Northern Rivers students explore their university options

Northern Rivers’ secondary school students and their parents can have all their university questions answered when representatives from The University of Queensland visit next week.

UQ Student Recruitment Manager Jessica Gallagher said the annual trip was designed to help local students keep up to date with the programs, scholarships and residential options available.

“At UQ, we have students from a wide range of interstate and regional areas, many of whom are moving away from home for the first time,” Ms Gallagher said.

“The University offers on and off-campus accommodation options and has the services, facilities and support needed to ensure that the transition from high school to university is as straightforward as possible.

Ms Gallagher said that it was important to remember that students from New South Wales wishing to study in Queensland should apply online through QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) by September 30 using a similar process to that of UAC (University Admissions Centre).

UQ offers the second largest number of Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships (CAS) in the country, which are open to all students from regional areas who may be experiencing financial hardship and are worth over $4000 each year.

“From 2009, the University will also offer 275 new academic scholarships to be awarded to current year 12 students commencing study at UQ,” Ms Gallagher said.

Former Trinity Catholic College student, Louise Wagner, now a first year MBBS/Bachelor of Science student at UQ St Lucia, said it was important to explore a variety of university options before making a decision.

“I knew I wanted to study medicine but wasn’t aware of the different ways of getting into uni and which would be best for me,” Ms Wagner said.

“I was fortunate to be offered a place in UQ’s Yr 12 Provisional Entry Scheme which means that after six years, I will graduate with two degrees, a Bachelor of Science and Medicine Surgery.

“In years 11 and 12, I attended a range of career events which gave me the opportunity to collect information, ask questions and narrow down the universities that offered my preferred degree.”

The UQ Student Recruitment Team visits local schools throughout the year and will be attending the Northern Rivers Tertiary Information Day on Tuesday, July 29.

Those interested in finding out more can contact Ms Gallagher on (07) 3346 9649 or j.gallagher@uq.edu.au.

Media: Kim Emery (07 3346 9746, kim.emery@uq.edu.au)