Into the final year of her four-year teaching degree at Charles Sturt University (CSU), Ms Kate Tonkin has reflected on the support she has received for her studies by applying for a scholarship.

Ms Tonkin, from Tumut, is studying a Bachelor of Science/ Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) through the School of Education at CSU in Wagga Wagga. In 2011 and again last year, Ms Tonkin was awarded the Tumut Shire Council Accommodation Scholarship through the CSU Foundation. She also received the CSU Science Scholarship over the same period, continuing in 2013.

Ms Tonkin said, “I found the scholarships I received greatly assisted me in funding my university expenses, such as accommodation and text books, allowing me to remain independent and taking the stress off the demands of balancing part-time work and study.

"Charles Sturt University is lucky to have a large number of scholarship donors. Without the commitment of donors, some students would not be able to complete their studies."

Almost 90 scholarships worth more than $250 000 will be presented to students at CSU in Wagga Wagga for 2013 during a ceremony on Wednesday 29 May. Read more on CSU News here.

Ms Tonkin said, “I would advise all students studying at Charles Sturt University to continue to look at the scholarships page throughout your time studying.

"It is not difficult to apply and can make the world of difference to your time at university. To me, scholarships have been a great incentive to apply myself to my studies, receiving marks worthy of the funding I am receiving."