High achieving students living in rural or remote areas are being urged to apply for a scholarship to help them with accommodation and living expenses while they study at Murdoch University.

The George Alexander Foundation (GAF) is offering six scholarships, each worth $24,000 over three years, to ease financial pressures on students who may be living hundreds of kilometres away from family and friends.

Jessica Cleasby from York received a GAF scholarship in May to assist her move to Perth to undertake a Bachelor of Law/Arts (Criminology) at Murdoch.

“Due to the tremendous financial help provided by the scholarship, I’ve had the blessing of dedicating all my time to my university work,” she said.

“The yearly distribution of payments ensure that I don’t waste money which is allocated for my rent for the next four years of study.  The Coles vouchers are also a life-saver each Semester, which helps with grocery expenses.

“Having the financial security allowed me to really have a red hot go at being a law student and growing up as an adult. The value of the scholarship is indescribable – it’s a financial weight off my shoulders.”

Development Manager at Murdoch University, Geoff Hutchinson, said the George Alexander Foundation had been supporting Murdoch students since 2008 and had provided more than $1.4 million to help regional students gain a tertiary degree.

“The contribution of this scholarship is a direct investment in the potential of regional communities and can impact generations to come,” he said.

“Providing financial support to someone who would traditionally miss out, enables students to focus on their study and acquire the skills they need to follow their education pathway and ultimately make a living through work they enjoy.”

More information and application details are available here.

Scholarship applications are open until 29 January.