Four students from the country have been awarded a scholarship from the University of South Australia to help them settle into city life. Julia Jacob from Geranium, Amy Hunt from Mundulla, Tamsin Scholz from Wudinna and Megan Freckleton from Haven (Victoria) have been awarded the $6000 John and Johan Høj Rural Reconnect Scholarships.
The scholarships, established through the philanthropy of Vice Chancellor Peter Høj’s family, help students from rural and isolated areas afford the cost of relocating to the city to pursue a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of South Australia.
UniSA’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Joanne Wright, said: "These students all achieved a final Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of 99 or higher, which is testimony to their abilities and individual desire for achievement.
“The scholarships are designed to help country students settle into life in the city and to be successful in their university studies. I wish them all the best in their journey with UniSA.”
Tamsin Scholz, 17, has moved 600km from a farm near Wudinna on Upper Eyre Peninsula to study at UniSA’s Magill Campus.
Tamsin, who is undertaking a Bachelor of Journalism/Bachelor of Arts (International Studies), says the scholarship has relieved pressure on her family to help her move from the country to the city. She says she is settling in well to her double degree and already has her sights set on working as a print journalist when she graduates.
Amy Hunt grew up on a farm near Mundulla in the South East and is studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at City East Campus. Amy, 18, says the scholarship has definitely made it easier for her to move to the city and start her studies.
“It means I can focus on moving away from home and settling into my studies without having to worry about a part-time job straight away, and it reduces the pressure on my parents as well,” Amy says.
Megan Freckleton, 20, says the scholarship has been a big help in moving to Adelaide from Haven near Horsham in Victoria.
Megan believes she may return to the country for work after she completes her Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) at City East Campus.
Also studying Occupational Therapy is Julia Jacob, who is looking forward to a career where she can give back to the community. Julia, 18, grew up on the family farm at Geranium in the Mallee, and says the scholarship has been a fantastic help in relocating to Adelaide.
Find scholarships for international students and more information about scholarships from Australian universities.