A Mandurah media whiz is encouraging high-achieving year 12 students to apply for scholarships to help them with living expenses during university study.
The George Alexander Foundation (GAF) rural accommodation scholarship program offers six scholarships to ease the financial pressure on students relocating from their hometowns to further their studies at Murdoch University.
The scholarships, each worth $24,000 over three years, help with accommodation and living expenses for regional students settling into city life.
Murdoch University vice chancellor Eeva Leinonen said GAF had made a significant investment in the academic potential of students from regional and remote communities, contributing more than $1.5 million since its establishment in 2008.
“Providing financial support to regional students who we know have additional costs such as travel and accommodation associated with studying, will enable them to focus on their studies and acquire the skills and knowledge they need to be fully prepared for their future careers,” she said.
“Each year, we look forward to welcoming the six new George Alexander Foundation scholarship recipients to Murdoch University, and being able to foster their academic and personal progress.”
Studying creative media at Murdoch University, Mandurah filmmaker Michael Sgro received the GAF rural accommodation scholarship in 2017 to help him ease into his first year of studies this year.
“Moving all my stuff from Mandurah in the back of a car, I settled in around the end of February and was very comfortable within the first days, not missing home a bit,” he said.
“I made lots of friends along the way and found the village friendly and very willing to help out.
“The scholarship means I don't have to worry about going to work every day to pay my rent and it means that I am a lot more carefree and excited about my studies.
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Mr Sgro said living on campus was much more convenient than commuting.
“Being at Murdoch Village means I can live independently and focus on learning to make the most out of my degree,” he said.
“It also allows me to get involved in extra-curricular activities and meet all these incredible like-minded individuals.”
Mr Sgro said he was looking forward to returning in 2019 to pursue his passion for film and creative media.
“In future, I hope to succeed academically through my film projects and I really want to impress the tutors with my skills and vision,” he said.
Applications are now open for the GAF scholarships and will close on Monday, January 28, 2019.
For more information or application details, visit the GAF scholarship website.
