UQ will increase the value of scholarships for students wishing to explore careers in Information and Communications Technology by 50 percent in 2009.
The Head of UQ's School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Professor Paul Bailes, said the University would offer $3000 scholarships for undergraduate ICT study next year, up from this year’s level of $2000.
The ICT Enabling Scholarships will be available for school-leavers for entry to the following degrees: Bachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Multimedia Design and Bachelor of Engineering (ICT-related fields).
“This increased funding is available as a result of support by the University and from industry partners including Brisbane-based ICT solutions company Data #3 and the State Government’s CITEC organisation,” he said.
Professor Bailes said there had never been a better time to study ICT.
“This year we awarded 23 of these scholarships,” he said.
“The University of Queensland is continuing its long-term commitment to the ICT sector.
“As a result of ongoing consultation and collaboration with industry, the University has successfully combined strong academic and practical application foundations to its ICT programs.
“We offer a great range of ICT courses from which students can select, from multimedia design through information systems and software development to communications infrastructure and electronic design.
“We offer established programs which are well regarded by industry, and give students the tools, techniques and theory to respond to ongoing industry change.”
Professor Bailes said salaries were continuing to rise in the industry, and there was a significant ICT industry skills shortage, meaning great job opportunities for qualified graduates.
A survey released last year by the Australian Computer Society showed that ICT salaries rose by 4.5 percent in the preceding 12 months.
He said this year demand for ICT courses at UQ was up by 40 percent on last year.
“Our students appreciate that UQ is an established University with a great teaching record, including 2007 national Carrick award winner for teaching excellence Dr Peter Sutton of UQ’s School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering,” he said.
“ICT degrees at UQ allow students to acquire a combination of technical and professional skills, and the opportunity to engage with industry through project placements.
“We welcome students to visit our website which gives 12 great reasons for choosing UQ for ICT.”
Students interested in applying for the scholarships are invited to download the application form from UQ's ICT programs website at http://studyict.uq.edu.au/scholarships/or telephone 07 3365 2097.
Professor Bailes said the University also welcomed interest from people considering second semester studies in 2008 in ICT areas at UQ, including current UQ students wishing to diversify their skills portfolios, and cross-University transfers.
Learn more about studying ICT, and the ICT Enabling scholarships, at TSXPO at the RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20, or visit UQ Open Day at the St Lucia campus on Sunday, August 3.
Media: More information, Professor Paul Bailes, telephone 07 3365 3869, or Jan King at 07 3365 1120.
