February 3, 2014
Local MPs Tim Bull and Darren Chester are urging East Gippsland students to apply for a scholarship of up to $5000 to help them attend university.
Applications for The Nationals Scholarship for Young Leaders, which is open to local students aged between 16 and 25 years who are about to undertake their first year of university, opened today.
State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said The Nationals have great faith in the potential of young regional Victorians and the scholarship is available to assist and encourage them to continue learning through higher education opportunities.
“The scholarship winners will be chosen based on their academic endeavours, local leadership qualities, community involvement and their commitment to rural life,” Mr Bull said.
“The total value of the scholarship is $5000, which may be allocated as a single scholarship or shared amongst one or more successful applicants.
“The Nationals have been sponsoring this bursary for a number of years and it has always drawn a strong response with a high standard of applications from students across Victoria.”
Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, said the scholarship would assist with the costs of undertaking tertiary education, a common barrier for students from regional areas.
“The Nationals recognise the barriers that exist for regional students wishing to undertake tertiary education,” Mr Chester said.
“We need to do more to help regional students reach their full potential and The Nationals Scholarship for Young Leaders presents an opportunity for East Gippsland students to gain a helping hand in their first year of university.
“The Nationals are proud to support regional and rural students who are pursuing their tertiary studies, demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities and are committed to the future development of regional and rural Victoria.”
The selection criteria for The Nationals Scholarship for Young Leaders includes the applicant’s academic record, leadership qualities and community involvement. It is intended that the scholarship will be awarded to students who are intending to return to or remain in regional Victoria after their course. Special consideration may also be given to students in hardship situations.
The application process will be open until Friday, February 28, 2014.
Application forms can be downloaded from The Nationals website www.vic.nationals.org.au