Key Takeaways
- In partnership with Riverina Oils, Charles Sturt University is offering the First Nations Agricultural Initiative Scholarship to support First Nations students in agricultural studies.
- The scholarship provides $24,000 over three years to assist with university costs for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in specific agricultural courses.
- The initiative encourages First Nations participation in agriculture, integrating their knowledge and skills into the industry.
- Eligible students must demonstrate First Nations identity and community involvement and commit to a work placement at Riverina Oils Wagga Wagga.
- The scholarship is available to new and continuing students, with ongoing payments dependent on academic performance and enrollment in the designated courses.
Charles Sturt University’s New Scholarship Initiative Boosts First Nations Students in Agriculture
Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga offers a new scholarship initiative to provide a financial head-start to First Nations students pursuing agriculture careers. This initiative is a collaborative effort with Riverina Oils, aiming to foster the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in the agricultural sector.
Details of the First Nations Agricultural Initiative Scholarship
The Riverina Oils First Nations Agricultural Initiative Scholarship will grant the successful applicant $24,000 over three years. This substantial financial aid is intended to cover various university costs, such as accommodation, textbooks, tuition fees, work placements, and other essential equipment needed for the course. The scholarship is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in the Bachelor of Agriculture, Bachelor of Agricultural Science, or Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management at Charles Sturt University.
Eligibility and Requirements
Eligible students must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and demonstrate a commitment to their community and future in agriculture. The application requires evidence of First Nations identity and impactful community involvement. Additionally, recipients must undertake their course-based work placement at Riverina Oils Wagga Wagga. To continue receiving the scholarship, students must maintain a GPA of 4.0 or above each semester and remain enrolled in the designated courses.
The Significance of the Scholarship
Sarah Ansell, the Charles Sturt Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the importance of this scholarship in encouraging First Nations students to engage with the agricultural sector. With the industry currently offering numerous employment opportunities and increasingly recognizing the value of integrating First Nations knowledge and skills, this scholarship comes at a reasonable time.
Application Process
Applications for the Riverina Oils First Nations Agricultural Initiative Scholarship are open until 9 am on Monday, January 15. Prospective students can visit the Charles Sturt University scholarship page for further information and application details.
