The Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, encouraged local students to apply for the scholarships of up to $18,000, made possible by a $24 million commitment from the Coalition Government at the last election.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for local students to gain the support they need to study in fields with strong employment outcomes,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“These scholarships are about making student life easier for Mid North Coast students and making STEM courses more attractive study options.

“I urge local students to take advantage of the opportunities these scholarships offer to get the skills they need for future jobs.”

All Australians, deserve to have quality education and training opportunities, no matter where they live.

“The program has been designed to suit the needs of rural and regional students and will support flexible arrangements, including part-time and online study,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

The scholarships will operate from 2017-18 to 2020-21, with the first round of 600 scholarships being awarded for the 2018 academic year, and a second round of 600 for 2019.

The first round of applications closes on 8 January 2018.

Scholarship applications for the 2019 academic year will open in the second half of 2018.

Prospective vocational education, undergraduate and postgraduate students (Certificate IV to PhD) are eligible to apply for a Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarship to support them in their studies in the year ahead.

For further information and to apply visit the Department of Education and Training website.