Bursaries of $2000 each would be available to students in 2007.
Professor Hill said the USC equity bursary scheme helped ease the financial pressure on students from low socio-economic backgrounds and gave them more time to concentrate on studying.
"Most of our students are involved in part-time work,’’ Professor Hill said. "Some are working full-time and studying full-time, which is difficult.
"Any financial contribution for people who have to work while they’re at University makes a big difference. It means there are a few hours extra that they don’t have to work each week and they can concentrate on their studies."
Professor Hill said Commonwealth statistics showed about 43% of the USC student population came from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
"The USC mission is heavily centred on services to our region and, given that the region has a high proportion of people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, it’s important for us to be making a contribution like this,’’ he said.
For more details on USC’s equity bursaries go to the USC website at www.usc.edu.au or contact Student Administration on 5459 2890.
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Graduating teaching student Anthony Brial says a University of the Sunshine Coast Equity Bursary enabled him to complete his Graduate Diploma in Education this year.