Charles Sturt University (CSU) is awarding more than $1 million in scholarships for 2015, helping to make higher education an accessible option for disadvantaged and regional students.

The Charles Sturt University Foundation Trust scholarships will be officially awarded to over 250 students at ceremonies in Albury, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga over the next two weeks.

Sixty per cent of the scholarships have been awarded to students from low socio economic backgrounds, 15 per cent to students from rurally isolated and remote areas of Australia, 11 per cent to Indigenous students, and 11 per cent to students who study online. The Trust has also awarded its largest ever scholarship, the James McInerney Memorial Scholarship, valued at up to $76 000.

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said access to education should not be dependent on a student's location or background.

"Charles Sturt University, and our donors, are committed to providing all students with the opportunity to access education and reach their full potential," he said.

"The University is also committed to increasing the participation of Indigenous students in higher education and we are proud to have the highest number of Indigenous students of any Australian university," Professor Vann said.

"To be able to award 11 per cent of our scholarships to Indigenous students who make up 2.8 per cent of our student population should be great encouragement to students. Similarly, to award 60 per cent of our scholarships to students from low socio economic backgrounds who make up 21.25 per cent of the student population should reassure students that we will support them on their educational journey."

Scholarship opens world of opportunity

Bachelor of Psychology student Ms Noelle Swainston is the first in her family to attend university and has received the Mr Gerry Baber & Mrs Helen Baber OAM Scholarship for 2015.

Ms Swainston is an Indigenous student who hopes to become a clinical psychologist.

"After seeing first-hand how mental health issues such as depression and trauma can effect young people, I have better understanding of how big of an issue mental health is for society and the need for professional help. I hope to make a difference in this area as a clinical psychologist," Ms Swainston said.

"After losing my Mum last year and no longer being in contact with my Dad, being financially stable enough to study at university would have been a real challenge without this scholarship. I don't think I would have been able to study at university without it and am very grateful for the opportunity."

Originally from Orange, Ms Swainston is studying at CSU in Bathurst.

Assistance for isolated students

The Bush Children's Education Foundation has awarded two CSU students with scholarships. Ms Kate Sandford, originally from Louth in western NSW, is studying Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management in Wagga Wagga and has received the Professor Garth Gaudry Memorial Scholarship.

"I'm very grateful for this scholarship and the financial pressure it has lifted from my family," Ms Sandford said.

"We are currently experiencing a drought at home which is very hard and, as the first in my family to go to university, everything is new to me and it's been expensive to set myself up. I think university is going to open up a lot of opportunities for me and I hope to remain working with livestock and crops into the future."

Ms Hannah Roth, originally from Mudgee, NSW, is studying a Bachelor of Medical Science in Wagga Wagga and has received the Dr Peter Pockley Memorial Scholarship. To be eligible for Bush Children's Education Foundation scholarships, students must be from remote or isolated areas of NSW and be experiencing financial hardship.

Memorial scholarship continues agriculture tradition

Mr James McInerney graduated with a Diploma of Agriculture at Wagga Agricultural College in 1956 after receiving a scholarship. Following his death, Mr McInerney's wife and children established a scholarship in his name to support the academic endeavours of students passionate about agriculture and a life on the land.

First year Bachelor of Agricultural Science student Mr Thomas Stewart (pictured) is the first recipient of the James McInerney Memorial Scholarship.

"I feel very proud to have been awarded a scholarship to help me attend university. It will make university a lot easier by the easing financial pressure and allowing me to concentrate on my studies and reach my aim of becoming an agronomist," Mr Stewart said.

"I hope that one day I can contribute to agriculture and also support the industry's next generation."

Mr Stewart is studying at CSU in Wagga Wagga and is originally from Harden, NSW.