MACKAY students leaving the nest can be supported in their new home, as a Brisbane-based university accommodation opens up scholarships to regional school leavers.
Over three years, the student accommodation service Student One has provided 256 students with more than $650,000 to study and live in the heart of Brisbane.
After a turbulent school year, the latest batch of Mackay students have an opportunity to access the 2021 scholarship placements.
Chief executive officer Tim Weston said the program was a $1 million “no-strings, no gimmicks” opportunity for Queensland students to prepare for their studies down south.
He said the program offered $1560 to $2,600 for struggling families across the state.
And Mr Weston said the latest scholarship round made it simpler to apply and offered more places.
Chief executive officer Tim Weston said the program was a $1 million “no-strings, no gimmicks” opportunity for Queensland students to prepare for their studies down south.
“You simply need to tell us in 100-words or less how the Smart scholarship will help you in your study endeavours,” Mr Weston said.
Previous scholarship recipient and current resident Sarina Wittgens moved from regional Queensland to Brisbane two years ago to study Exercise and Nutrition Science at University of Queensland.
“For years, the rite of passage for people moving from a regional school to Brisbane to study was to live in on-campus colleges or shady share houses in the suburbs,” Ms Wittgens said.
“These days it’s vastly different.
Read more:
MEGA GALLERY: 850 people go through Obstacle Hell
Service to red and yellow flags wins lifesaver the gold
Underdogs’ surprise comeback clinches netball grand final
Student One Accommodation residents Keelie Morris, 18, and Richelle Lim, 19. Photographer: Liam Kidston.
“The standard of living has increased dramatically and when I worked out my budget, living at Student One under a scholarship didn’t cost me any more than those old-school living options.
Ms Wittgens said she enjoyed the sense of community, and being in “the heart of the city living in airconditioned comfort”.
Malanda resident Mia Grace, 17, has already secured a scholarship for the 2021 academic year.
Ms Grace said she was hoping to study an engineering degree at either Queensland University of Technology or University of Queensland.
Subscriber benefits:
Five ways to get more from your digital subscription
WATCH: Your guide to reading the Daily Mercury online
Your questions about the new Daily Mercury format answered
She said hoped to work her way through university, with plans to find a hospitality job in Brisbane next year.
“Which will help pay for my week-to-week expenses while I study … combined with the Student One accommodation scholarship, I’ll be able to spend more time focusing on my future career goals in engineering,” Ms Grace said.
The Student One regional roadshow arrives in Mackay on Tuesday November 10 at The Dispensary.
To book a place at the Mackay event visit the website here.
For more information on the scholarship program, visit https://studentone.com/student-one-scholarships/
