• Charles Sturt student Jesse Rigney awarded scholarship to assist with study and living costs
• Regional Journalism Scholarship recipient advises others to “apply, apply, apply”
• Charles Sturt awards $3 million in scholarships and grants to students annually

Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) student Mr Jesse Rigney (pictured) has some simple advice for his fellow students considering applying for one of the University’s scholarships.

“Definitely apply.”

Mr Rigney, a Bathurst local and a first year Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) student, has been awarded $40,000 for a Regional Journalism Scholarship to assist with his study and living costs.

He said he was grateful for the scholarship and encourages other students to apply.

“It's one of the best things that has ever happened to me and it's a much easier process than people think,” Mr Rigney said.

“If you don't get it the worst thing that'll happen is they'll say 'no'.

“Even if that happens, you can still apply for the scholarship again at a later time, or apply for one of the many other scholarships and grants on offer.”

Ms Rigney said the scholarship gave him peace of mind and the ability to successfully balance his study and work commitments.

“I am able to limit my work commitments and reliance on parents and family,” he said.

“It's honestly just such a relief because for once in my life, I don’t have to worry about how I'm going to get through and how I'm going to get the things I need to actually make it through university.

“Also, my mum’s really proud, and that's almost good enough for me.”

Charles Sturt awards $3 million in scholarships and grants annually to assist students of all backgrounds to access higher education.

Director of the Charles Sturt Advancement Office Ms Sarah Ansell said despite having more than 300 scholarships available to students, many of those in the student community overlook them as a way to ease the costs associated with study.

“Some scholarships go un-awarded because they don’t get applicants,” she said.

“Many students do not apply for scholarships because they assume they won’t be successful or are not eligible for financial support.

“If you’re working to support yourself and this cuts into study time, that’s financial hardship.”

Ms Ansell advises students to answer all scholarship application questions, whether they think they apply to them or not, and added it is important to take the time with applications by responding with as much detail and thought as possible.

“A couple of sentences will increase your chances, because donors are interested in the student’s story and background,” Ms Ansell said.

Mr Rigney said his scholarship has been used to purchase much needed resources for his studies and to assist with living costs.

“I've purchased a laptop, Adobe Creative Suite, a few textbooks, and I'm going to save the rest so I can go on placement somewhere nice later on,” he said.

The full list of the University’s scholarships and grants can be found on the Charles Sturt Scholarship website.