Students from regional areas who started university this year can still apply for a scholarship worth up to $18,000, thanks to round five of the federal government's Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarship program.
According to Maranoa MP David Littleproud, the scholarships are available for eligible students who started studying in 2021.
"If you haven't previously considered what financial support might be available, this is a fantastic opportunity for students from regional and remote communities," he said.
"Round five is still open to students who are undertaking courses from Certificate IV to PhD level and who started their study in 2021. I encourage everyone who is eligible to apply."
Scholarships support flexible study arrangements, and students can be studying on campus, online or via distance education.
They must have started a new course in 2021 and can be studying from six months full-time up to eight years part-time.
The $18,000 payment is for a full-time, four-year qualification, while shorter, part-time qualifications are paid on a pro rata basis.
To be eligible, students need to provide evidence to demonstrate their financial need, and have a permanent home address in a regional or remote area.
Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education Bridget McKenzie said the government had committed more than $62 million for the program since 2017.
"The RRES program has delivered more than 3000 scholarships to help students from regional and remote communities access a tertiary education," Ms McKenzie said.
"These scholarships have provided vital financial support to many students, some of whom may otherwise not have been able to afford higher education.
"The Australian government is ensuring that no matter where you live you can benefit from our world-class tertiary institutions.
"We want to provide as many opportunities as possible for individuals in regional and remote Australia to pursue further study, and relieving the financial burden is one way to help them to do that."
Full guidelines and eligibility criteria are available on the website.
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