Rural scholars from across NSW represent the next generation of leaders

Investing in the future of rural and regional communities, the RAS Foundation has selected a record 91 students for its 2024 Rural Scholarship program. 

Now in its 14th year, the RAS Foundation Rural Scholarship program offers financial support to tertiary education students who are helping shape the future of regional NSW by forging careers within rural or regional communities. 

Record funds of $516,000 will be distributed among this year’s scholarship recipients, with an aim to help ease the burdens associated with pursuing higher education such as relocating to urban centres, study costs, and the inability to work consistently due to study workloads or placements. 

Foundation Manager, Cecilia Logan, said the Charity considers it a privilege to be able to support the next generation of rural and regional leaders as they pursue their academic dreams. 

“This year’s applicants are outstanding ambassadors for their communities and have the potential to create a positive and lasting impact in the regional sector through their chosen career paths,” Cecilia Logan said.   

“There is no doubt young Australians are impacted significantly by the cost-of-living crisis we are currently facing, and pursuing higher education is a big financial burden for many students - particularly for those living in regional areas. 

“Our rural scholarship program aims to address this by offering financial support to students from rural or regional areas and ensure they have access to the same opportunities as their metropolitan counterparts in the pursuit of their chosen career. 

The scholarship program is open to students across NSW and the ACT who are currently enrolled or applying for study in an accredited tertiary course at an Australian university, college, or TAFE, with no limits imposed on age or the types of degree that qualify. 

Bella Wilson is in her final year of an occupational therapy degree and said she is grateful for the support provided by the rural scholarship program as she battles an intense work placement schedule. 

“Throughout my course I have to complete over 1000 hours of compulsory unpaid work placements around New South Wales. The RAS rural scholarship has provided me with the financial security to help cover some accommodation and travel costs and support myself while I undertake this vital hands-on learning,” Wilson said. 

Scholarship recipients are studying a range of courses, including veterinary science, agricultural studies, carpentry and medicine, and are looking forward to applying their newly acquired knowledge and skills within their local regional communities at the completion of their studies. 

The RAS Foundation awards up to $6000 to Rural Scholarship recipients undertaking full-time study, or up to $3000 for those studying part-time, made possible with the assistance of generous donors, including The Snow Foundation and UNE Foundation. 

In its 17-year history the RAS Foundation has invested over $9 million into rural and regional NSW through education and community grant programs. 

Over 900 scholarships have been provided to students across Australia, including targeted scholarships for careers in both regional journalism and the Australian wine industry.  

Applications for the 2025 RASF Rural Scholarship will open on 1 July 2024 and will close 22 September 2024.