Flinders University has pledged to match donations to its Matthew Flinders Scholarship fund – dollar-for-dollar and with no limit on the amount – to help students continue their studies experiencing financial hardship amid cost-of-living pressures.
This commitment, which coincides with a donation campaign ending on July 17, has been made as Flinders celebrates its 60th anniversary – and six decades of offering opportunity to students regardless of their background or circumstance.
Matthew Flinders Scholarships support students like Jade Pereira-Tsanakas, whose dream to work in medicine was almost ended by financial pressures.
“I graduated Year 12 with a 91 ATAR and my school’s ‘Power to Change’ award. Applying for the Bachelor of Medical Science at Flinders was the best decision I’ve ever made,” Jade said.
“Things got bad in my final year. I was in debt, my car was breaking down, and I felt really isolated from friends and family.”
“Juggling work and study with exams or assignments threw me off schedule. My health really suffered; less sleep, not enough exercise, not eating well.”
Jade applied for a $1,000 scholarship which not only provided cost-of-living help but also funded access to counselling and other supports, allowing her to focus on her studies.
In April, Jade graduated at Flinders and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Letters (Health) for postgraduate entry into medicine.
“I never thought I’d make it to where I am,” she said.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said Flinders established the scholarship, which was supported by the generosity of community members and alumni, to help talented students like Jade through financial hardship.
“When Flinders was established 60 years ago, it was committed to widening access to higher education for students facing barriers,” Professor Stirling said.
“Equity and opportunity has been at the heart of our mission since 1966 and our decision to match donations dollar-for-dollar is a reflection of that commitment.”
“Our University has a proud history of changing lives and we have now set ourselves the bold goal of changing 10 million lives for the better by 2035.
“By opening the door to higher education and supporting students through difficult times, we can help change their lives – and they can go on to help others.”
More information about the scholarship.