Scholarships on offer to rural students

The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Scholarship Program is now accepting applications from students about to enter their first year of tertiary study. Rural and regional students across Australia are encouraged to submit their applications from today.

This is the fourth year the bank has offered the scholarship which aims to assist disadvantaged country students starting their university degree.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Chairman, Robert Johanson, said the scholarship grants would be used to contribute to student accommodation and study-related expenses.

“Young people from regional areas who want to go to university in the city face huge costs, mainly because they don’t have the option of living at home,” Mr Johanson said.

“Influences like drought, natural disasters and the global financial crisis have had a significant impact on a young person’s ability to continue with further education.

“As part of our commitment to help build stronger regional communities, the bank doesn’t want these students to miss out on achieving their academic dreams and maybe one day retuning home with their skills and knowledge to benefit their local community,” he said.

Joshua Carter has received a scholarship grant two years running after achieving outstanding results in a Bachelor of Arts course at the University of Melbourne.

He said the scholarship has made it easier for him to live away from his home in Gippsland.

“Just knowing that you have that financial support is really important and it allows you to think about your studies and not constantly worry about next week’s rent or food bills.”

Successful applicants that have been offered a full-time place at an Australian university or college campus, will initially receive funding for one year and depending upon academic performance the scholarship may be renewed.

Applications for 2010 will be open until 5pm Friday 29 January 2010 (AEDST) and will be assessed in early 2010.

For more information visit www.bendigoadelaide.com.au.