Rural Bank Scholarships Giving Regional Undergrads a Go

The next generation of agricultural leaders are being invited to further their studies with the support of the 2018 national Rural Bank Scholarship Program, offering up to $5,000 to 15 eligible applicants.

Rural Bank Managing Director and CEO Alexandra Gartmann joined Anita on the Country Viewpoint for more.

The 2018 scholarship program is open to first-time undergraduate students eager to begin their careers in the Australian agriculture sector, with Rural Bank anticipating the majority of applicants will come from regional communities.

“Almost 30 percent of Australians live in regional areas, yet they comprise fewer than 20 percent of university enrolments,” said Managing Director and CEO of Rural Bank, Alexandra Gartmann.

“In some instances, students that do choose to pursue further study are forced to relocate hundreds of kilometres away and are often challenged by simply meeting the cost of tertiary education, in light of adverse seasonal conditions and competing priorities on the farm."

Studies have found people from major cities are twice as likely to hold a degree than those from regional and remote area, with the program aimed at bridging this alarming educational divide.

“Through our Scholarship Program, we are able to play a role in assisting these students to pursue a rewarding career in agriculture by removing some of the barriers they face and ultimately helping to bridge the educational divide in regional Australia,” Ms Gartmann said.

Applications are open until 29 January 2018, for more information visit ruralbank.com.au/scholarships.

Image Source - Rural Bank Scholarship Application Pack