Telstra offers $15,000 scholarship boost for Indigenous student

Indigenous students living in remote and regional areas who are planning to attend Southern Cross University next year are invited to apply for the Telstra Country Wide Indigenous Scholarship.

The brand new $15,000 three-year scholarship is for an undergraduate student enrolling in any degree.

The scholarship is part of the University’s Rising Stars Scholarships program and the recipient will receive $5,000 per year over three years beginning first semester next year.

Telstra has long been a supporter of undergraduate and Honours scholarships at the University, with seven scholarships valued at more than $40,000 awarded since 2007. This includes three other scholarships for Indigenous students.

Applicants must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and live in a regional area (outside Australia’s capital cities) to be eligible. The scholarship is open to both mature age students and school leavers planning to commence full-time study at the Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Tweed or Gold Coast campuses in 2010.

Telstra Country Wide general manager for North Coast NSW, Michael Sharpe, said that Telstra was an enthusiastic supporter of the University’s Rising Stars Scholarships program.

“We have seen some wonderful success stories where students have overcome obstacles and completed their studies with our support,” Mr Sharpe said.

“This important initiative emphasises Telstra Country Wide’s commitment to regional Australia and support for the education of our future leaders.”

While the new scholarship is open to students from across Australia, students from the approximately 325 schools in the SCU feeder region can apply for this and other scholarships via the STAR Entry Scheme.

The STAR Entry Scheme is open to students who are currently completing Year 12 at a school within the SCU feeder region. By completing this application, students may receive an early offer to a course and also be considered for any scholarships for which they are eligible. Early offers and scholarships are considered separately.

Feeder region high school students need to submit their applications to their school careers advisor by Friday, September 4, 2009, for both early entry and for scholarships. Other applicants need to contact the scholarships office to get an application form, which will be available from early September.

For more information on the full range of scholarships available at Southern Cross University visit the website scu.edu.au/scholarships

Or you can contact the scholarships office on 6620 3313 or student services on 1800 626 481.

Photo: From left: Jeff Nelson, director of research and research training, Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples; Michael Sharpe, Telstra Country Wide general manager for North Coast NSW; and Karen Van Sacker, SCU director of development.