APPLICATIONS are now open for a new program to make access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) easier for 1200 students living in regional and remote areas of Australia.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin encouraged local students to apply for the scholarships of up to $18,000, made possible by a $24m commitment from the Federal Government.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Barker students to gain the support they need to study in fields with strong employment outcomes,” Mr Pasin said.
“These scholarships are about making student life easier for Barker students and making STEM courses more attractive study options.
“The program has been designed to suit the needs of rural and regional students and will support flexible arrangements, including part-time and online study.
“I urge Barker students to take advantage of the opportunities these scholarships offer to get the skills they need for future jobs.”
Education and Training Minister Simon Birmingham said science and innovation were recognised internationally as critical for boosting productivity, creating new jobs, enhancing competitiveness and driving economic growth.
“As well as tackling some of the hurdles regional and rural students face, these scholarships will help boost their numbers in STEM courses where they have been underrepresented,” Mr Birmingham said.
“In 2015, 25.8pc of 15 to 64 year olds lived in regional and remote areas, but represented only 19.3pc of STEM enrolments.”
The scholarships will operate from 2017/18 to 2020/21, with the first round of 600 scholarships being awarded for the 2018 academic year and a second round of 600 for 2019.
The first round of applications is open now and will close on January 8.
Scholarship applications for the 2019 academic year will open in the second half of 2018.
Prospective vocational education, undergraduate and postgraduate students (Certificate IV to PhD) are eligible to apply for a Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarship to support them in their studies in the year ahead.
