When The University of Queensland attends the careers market in Townsville next month (August 10), students will get the opportunity to find out about study options, scholarship opportunities and what life at university involves.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy student Reuban Butler, who grew up in Charters Towers, said careers fairs were a great way for potential students to make an informed decision about going to university.
“I think it helps to reduce students’ anxiety about going to uni and answers many questions related to university life,” Mr Butler said.
“It can provide good advice about what the courses entail.”
He said he chose UQ because of the career opportunities it offered.
Mr Butler said living on-campus at St Leo’s College had been a helpful way to transition into university life, and he encouraged potential students to consider living a year on campus.
“As I come from a regional centre and didn’t know many people in Brisbane I saw college as a great place to meet new people,” he said.
UQ Student Recruitment Manager Steve Forster said the careers market would include information about scholarship opportunities as well as study programs.
High achieving current and recent school-leavers can apply for UQ’s Academic Scholarships, which this year will include an additional UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship valued at $12,000 a year for up to 5 years, Mr Forster said.
“High school students should also be aware of the recent changes made to the Commonwealth Scholarships program,” he said.
“From January, Student Start-up Scholarships and Relocation Scholarships to assist students from low socio-economic backgrounds will be available to all university students receiving income support through Centrelink.”
UQ students wishing to extend their studies in music, languages or global issues, can now study for a diploma in one of these areas while enrolled in their undergraduate degree.
“We believe this will have a lot of appeal to students who wish to continue to develop their skills and interests in these areas while completing their primary degree,” Mr Forster said.
Students seeking admission to the diploma can apply directly to UQ once they receive their offer of a place in a UQ bachelor degree a through QTAC.
Scholarship support for financially disadvantaged students and those living in rural and remote areas, including Indigenous students, had been increased this year, and students entering UQ via the UQ-Link special entry scheme could apply for scholarships valued at $12,000 over four years.
In addition, all UQ-Link students would receive a $500 bursary on enrolment at UQ to assist with the costs of entering university.
Mr Forster said information about the full range of equity and merit scholarships for students entering university in 2010, as well as the university’s UQ-Link program was featured on the UQ website.
UQ’s Townsville careers market will be held on August 10 from 10am-1.30pm and from 4-7pm at Edmund Rice Hall, Ignatius Park College. Admission is free.
For more information, contact Steve Forster (07 3346 9649).
Media: Tegan Taylor at UQ Communications (07 3365 2659).
