Destination Australia scholarship makes regional uni attractive

THE Federal Government has announced a new scholarship program to support tertiary students who study at regional campuses.

Federation University’s vice-chancellor Professor Helen Bartlett welcomes the announcement of the Government’s new Destination Australia scholarship program.

THE Federal Government has announced a new scholarship program to support tertiary students who study at regional campuses.

The new Destination Australia program will award more than 1000 students with $15,000 a year to help cover study and living expenses.

Australian and international students are eligible to apply. International recipients also benefit from new visa conditions that grant an extra year of temporary residency to work, once their study is complete.

Federation University vice-chancellor Professor Helen Bartlett welcomed the announcement.

“The majority of our students go on to live and work in regional areas, so this scheme will not only attract more students to our Ballarat, Gippsland and Wimmera campuses — it will help boost the local economies as well,” she said.

“Financial issues are one of the main reasons many of our domestic students drop out of university. Providing these scholarships will help the recipients finish their studies and make a real difference to their lives.”

The regional university has campuses at Ballarat, Horsham, Churchill and Berwick. Its international student enrolments have increased significantly this year, compared to last year.

“International students enrich our communities with different cultures and insights, as well as a desire to work and contribute to the community. Improving their visa conditions will benefit not only the students but local employers and the broader community,” Ms Bartlett said.

Destination Australia scholarships are available to students studying a Certificate IV to Doctorate level qualification at a regional campus of an eligible tertiary education provider.

The Government said the program was designed to deliver on its commitment to attract more students — both domestic and international — to study in regional locations.