• Charles Sturt University hosted scholarship ceremony in Wagga Wagga on Thursday 27 May
• The University has awarded more than $1.8 million worth of scholarships, with $795,800 going to Wagga Wagga students
• Recipients in Wagga Wagga said the scholarships will relieve personal and financial pressure

The generosity of others has meant these students have one less thing to worry about as they embark on or continue their higher education journey with Charles Sturt University.

A scholarship ceremony was held in Wagga Wagga on Thursday 27 May, where more than 70 scholarships or prizes were awarded to almost 100 students.

More than $1.8 million in scholarships has been awarded by Charles Sturt University, with $795,800 of that going to students in Wagga Wagga.

Second-year Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science student Ms Megan Seis grew up in Dunedoo on her family’s property.

She learned about the University’s scholarship options from the website and decided to apply.

Being awarded the Charles Sturt University Foundation Accommodation Scholarship, worth $5,000, means Ms Seis has more financial freedom to focus on her studies and enjoy university life.

“I was going to have to move away from home to study at university … and I wanted to be able to support myself through my studies to relieve the pressure on my parents, because when I started studying we were in a drought,” she said.

“Receiving a scholarship reduces the financial burden on me, allowing me to work less throughout the semester to focus more on my studies and immerse myself in the culture and activities available to me by living in a university community.”

Ms Seis said she chose to study at Charles Sturt University because she liked the hands-on aspects of the agricultural facilities and rural atmosphere of Wagga Wagga.

“I am passionate about the agriculture industry in Australia and am excited to see where my career can take me to contribute to this sector,” she said.

“The scholarship motivates me to continue to study.”

First-year Bachelor of Agricultural Science student Ms Claudia Neiberding grew up in Wagga Wagga and received The Roberton Scholarship, worth up to $40,000 over four years.

Ms Neiberding decided to study at Charles Sturt because it was close to home and known for its agricultural industry connections and practical course components.

She heard of the scholarship through social media and previous scholarship recipients and decided to apply due to encouragement from her teachers at Mater Dei Catholic College.

“I am honoured to receive The Roberton Scholarship in 2021,” she said.

“It will financially support me through university while allowing me to make the most of my study.”

The scholarships are made possible by the University’s donors, including milestone donors Kevin and Pam Durick, who established the Tim Durick Memorial Scholarship in honour of their son, who was a Charles Sturt student.

A full list of scholarships offered by Charles Sturt is available on the University’s website.