Industry scholarships support student excellence

The University of Queensland’s (UQ) Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology (EAIT) and industry partners have awarded more than 50 engineering and ICT students with industry-funded scholarships.

Representatives of more than 20 firms were present to award the scholarships, which ranged in value from $1,000 to $12,000 per annum and provide the awardees with valuable links into industry.

Two new industry funded scholarships were introduced this year to further improve the educational experience of students.

Orica Australia has established a scholarship in support of the education of an undergraduate Mining Engineering student, providing $10,000 per annum for three years.

The newly established Centre for Geotechnical Engineering supported by Rio Tinto, Anglo Gold Ashanti, BHP Billiton and Golder Associates will support four undergraduate students enrolled in either the Civil and Geotechnical Engineering or the Mining and Geotechnical Engineering Dual Major Programs.

These four students will each be supported throughout three years of their study with $10,000 per annum.

The UQ Faculty of EAIT’s Executive Dean, Professor Graham Schaffer, said the Faculty was pleased to be able to partner with industry to assist students throughout their university education.

“Not only do industry-funded scholarships assist students financially, they also provide valuable access to industry mentors and essential work experience opportunities,” Professor Schaffer said.

“I am grateful to our industry partners for the support they provide, and I hope these partnerships will continue to benefit our students in the future.”

UQ Chemical and Biological Engineering student, Emma Stratford will receive both the Jacobs Engineering and R.J Gus Wiles scholarships.

“I am very excited to receive the Jacobs Engineering Scholarship,” Miss Stratford said.

“It will help fund my Master of Engineering and allow me to undertake vacation employment with a global and diverse company, providing the perfect platform for what I hope will be a successful career in the engineering industry.

“I've also been accepted to study at the University of Alberta next semester and am honoured to receive the R.J. 'Gus' Wiles Scholarship, which will help me make the most of this fantastic opportunity. I can't wait to get there!”

For organisations interested in partnering with the Faculty to further the Scholarship opportunities of our students, please visit the Faculty’s webpage http://www.eait.uq.edu.au/alumni-and-friends-industry.

Media: Madelene Flanagan (m.flanagan@uq.edu.au or + 61 7 3365 8525)