Three different scholarships could support country ECEC learners to advance

Three different scholarships have been made available by the Federal Government to support country students to take up higher education, Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education Andrew Gee said late last week.

The Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships, the Tertiary Access Payment and the Destination Australia scholarships, Mr Gee explained, will all help “level the playing field” between country and city students and benefit regional economies.

“Since 2016, the Australian Government has invested more than $1 billion in programs like these to improve education opportunities for country students,” he outlined.

“These scholarships are an investment in our regions and in our students from regional communities. They’re about improving education outcomes for country people, and that starts with access to high-quality education and training.”

Not only that, he continued, “We know our regions have a lot to offer students. City students who move to study in the regions, and country students who choose to stay in the country to continue their higher education, benefit from an exceptional quality of life and access to a world-class education. These students also provide a much-needed economic boost to country Australia.”

Mr Gee encouraged students from regional Australia to make the most of these opportunities, and for all Australian students considering a move to a regional education provider to check the eligibility criteria and apply now for one, or more, of the scholarships.

Students from regional and remote communities can apply now for a Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarship worth up to $18,000, to help meet the cost of university or other tertiary education. These scholarships will help 700 commencing students access tertiary education opportunities in any area of study this year, from Certificate IV to PhD level.

The Government is also funding scholarships of up to $18,000 for 50 undergraduate creative arts students from regional and remote areas this year, to assist with expenses. The scholarships also provide support of $500 for students to undertake internships to increase their work experience and engage with the creative arts industry while they study.

The $5,000 Tertiary Access Payment is a relocation payment for outer regional and remote school leavers who need to move to study a full-time tertiary course immediately following Year 12. This financial incentive assists with the additional costs rural, regional and remote students face entering tertiary education where moving can almost double the cost of a degree. The $5,000 can go towards things like accommodation costs, textbooks, groceries and bills.

Through the third round of the Destination Australia scholarship program, education providers can now apply for funding to encourage students to study regionally. The program is offering regional universities and vocational education providers scholarships at their institutions for up to $15,000 per student a year.

To check eligibility requirements and find out how to apply, visit:

• Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships (RRES) program and Creative Arts scholarships
• Tertiary Access Payment – Department of Education, Skills and Employment, Australian Government (dese.gov.au)
• Destination Australia – Department of Education, Skills and Employment, Australian Government (dese.gov.au)

For further information, please see here.