Four students studying at La Trobe University’s Shepparton campus have been awarded scholarships, as part of an Australian Government initiative to enable more students to study and work in regional Australia.
Four students studying at La Trobe University’s Shepparton campus have been awarded scholarships, as part of an Australian Government initiative to enable more students to study and work in regional Australia.
The students will receive $15,000 per year for up to four years of study, supporting them to complete their studies in a regional area as part of the Destination Australia program.
The four scholarship awardees bring the total recipients to 13 on the Shepparton campus since the program was launched in 2020.
La Trobe Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global & Regional) Professor Richard Speed welcomed the students to the Shepparton campus, and said he hoped they would take advantage of the many benefits of studying in a regional community.
“Our regional campuses have so much to offer in terms of community and lifestyle, as well as strong connections into industry, work-integrated learning opportunities and excellent employment outcomes,” Professor Speed said.
“We know that regional areas are experiencing critical workforce shortages – particularly in areas such as health and education – and our highly-skilled graduates will help address these shortages in the future.
“La Trobe has received more Destination Australia scholarships than any other university to support regional students – just one more reason for students from Australia and around the world to choose to study with us,” Professor Speed said.
Federal Member for Nicholls, Damian Drum MP said he was very pleased to see more students choosing to study in Shepparton, with scholarships such as this supporting domestic and international students to study regionally.
“Shepparton is a great choice for these students, as they can receive high-quality education while enjoying the benefits of a regional city and a welcoming community,” Mr Drum said.
“The imminent $10 million expansion of La Trobe’s Shepparton campus, funded by the university and Federal Government, will attract even more students to what is already a world-class education offering.”
“It’s great to see investment in regional higher education, and initiatives that support students to study in Shepparton. We know that most students who study regionally choose to live and work in the regions once they graduate, so we will see these students contributing to the community and the local skilled workforce for years to come.”
Polish-born nursing student Magdalena Turvey said the scholarship made it possible for her to study in Shepparton.
“I was already an enrolled nurse, but I really wanted to increase my skills and knowledge. Because I came from overseas I couldn’t access study assistance, so this scholarship was the only way I could afford to continue my education,” Ms Turvey said.
“I am so happy to have received the scholarship, and now to have been accepted into La Trobe’s Excellence Academy; Destination Australia has opened up so many doors for me.”
Ms Turvey says she will definitely stay in the region after graduation, as she loves the people and countryside, and wants to support the health of the local community.
