Supporting STEM in Regional Areas
A new program to make access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) more accessible to 1200 students living in regional and remote areas of Australia has just been launched by the Federal Government.
Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey and Member for Barker Tony Pasin are encouraging local students to apply for the scholarships worth up to $18,000.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain the support they need to study in fields with strong employment outcomes,” Mr Ramsey said.
“Accessing higher education form the country presents a range of difficulties that kids who can remain living at home in the city do not face.
"These scholarships are about addressing the imbalance between the city and the country by making student life easier for regional students and making STEM courses more attractive study options.
“I urge students from Grey to take advantage of the opportunities these scholarships offer to get the skills they need for future jobs.”
Member for Barker for Tony Pasin MP ealso commented saying: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Barker students to gain the support they need to study in fields with strong employment outcomes.
“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.” Mr Pasin said.
Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said science and innovation were recognised internationally as critical for boosting future 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,” Minister Birmingham said.
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 is open to prospective vocational education, undergraduate and postgraduate students (Certificate IV to PhD) and closes on 8 January 2018.
For further information and to apply visit the Department of Education and Training Website.