11 July 2014

Students from low income backgrounds will have access to a brighter future as a result of a University of Queensland decision to boost funding for its UQ Link program.

The program offers scholarships to students who meet the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre’s (QTAC) guidelines for financial hardship.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Joanne Wright said the UQ Link program was targeted at students who faced limited educational opportunities due to financial issues.

“Previously we have offered UQ Link scholarships to about 100 students each year,” Professor Wright said.

“We’ve now expanded the program and will offer scholarships to many more students.

“The total number of students who will benefit from the UQ Link program in 2015 will depend on how many meet QTAC’s financial criteria and receive and accept an offer at UQ.

“This additional funding ensures that many more students with the ability to succeed at UQ will have the opportunity to benefit from our fantastic educational experience.”

Successful UQ Link recipients will receive a scholarship of $3000 a year for up to three years and five bonus ranks applied to any UQ preference to assist them gain entry to UQ.

UQ Link scholarship students also get access to a range of support services to ensure they make the most of their UQ experience.

Find out more about UQ Link online here.

Media: Communications officer Katie Rowney, 3365 3439, 0413 601 248 communications@uq.edu.au.