Applications now open for $30,000 scholarship

The scholarship, offered to James Cook University students by the QCoal Foundation, is valued at $10,000 per year for three years.

Final-year Bachelor of Geology student and 2018 QCoal Foundation Scholarship recipient Mistrel Fetzer Boegheim said receiving the scholarship has made a big difference to her studies and she encourages other students to apply.

“It has allowed me to complete my studies earlier by supporting my living costs, where I may have otherwise gone part-time to keep up with rent,” she said.

“It can change your life, don’t leave it to the last minute and be prepared – it’s funding for the opportunities you don’t know about yet.”

QCoal Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Bhatia said the scholarship was originally launched to create a pathway to tertiary education for talented students from regional and remote Queensland communities who demonstrate a passion for giving back to these communities after graduation.

“The Foundation wanted to create a program to encourage talented graduates to bring their skills back to regional areas to improve access to services, and generally add value to these vital communities,” she said.

“Data shows JCU has one of the highest number of graduates who work in regional areas, which is why we’ve partnered with them on this initiative.”

The scholarship is open to Queensland undergraduate students who completed Year 12 within two years prior to studying at JCU, or students who are commencing second year in a Geology or Earth Science undergraduate course.

Eligible students who are passionate about making a difference in regional and remote Queensland are encouraged to apply for the scholarship.

Applications close 15 January 2021. For information on how to apply please visit https://www.jcu.edu.au/scholarships-@-jcu/search/qcoal-foundation-scholarship