For the third year running First Nations students at Charles Sturt University can qualify for a $45,000 scholarship to help them achieve their academic dreams.
The Birrang Enterprise Development Company Ltd Aboriginal Scholarship gives five students the opportunity to receive assistance which contributes to their academic work.
With more $675,000 being offered by the Birrang Scholarships over the past three years, the financial support assists First Nations students with relocation, accommodation, and educational expenses.
Billie O'Bryan is studying a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management and received the Birrang scholarship in 2023.
With the financial assistance, her lifelong dream of attending university became a reality.
"I honestly don't think I would've been able to go to university and achieve what I have so far if it wasn't for Birrang," Ms O'Bryan said.
"Coming from a rural area, I knew that I wouldn't feel seen, heard, or supported at a metro university; a regional university was for me.
"I've wanted to study since I was a little girl, so don't let anything stop you from achieving your dreams, especially if it's a university education."
The assistance is spread across three years, with the $45,000 available to commencing First Nations students studying via any mode (on campus, online or mixed mode) at campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie, and Wagga Wagga.
Birrang Enterprises chief executive, Tim Smith, said the company's board of directors were unwavering in their support for creating opportunities for Indigenous students to gain higher qualifications.
"From employment pathways to educational opportunities, fostering these prospects has been a cornerstone of Birrang's strategic direction since our inception in 2003," he said.
"It remains the driving force behind everything we do, evidenced by our many services such as the Driver Licence Access Program where we travel to communities all over NSW to assist Aboriginal and disadvantaged people in getting licenced."
Mr Smith argued for many, tertiary education was something taken for granted.
"This scholarship program will give First Nations students the opportunity to get behind the wheel of their careers, opening a world of opportunity for them," he said.
"Scholarships like this don't just change the lives of recipients, they change the mindset of those around them by helping friends and family see the impact of further education."
Charles Sturt has one of the highest First Nations enrolment rates across the country, with each campus having a First Nations Student Centre to help give students the best support in navigating the unique challenges that come from being a student via the university's First Nations connect program.
Charles Sturt manager of development, Justin Williams, welcomed the announcement of the scholarship program for a third year for prospective First Nations students.
He said the support helped with common financial barriers, including relocation costs, textbooks, accommodation, and equipment, allowing the often impossibility of going to university for some First Nations students to become a reality.
"Birrang's massive commitment to positive outcomes for First Nations students in our communities is most appreciated," Mr Williams said.
"So far, the forward-thinking organisation has made the extraordinary commitment of well over half a million dollars in support of our students."
Applications for the Birrang Enterprise Development Company Ltd Aboriginal Scholarship are now open, closing 9am Monday, January 13.
For information, and to apply, visit the CSU website.
