International students kick-start their studies in Australia thanks to UQ scholarships

Two international veterinary science students have had their dream of studying in Australia realised thanks to University of Queensland Science International Scholarships.

Alice Jackson from England and Joyce Hung from Hong Kong were chosen from 400 applicants for their excellent academic performance.

They have arrived in Australia to begin their studies at the UQ Gatton campus.

Ms Jackson has been awarded an excellence scholarship valued at $12,000 and Ms Hung received $5000 for a merit scholarship.

Ms Jackson said the scholarship meant she had achieved her goal of travelling to Australia to study.

“I have always been really interested in travelling and the next place to go on my list was Australia. I had always wanted to come and experience the laid-back lifestyle,” she said.

“I chose UQ for veterinary science as there is a wide range of places that I can work once I have graduated and the program also has just received accreditation from North America.”

Ms Jackson has wanted to be a veterinarian since growing up on a sheep and beef farm in Cheshire, England.

“I had always helped on the farm and just really enjoyed any work experience I did. My favourite part was always when I watched the vets on my own farm carrying out procedures,” she said.

“I have a feeling that my strong roots to farming will always drag me back to being a large animal vet.

“This scholarship will assist me greatly, not just in helping to fund my tuition fees but it will also help me when I do my placements. I hope to go to some different locations to do my placements, such as zoos, or even travel a bit further to other parts of Australia.”

The scholarship recipients were selected based on merit and on a 300-word essay in which they discussed why they had chosen their particular science program and what they wanted to do after graduation.

Ms Joyce said she was particularly enjoying the surroundings at the UQ Gatton campus.

“The Gatton campus is nice and peaceful, which is very different to the city area where I was raised,” she said.

“The lecturers are passionate on what they are teaching and there is a strong academic support between seniors and first-year students, which helps my transition from high school to university.”

For more information on UQ scholarships visit http://www.uq.edu.au/scholarships

Media contact: Erin Pearl, 07 5460 1229 or e.pearl@uq.edu.au