Scholarship opportunities for South Sea Islander students

Multicultural Affairs Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said four major Queensland universities were offering undergraduate university scholarships for Australian South Sea Islander students to the value of $5,000 each a year.

“James Cook University, Central Queensland University, the University of the Sunshine Coast and Queensland University of Technology are all on board for the 2009 Australian South Sea Islander Community Foundation scholarship round,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“The scholarships offer Australian South Sea Islander students living in Queensland a great start to their tertiary education and can give them the invaluable opportunity of achieving their academic dreams.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the scholarship program was initiated by the Queensland Government to encourage young Australian South Sea Islanders across Queensland to pursue professional careers.

Australian South Sea Islanders were recognised in 2000 by State Government as a distinct cultural group that had made a significant contribution to early Queensland but who also suffered unjust treatment, racial discrimination and disadvantage.

“Scholarships are offered to students studying at the undergraduate level over a three-year period,” said the Minister.

“The value of each full-time three-year undergraduate scholarship is $5,000 per annum and $2,500 if studying part time”

The scholarship program was inaugurated in 2001, with 24 scholarships awarded to date.

“These scholarships are a fantastic opportunity and I urge students looking to undertake undergraduate tertiary study to apply,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

For more information on the Australian South Sea Islander Community Foundation scholarships and how to apply, visit www.multicultural.qld.gov.au

Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280