• Charles Sturt Bachelor of Education student a step closer to graduation with support of a scholarship
• The Intensive School Equity grant offers $1,500 to students attending a compulsory intensive school at the Albury, Bathurst, Orange, Port Macquarie or Wagga Wagga campuses
• Applications for the grant close on Tuesday 2 July

A Charles Sturt University education student has been granted significant financial relief as he edges closer to his career goals.

Mr John Toohey is in his second year of the Bachelor of Education (Technology and Applied Studies), and while living in his hometown of Dubbo, he is completing his studies via distance through Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga.

While most of the degree is being completed online, Mr Toohey was also required to travel for intensive learning sessions, incurring extra living and travel expenses.

“Thankfully, I was lucky enough to secure a scholarship to help with this cost and allow me to focus on my studies rather than stressing about how I would afford it,” Mr Toohey said.

Mr Toohey received the Intensive School Equity Grant, which provides recipients with the equivalent of $150 per day in a one-off payment of $1,500.

The scholarship provides financial assistance to students attending a compulsory intensive school at the Albury, Bathurst, Orange, Port Macquarie or Wagga Wagga campuses.

Charles Sturt Manager, Scholarships and Financial Support Services Ms Simone Beer said the Intensive School Equity Grants alleviated some of the financial pressure associated with studying away from home.

“Charles Sturt has a strong track record in providing courses which give our students real-life, hands-on experiences so they are job-ready by graduation,” Ms Beer said.

“Any way we can support students to meet the costs of completing a compulsory, intensive school is a high priority for us.”

For Mr Toohey, his dream of becoming a teacher began when he was in high school.

“I went to the public school in Dubbo where I was part of the Student Representative Council, helping shape the educational journey of my peers,” he said.

“This, along with the opportunity to be part of a mentoring program with a local primary school, set my path towards teaching.”

Charles Sturt has helped Mr Toohey work toward his career goals through targeted courses and support.

“Charles Sturt has offered me the opportunity to become qualified and develop skills to teach both secondary maths and technology and applied studies (TAS),” he said.

“Other universities I was considering were far less accommodating in finding a way for me to gain these qualifications, while Charles Sturt was nothing but helpful in doing this.”

“It’s really helped me focus on working towards my goal of becoming an accredited maths and TAS teacher within New South Wales, particularly to work in rural areas and support students the way many of my teachers supported me.”

Having experienced the additional support a scholarship can bring in this regard, Mr Toohey encouraged others to apply.

“Make sure you do apply, the process is simple and easy to navigate, plus if you miss a round, the next round starts straight away and you can just apply again,” he said.

Applications for the current round of the Intensive School Equity Grants close on Tuesday 2 July and reopen on Wednesday 3 July for the next round.

Current rounds of additional Charles Sturt University scholarships which are closing soon include:

• The Professional Placement Equity Grant - applications close on Tuesday 9 July 2024
• Commencing Student Equity Scholarship – closing date Friday 19 July 2024
• NPILF Career Ready Grant - apply before Friday 2 August 2024
• Emergency Equity Grant - applications are open all year round.

For more information on other scholarships available, visit the website.

ENDS