Holman Barnes Group hands out first scholarship program to Ashfeild High students Nicolas McCoy, William Deller

Two Sydney high school graduates will receive a free ride to university after winning a massive private scholarship. See how it has ‘changed their lives’.

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Two Inner West school graduates are on the winning end of a “life-changing” scholarship that will see their full university fees covered, in a new initiative aimed at supporting high-schoolers facing financial hardship.

Nicolas McCoy, 18, and William Deller, 18, both hailing from Ashfield High, are the first recipients of the Holman Barnes Group scholarship after a screening process showed they excelled in academics, leadership and community service.

Created to empower graduates facing financial difficulties, the scholarship covers full tuition fees, exam expenses and textbooks.

The relief from having to cough up thousands of dollars on a university degree is one of the reason Nicolas McCoy decided he would study a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at UTS, which costs $55,000.

“To me, this scholarship is life-changing because it means that I don’t have to worry about the limitations and stresses of debt after completing a university course,” Nicolas said.

Nicolas McCoy and William Deller receiving their scholarships

“Money is a big barrier for myself in the sense of education, the idea of having a HECS debt didn’t really fit into what I like to do.”

William Deller’s is set to study a Bachelor of Construction Management course at UTS with an approximate cost of $45,000.

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William Deller said not only has the scholarship given him the ability to support himself throughout university, but allow him to save for a house deposit.

“It is an amazing head start for any young person,” he said.

“For my university goals, I aim to thrive in the constant new challenges which will arise, and I look forward to facing them all as my course is something I am very passionate about.”

Students must be nominated by their school principal or vice principal and be enrolled at one of the local high schools such as Ashfield Boys High or Burwood Girls.

Nicolas McCoy (left) and William Deller (right)

Holman Barnes Group chief executive Simon Cook said the scholarship program aims to create a positive impact on the community by breaking down financial barriers for talented students and offering them mentorship and job opportunities.

“The program’s long-term vision includes expanding its reach to more schools and enabling young women and minority groups to achieve their dreams,” Mr Cook said.