MORE students are being supported through scholarships at Federation University Australia, with a record number awarded in 2023.
This year the university, in partnership with generous donors, is awarding 228 scholarships across its campuses totalling more than $830,000.
The scholarships give students the opportunity to succeed in their studies without the stress of financial pressure, helping to cover costs including textbooks, petrol, groceries and computers.
“We know financial hardship is one of the major barriers preventing students from completing their studies and these scholarships help to ease that pressure, providing them with the opportunity to succeed in their studies and contribute to their communities,” Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley said.
“These scholarships are possible through the generosity of our donors and we are so delighted to be able to again award a record number thanks to these partnerships.”
In Gippsland and Berwick, 77 scholarships were awarded this year in special ceremonies last week.
Among them is Gippsland Bachelor of Education Studies student Chloe Bethune, who is receiving a Gippsland Water scholarship and a Federation University Australia Council scholarship.
A proud Martu and Noongar woman, Chloe’s passion for education was ignited after participating in a YMCA Youth Parliament team which drafted a bill for compulsory First Nation’s Education in schools.
Chloe said the scholarships would support her travel to campus from Yarram and help her cover costs while recovering from a medical condition, allowing her to focus on her studies.
“I’m passionate about curriculum and working with young people and these scholarships will help support me to attend university without worrying about financial pressures,” she said.
At Berwick, Bachelor of Arts student Michelle Cooper Stanway is receiving the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship and Foundation Commencing Scholarship.
A proud Awabakal and Palawa woman and long-time foster carer, the scholarship has given Michelle access to a computer at home and allowed her to dedicate more time to her studies.
Michelle hopes to eventually return to work in the out-of-home and disability care sectors.
Federation University’s scholarship program began with four foundation scholarships in 2013 and has grown to support hundreds of students in need of assistance through the generous support of alumni, staff, businesses and community donors.
More information about Federation University scholarships can be found at federation.edu.au/connect/foundation
