• The Charles Sturt Foundation Trust is offering a total of $3,663,310 in scholarships in 2024
• 491 scholarships will assist students to reduce the financial costs of pursuing a higher education this year
• Six scholarship ceremonies will be held during May to celebrate recipients and their donors across the six main Charles Sturt campuses

Almost 500 ambitious students are the deserving recipients of Charles Sturt Foundation Trust Scholarships in 2024!

491 scholarships will be awarded at six ceremonies across the main Charles Sturt campuses this month, which is a seven per cent increase on 2023, with the first scholarship ceremony held at Charles Sturt in Albury on Tuesday 14 May.

The total value of the scholarships being awarded by the Charles Sturt Foundation Trust in 2024 is $3,663,310, which is a nine per cent increase on 2023.

Acting Director and CEO of the Charles Sturt Foundation Trust Mr Justin Williams said the scholarship program boosts hope for students by providing financial assistance as they pursue their higher education.

“In the current economic climate where we are experiencing rising living expenses, our scholarships serve as a vital lifeline, enabling students to pursue their academic dreams, thanks to the generous contributions of our community partners and individual donors,” Mr Williams said. 

“Our commitment to providing nearly $3.7 million in scholarships underscores our dedication to fostering a future where every student, regardless of financial circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive in their studies and in turn contribute vital skills to our regional communities.

“Our scholarships offer more than just financial aid. They represent a promise of accessibility and equity in education for all deserving students.”

Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Ecology and Conservation) student Ms Miranda Mills received the John Hamilton-Smith Memorial Environmental Scholarship at the scholarship ceremony at Charles Sturt in Albury, which was presented by its donor, Rotary Club of Belvoir Wodonga President Mr Robert Matejcic.

This is the second year the $5,000 scholarship has been awarded by the Rotary Club. It is aimed at supporting students obtaining an environmental-focused education.

Ms Mills said the scholarship will allow her to complete her final year of study with minimal stress about money. She said it will also allow her to participate in an informative desert trip as part of her studies.

“I will be able to spend less time working to then allow me to focus my time on my studies and completing my degree to the best of my abilities,” she said.

“The trip will broaden my horizons and not only allow me to work in an ecosystem foreign to me but narrow down where I may want to go once my studies are complete.”

Scholarship donor Mr Metejcic said the scholarship was a great way to support students while honouring one of their own.

“We support this scholarship as an ongoing obligation for the remembrance of John Hamilton-Smith, who passed away in 1984,” he said.

“John displayed his dedication to education, in particular to the environment, and with this in mind this club decided to make an annual scholarship dedicated to his memory.”

Scholarships are open to domestic and international students studying any course at the University.

More information on the range of scholarships offered at Charles Sturt, including opening and closing dates and evaluation criteria, can be found on the website.

If you or someone you know would like to support a Charles Sturt student, contact the Charles Sturt Advancement office.