RMIT’s 2013 scholarship ceremony had extra poignancy after university funding cuts were cemented in the budget on Tuesday night.
Coinciding with the Federal Budget, the university's scholarship ceremony celebrated 19 of RMIT’s most prestigious awards.
With the conversion of the Student Start-up Scholarship to a loan in yesterday’s budget, 2012 scholarship recipient Jaclyn McAliece said university scholarships are more important than ever before.
“It takes a typical student years to pay back their HECS, but the reward of this scholarship is that I will be able to graduate without having to repay any debt,” Ms Mc Aliece said.
“Melbourne is becoming a more and more expensive city to live in.
“The financial assistance provided by the scholarship has made studying at RMIT University a reality for me, and has assured me of where I want to reach and to achieve success.”
A total of 72 students received certificates from RMIT University’s Vice Chancellor and President Professor Margaret Gardner on the night.
Each year RMIT awards scholarships to over 2000 students.
Professor Gardner said scholarships are important “to fostering excellence, to enriching the lives of our students and helping them become solid graduates of whom we are proud”.
For Professional Communications student, Emily Malone, receiving the 2013 George Alexander Foundation Scholarship has been a “huge relief” for her financially.
“I feel very fortunate because out of the 82,000 students at RMIT this year I was one of nine recipients,” she said.
Ms Malone found out about the scholarship online, which requires students to demonstrate community involvement and leadership skills.
After getting the necessary references and reflecting on her community involvement and leadership opportunities, Emily sent in her application.
She found out she was successful in January and is receiving $15,000 over two years, as well as leadership training.
“It’s has taken a whole load of pressure off me, I definitely have a more health study,
work, life balance now.”
To find out if you are eligible, or for more information about RMIT scholarships have a look here.
Matilda Marozzi
