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Scholarships Can Make a Difference
8 July 2006
The University of the Sunshine Coast attracts a large proportion
of students from low socio-economic backgrounds (43 per cent),
compared with the national average for universities (14 per cent).
Many students are also the first in the family ever to attend
university. As the numbers of students annually entering USC from
all over the world increases, the proportion of local students has
slowly decreased, but remains very high (75 per cent).
Many of these students encounter hardships whilst studying. Some
have to work part-time which can sometimes deflect them from
in-depth academic study. Some suffer emotionally with the stresses
of transitions or competing pressures. Some are simply concerned
with surviving and finding the funds for educational and living
expenses.
We know from international research that in the long term, all
these difficulties will be overcome, and a university education
remains the best passport to eventual career success for most
students.
To help students in the short-term an extraordinary amount of
work has been undertaken over the years to secure scholarships for
our students. I have written previously about how moving it is to
hear first-hand the gratitude and explanations expressed by
students about the difference that scholarship monies make, by
reducing the stress and worry.
We are annually increasing the number of scholarships which now
number nearly 400 this year. The range of individual donors and
organisations who are supportive is most encouraging. The
University itself will continue to increase the support for
students as its financial base becomes stronger, and this has been
particularly evident in recent years.
The University in 2006 received 123 applications for
Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships, and 173 applications for
Education Cost Scholarships. The University has also introduced
Equity Scholarships.
There remains a significant shortfall in the monies available to
support worthy students. Too many students, probably hundreds, may
be unaware that the schemes exist, or fail to win the limited
number available.
Anyone who has ever been involved directly with scholarships'
recipients, as I often have, cannot but be moved by their
stories.
The University will continue to increase its support, but if
there are people or groups in the community who would like to add
their support, please contact Kath Hughes, our Scholarships
Officer, on 5459 4520. There is a real need amongst students, and
donors invariably feel a great sense of personal satisfaction from
providing such direct and tangible help.
Professor Paul Thomas is Vice-Chancellor of University of
the Sunshine Coast