USC scholarship recipients announced as Council expands equity program

Published 05 March 2021

It’s the life-changing program supporting locals through university, and now Moreton Bay Regional Council’s USC Scholarship Program is expanding to include students studying at the Caboolture campus.

Mayor Peter Flannery announced the eligibility extension of the $750,000 program while presenting eight local students with their 2021 scholarships at USC’s Moreton Bay campus at Petrie.

“Today we congratulate a special class of eight – our support is helping these local students pursue their dream careers,” Mayor Flannery said.

“As the Moreton Bay Region grows and USC’s presence grows, our eligibility criteria is growing too.

“With USC’s campuses at both Petrie and Caboolture being within our region, we’ve decided that from 2022, students facing financial hardships who plan to study at the Caboolture campus can also apply for these scholarships.

“Opening just 12 months ago and during turbulent times of the pandemic, it’s incredible to see nearly 3,000 students are enrolled at USC Moreton Bay at Petrie this year, exceeding USC’s year two target for the that campus by 25%.

“More impressive, 42% of the students are the first in their families to go to university!

“It’s great to see we’re beginning to close the education gap, which also embodies our vision to see more Moreton Bay school leavers attending university.

“That’s where our equity scholarships are a lifeline to those in need – it’s a direct and practical way we help tear down the financial barriers that stop people from pursuing their dreams.”

USC Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett praised Moreton Bay Regional Council for its strong commitment to supporting students across the region.

“These scholarships will have a profoundly positive impact on the recipients who have commenced degrees at USC Moreton Bay this year,” she said.

“And it is terrific news that students starting at USC Caboolture next year will be eligible to apply. 

“For a student in financial need, a scholarship can make a huge difference to how much time they have available to study and to achieve their potential in terms of educational and career goals.”

Professor Bartlett said the scholarships highlighted the collaborative efforts of Council and USC to improve the region’s participation in tertiary education and to support the leaders of the future.

North Lakes local Sorrawit Trakulkitcharoen said he was humbled to receive the scholarship to help cover the costs of studying a Bachelor of Nursing Science.

“Immigrating from Thailand, I had an immense pressure to perform well at high school, so I’ve worked extremely hard to score a high enough ATAR to attend university,” he said

“I have always wanted to make my parents feel proud for raising me up, to make the things they sacrifice and challenges they endured for me seem worth it.

“Being set up for success is about creating a learning environment familiar to you, which is having the ability to study close to home, being close to my family support network and to have a balanced lifestyle.

“It’s great that USC has opened a campus in the Moreton Bay Region to allow locals access to a world-class education without the excessive travel time.”

2021 USC Scholarship Recipients:

For more information about the scholarship program, visit https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Community-Support/Grants-and-Funding/MBRC-Scholarship