Sought-after scholarship program closing soon

Around 75 high school students across the country are set to receive tertiary scholarships through the 2016 Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Scholarship Program, helping them pursue their dreams of attending university.

The Bank's scholarship program, which will see applications close on Monday 25 January 2016, provides financial support to disadvantaged, yet academically outstanding regional students to attend university.

Piero Craney from Wyoming, NSW, was awarded one of the Bank's scholarships in 2013 and as well as continuing his studies, is currently an intern at a global law firm in Sydney, and also Chairman of the NSW Youth Advisory Council.

Mr Craney said the scholarship gave him the necessary funds to find accommodation on campus, relieving the financial pressure of attending university.

"I strongly believe that your postcode does not define you and it should not limit your dreams," Mr Craney said.

"What defines you is your struggles and how you overcome those struggles to achieve your ambitions.

"I am grateful to Bendigo and Adelaide Bank for helping me overcome my geographical and financial struggles to attend my dream university and to pursue my ambitions."

Hundreds of Australians just like Mr Craney have launched their careers thanks to the opportunities provided to them by the Bank's scholarship programs, said Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Chairman, Robert Johanson.

"To date, the program has assisted more than 370 students across Australia to achieve their academic dreams and has provided more than $4 million to university education funding since 2007.

"More importantly, the Bank understands the role young people play in social cohesion and community sustainability and we will continue to invest in education and training programs to help them to realise their potential.

"It is an integral part of who we are and what we do as an organisation."

For more information on the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank scholarship program, including how to apply, visit http://www.bendigobank.com.au/scholarships