Southern Cross University offers $60k scholarship to international achievers

International students who are finding life tough at city campuses are being offered a $60,000 scholarship at Southern Cross University.

International students who don’t like life in the city are being offered a $60,000 scholarship at Southern Cross University. Picture: Scott Powick

International students who are finding life tough at city campuses because of the pandemic are being offered a $60,000 scholarship to lure them to Southern Cross University.

“The disruption caused by COVID-19 has provided SCU with the opportunity to put our best foot forward,” a spokeswoman said of the university’s new Outstanding Academic Excellence Scholarship.

“The new scholarship for international onshore students is purposeful and strategic. Some of them are doing it tough in the city at the moment; they might be out of work because of COVID-19.

“We are hoping to encourage them to try regional lifestyle instead. We’re saying there is more to the Australian higher education offering than what’s available in the cities,” she said.

The scholarship for international students who are already in Australia applies to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in engineering, environmental science, marine science and forest science starting in semester two.

The value of the scholarships on offer is based on $15,000 a year for a four-year degree and includes living expenses, and the number is uncapped.

Students have to demonstrate outstanding results in a graded diploma or higher qualification.

The university is hoping its academic offering, together with the financial incentive, the idyllic coastal settings of its region­al NSW campuses in Lismore and Coffs Harbour and a cheaper cost of living, will be enough to tempt some high-achieving students into considering a move.

“Right now we are investing in talent like never before,” deputy vice-chancellor (academic) Tyrone Carlin said.

“If you are a high achiever, we are ready to invest in you and make you part of our community.”

International students are also eligible to apply for the federal government’s Destination Australia undergraduate scholarships, which also are valued at $15,000 a year.