Sixteen of Australia’s brightest students have been awarded scholarships that will see them financially supported for the duration of their study at The University of Queensland.
The Dean’s Excellence Scholarships, which are awarded by the University’s Faculty of Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture (EPSA), are aimed at encouraging and supporting talented students to engage in careers in engineering, physical sciences, planning and architecture.
EPSA Executive Dean Professor Stephen Walker said South East Queensland’s status as the most rapidly growing area in Australia meant engineers, scientists, planners and architects looked set to be in demand for some time to come.
“Graduates in these fields are needed to provide the expertise which will underpin continued growth in Australia, and the booming growth seen in South East Queensland,” he said.
“Locally, the South East Queensland population is expected to rise to about 3.5 million people by 2021, so planners, scientists, architects and engineers will be essential in developing and managing the infrastructure required to cater for the expanding population.
“Globally, there are a huge range of exciting challenges and opportunities in these fields for bright people with high-quality educations.
“It makes sense to encourage our brightest students to study in these areas, and in this way, to help secure both their future, and the future development of our own communities.”
Principally based on academic merit, the Dean’s Excellence Scholarships are awarded to students who have completed their secondary studies with outstanding academic results.
Worth $5000 per year for the duration of the program, they are offered for degrees that include engineering, science, multimedia design, architecture, environmental management, information technology and regional and town planning.
A small number of the scholarships are also awarded to talented but socio-economically disadvantaged students, to encourage tertiary participation from groups within the community who are traditionally under-represented in higher education and in these areas of study particularly.
Professor Walker said the scholarships rewarded top students for their achievements to date, providing ongoing assistance to help them focus on their chosen programs and future careers.
“The University of Queensland is widely renowned and highly-awarded for its world-class teaching and research,” he said.
“These scholarships help attract top students to undertake a comprehensive education in a world-class setting, which will equip them with the knowledge and skills to become the future leaders in the development and sustainable growth of our industries, infrastructure and communities.”
The scholarships are in line with Queensland Government initiatives to promote more students pursuing higher education study and careers in the sciences, as well as engineering and technology, as part of the Smart Queensland Smart State Strategy.
The Strategy identifies the development of a sophisticated workforce as crucial for success in attracting and growing industry in Queensland.
For more information about the Dean’s Excellence Scholarships visit http://www.epsa.uq.edu.au/index.html?page=4846 or call 07 3365 4777.
Media: For further information contact Lucy Manderson at UQ Communications (07 3365 2339) or the EPSA Director of Studies (07 3365 4777).
