PARTICIPATION in higher education in Tasmania is lower than the Australian average, with just 22 per cent of people aged 25 to 34 possessing a bachelor degree or higher qualifications, compared with 32 per cent nationally.
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Regional areas of the state face hurdles that make participating in higher education difficult, due largely to to financial barriers relating to accommodation and transportation costs, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data.
Hence, when Maighan Brandwood, of Deloraine, received a $5000 scholarship from Banks Deloraine & Districts Community Bank Branch last year, her prospects blossomed.
Miss Brandwood has now completed her first year at the University of Adelaide studying for a Bachelor of International Development degree.
Studying a mix of politics, geography and anthropology, Miss Brandwood hopes to pursue a career with the Department of Foreign Affairs or a non-government organisation, working towards global equality.
Miss Brandwood said a huge motivator throughout her endeavour to make a difference had simply been opportunity.
"Unfortunately students in regional communities are often left at a disadvantage in terms of opportunity," she said.
"[But] all the tricky things that come from being a kid from a regional community, the extra travel to school for example, it's forced me to work harder to achieve my goals.
"That's why the Bendigo Bank scholarship is crucial in allowing students from rural areas to reach their full potential."
In 2016 the Deloraine & Districts Community Bank Branch is again offering a tertiary scholarship.
Online applications are NOW open at www.bendigobank.com.au/public/community/scholarships.
