Flinders University will offer a new $8000 per year scholarship to a science, information technology or engineering undergraduate student in 2013, thanks to the support of the Science and Industry Endowment Fund (SIEF).
The University, which currently offers a range of eligible undergraduate courses, will introduce new programs in mathematics, electrical engineering and clean technologies in 2013.
The three-year (science) or four-year (engineering) scholarship is available to a student of Indigenous background or a student who is located in rural or remote locations and from a low socio-economic background.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Andrew Parkin said that Flinders was chosen to participate in the SIEF Undergraduate Degree scholarship scheme based largely on the University’s commitment to advancing Indigenous, remote and rural students.
“Enhancing educational opportunities is a key strategy in Flinders Strategic Plan and the University already has a wide range of programs in place to support students who face significant financial or social barriers to undergraduate study,” Professor Parkin said.
“The SIEF Undergraduate Degree scholarship program is an excellent initiative to support the study of science and engineering, fields which are critical to South Australia’s ability to innovate,” he said.
“We are very proud and pleased to be a part of this scheme.”
The successful applicant will be further supported by Flinders academic monitoring and mentoring programs.
“The objective is to provide the best possible environment for students to excel at their studies. Financial support is an important element of that, but so too is the knowledge that there is a network of mentors and services available.”
Prospective applicants will soon be able to download the application form from the Flinders scholarship website.
The SIEF was established in 1926 to provide support for scientific research. Since 2009, CSIRO has gifted significant funds to the SIEF to be applied to scientific research for the purposes of assisting Australian industry, furthering the interests of the Australian community or contributing to the achievement of Australia’s National Research Priorities.