Local students can apply for the scholarships of up to $18,000, made possible by a $24 million commitment from the Liberal National government at the last election.

This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain the support they need to study in fields with strong employment outcomes. These scholarships are about making student life easier for students and making STEM courses more attractive study options.

The program is designed to suit the needs of rural and regional students and will support flexible arrangements, including part-time and online study. 

We’re also supporting the participation of rural women and indigenous people in STEM, among others, by prioritising them through the scholarship selection process.

Science and innovation is recognised internationally as critical for boosting productivity, creating new jobs, enhancing competitiveness and driving economic growth.

These scholarships will help boost regional and rural student numbers in STEM courses where they have been underrepresented.

In 2015, 25.8 per cent of 15-64 year olds lived in regional and remote areas, but represented only 19.3 per cent of STEM enrolments.

The scholarships will operate from 2017-18 to 2020-21, with the first round of 600 scholarships awarded for 2018 academic year, and a second round of 600 for 2019.

The first round of applications opens today and closes on 8 January 2018. Scholarship applications for the 2019 academic year will open in the second half of 2018.

Prospective vocational education, undergraduate and postgraduate students (Certificate IV to PhD) are eligible to apply for a Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarship to support them in their studies in the year ahead.

For further information and to apply visit the Department of Education and Training website.