Students with a passion for rural life could receive financial assistance to complete their studies through the RAS Foundation VET Scholarship, supported by NSW Stud Merino Breeders Association.
Since 2012, the NSW SMBA has partnered with the RAS Foundation with a view to assist students in completing Vocational Education and Training (VET) studies that benefit rural and regional communities.
The Scholarship provides up to $6,000 for full-time students, or $3,000 for part-time students, to assist with associated expenses such as course fees, practical placements costs, accommodation, relocation fees or equipment.
While the focus is on rural and regional communities, students enrolled in any VET course are eligible.
James Derrick, Chairman of the NSW SMBA Trust, said the scholarships provided recipients with the opportunity to ease into their chosen career path and grow in confidence without money worries.
“The scholars become excellent representatives in their chosen fields and also in their local communities,” he said.
“One previous scholar started her own business and has since had two other scholars gain experience under her.”
Charles Sturt University student Caroline Duddy is in the fifth-year of her veterinary science degree, with a Bachelor of Animal Science and Certificate IV in Wool Classing already under her belt.
As a recipient of the 2021 RASF Scholarship, Caroline has been able to use scholarship funding to support herself during practical placements and purchase equipment, such as a new laptop, to keep on track with her studies.
Hailing from Junee, Caroline hopes to establish her veterinary career in a rural area to answer the call for accessible specialized veterinary services, such as pathology and oncology, in regional areas while also raising awareness of the need for further funding for disease investigation.
Caroline said the support she received through the scholarship was “immeasurable”.
“With Covid having made placement quite difficult as far as changing plans, and not being able to work, it has been nice to not have to think about money and whether I will be able to afford what I want to do at short notice.”
Join Caroline and other inspirational scholars who have been able to boost their education with a RASF Scholarship. Applications close February 7th.
Visit: https://www.rasnsw.com.au/foundation/scholarships/ras-foundation-vet-scholarships/
