AUSTRALIA’S future agricultural leaders are encouraged to apply for Rural Bank’s 2019 national scholarship program.
The expanded 2019 program of up to 25 scholarships will see an increased investment to support drought affected communities.
This investment includes 10 additional scholarships to be awarded to students from communities affected by drought, alongside up to 15 scholarships on offer for regional and rural students across Australia as part of the annual program.
The $5000 scholarship is available for first-time undergraduate students eager to pursue a career in or supporting Australia’s agriculture sector.
Managing director and Rural Bank chief executive Alexandra Gartmann said students from regional areas were increasingly enrolling in undergraduate courses and with hope the trend continues.
“It’s imperative rural and regional students are given the same opportunities as their metropolitan counterparts, especially those who experience challenges such as high relocation costs and out-of-home living expenses or seasonal conditions hindering the family budget,” she said.
In 2018, Jessica Bridle was awarded a Rural Bank Scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Veterinary Science.
Having developed a passion for agriculture and animals growing up on the family farm in regional Queensland, Jessica’s passion to one day return and work as a rural veterinarian.
“The program has financially supported me in being able to afford the cost of my college accommodation in Townsville, which has reduced the financial burden on my family,” she said.
“Without this help, I would not have been able to focus my efforts entirely on my studies.
“I am now a step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a rural vet and I look forward to one day giving back to the agricultural industry.”
Scholarship recipients will receive financial support to the value of $5000 for the first year of their studies to contribute to the costs of accommodation, travel, course materials, study equipment and tutoring.
Subject to academic performance, the scholarship funding will be extended to support their second year of study.
Applications close January 29.
Visit www.ruralbank.com.au for more information.
