• Applications for the current round of Charles Sturt University Intensive School Equity Grants close on Tuesday 2 July
• The grants provide financial assistance to students attending a compulsory intensive school for a relevant course at the University’s campuses in Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Orange, Port Macquarie and Albury-Wodonga
• An Intensive School Equity Grant takes away some of the financial burden of attending periodic intensive schools on campus

Charles Sturt University offers a range of scholarships to assist students, including the Intensive School Equity Grant which provides financial assistance to students attending a compulsory intensive school at several of the University’s campuses.

A current recipient of the Intensive School Equity Grant is Mr James Holme (pictured left above) who is enrolled in the Undergraduate Certificate in Agricultural Studies in the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences in Wagga Wagga.

Mr Holme is a sheep and cattle farmer and single parent of three children who hails from Kingston in south-east South Australia. He is the first in his family to attend university.

“I kind of grew up in reverse, I finished high school, had three children, worked for 15 years and then decided to start my uni path at the age of 33,” Mr Holme said.

“As a mature-age student undertaking the first further education study since completing school 15 years ago, it was such a high point to receive my first results and feedback for a written assignment and to experience my first intensive school.”

Mr Holme is on a pathway to future study and aims to complete the undergraduate certificate in order to gain entry to Bachelor of Agriculture Science and then gain entry to the Master of Teaching with a specialisation in agriculture.

“In the future I would love to work in a school teaching students what I have been living - farming - and what it involves,” he said.

“This course gives a great taste into further education and what is required to be successful. I now feel more confident with my decision to enrol and will happily continue to do so into the future now that I know what I am in for.”

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.”

 The Intensive School Equity Grant offers up to $1,500 per student and Mr Holme said it takes away some of the financial burden which goes hand-in-hand with studying so far away from home.

“The fuel, accommodation and food really eats into the budget and the last thing you want to be thinking about is being able to afford to continue your study,” he said.

His advice to other students?

“Don’t be afraid to apply for a grant that you believe you are eligible for, there is no stigma attached to asking for a little help with your studies,” he said.

Applications for the current round of the Charles Sturt Intensive School Equity Grants close on Tuesday 2 July. For further information on opening and closing dates of additional rounds visit the Charles Sturt website here.

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.