Seven scholarship spots have been made available to encourage students to study in the north of Tasmania.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The scholarships are part of a federal government project and will all be offered through University of Tasmania's northern campus.
The study incentive will include a $15,000 study subsidy to assist students with their tuition.
Bass MHR Bridget Archer said the money would enable students who may otherwise have been unable to study in the area. "It's really about accessibility. If cost is a consideration or a barrier to participation we want to overcome any barriers and encourage people to come," she said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Ms Archer said the scholarships were part of a larger federal program called Destination Australia.
"It's to encourage students to study in regional areas," she said. "Attracting more students to our region supports our local economy and further enhances our community.
"There'll be seven opportunities here in Northern Tasmania and that will hopefully attract students to leave the cities and come out into the regions and everything that we have to offer here."
Over the state in 2021 there will be 20 scholarships handed out, including another seven in Burnie.
A spokesperson for the department said the seven scholarships would maintain a baseline of scholarships offered as part of the program.
"Both grant opportunity rounds [from 2020 and 2021] has seen applications for more than 6 times the amount of scholarships that can be supported. This demand, and the subsequent uptake of scholarships amidst COVID-19 indicates strong support for the program," they said.
"Mid-year reporting from education providers shows almost 25% of scholarships helped the first member of a family to enter tertiary education, and over 30% of scholarships supported students that identify as culturally and linguistically diverse."
A University of Tasmania spokesperson said they welcomed the chance to attract students to the region.
"These generous scholarships provide up to $15,000 per year for up to four years and will have a significant positive impact on students' lives," they said.
"We know that cost is a barrier to further education ... which is why scholarships are so important."
What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor: