QCoal scholarship on offer to help with science studies

The QCoal Foundation supports initiatives that are focused on health, liveability and education in rural and remote Queensland communities.

In particular, the Foundation is helping provide a pathway for rural and remote students to attend university, and has partnered with JCU to provide the scholarship.

Recipients will receive $10,000 each year to help them through three years of study.

The scholarship is open to undergraduate students who completed Year 12 within two years prior to studying at JCU and preference will be given to geology or science (excluding marine biology) students.

“The QCoal Foundation is very pleased to provide this opportunity to a current Year 12 student or recent high school graduate,” QCoal Foundation Director, Christopher Wallin said.

“Last year’s field of applicants was very strong and we therefore encourage students, particularly those planning to study science or geology, to start thinking about this opportunity as they plan their University studies.”

“Rural and remote students will often face additional challenges in meeting the costs of study so we are happy to provide a helping hand,” Mr Wallin said.

In April this year, first year Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) student Muskaan Singh was awarded the 2016 QCoal Foundation scholarship.

Ms Singh said it had made an enormous difference to her studies and is helping her cover her living expenses.

“The QCoal Scholarship has been a tremendous help,” Ms Singh said.

“It has provided me with financial confidence to be able to freely focus on my studies instead of trying to juggle a full-time work load with casual employment.”

Ms Singh, who is from Mackay, said the MBBS had an intense workload but the scholarship was helping ease the additional financial strains.

“The course usually demands at least 60 hours of my time per week. However, it helps ease the pressure knowing that I don’t have to worry about finances so much, thanks to QCoal’s $10,000 scholarship per year for three consecutive years.”

Ms Singh said although it has a high workload, she is enjoying her studies.

She is also considering completing her last two clinical years (5^th and 6^th) at the Mackay Base Hospital.  

Ms Singh attended Glenden State School and Mackay State High School, comes from a mining family, and has lived in various mining towns in both India and Australia.

She remains passionate about enhancing health care in rural and remote areas.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their interest in working in rural or regional Queensland.

Preference will be given to scholarship applicants from the Isaac and Whitsunday Council regions. In particular Bowen, Proserpine, Collinsville, Gumlu, Queens Beach, Carmila, Clairview, Clermont, Coppabella, Dysart, Glenden, Moranbah and Nebo.

Applications close on 31 January, 2017.