High-achieving Year 12 students in remote locations 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) Rural Accommodation Scholarship Program is offering six scholarships, each worth $24,000 over three years, to help to ease the financial pressure on students who need to relocate from their hometowns to further their studies in Perth.

Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Eeva Leinonen said the foundation had made a significant investment in the academic potential of students from regional and remote communities, contributing more than $1.5 million since its establishment in 2008.

“Providing financial support to regional students who we know have additional costs such as travel and accommodation associated with studying, will enable them to focus on their studies and acquire the skills and knowledge they need to be fully prepared for their future careers,” Professor Leinonen said.

“Each year, we look forward to welcoming the six new George Alexander Foundation scholarship recipients to Murdoch University, and being able to foster their academic and personal progress.”

Scholarship recipient and Murdoch Criminology student Lily Moore, originally from Karratha, said the financial assistance she received through the GAF allowed her to maintain a healthy balance between her studies and her extra-curricular pursuits.

“The scholarship has taken a great weight off my shoulders,” she said.

”I’ve  been able to manage my work as a music teacher, which I love doing and continue to play sport as I have the time and the money to pay for fees – this may have contributed to our team winning the first AFL women’s premiership in WA.”

“I am also excited about promoting sustainability and waste-free living through my blog and working with the Murdoch Sustainability Team on other initiatives around campus.

"With the assistance provided by the George Alexander Foundation, I am able to participate in all these activities while at the same time, strive for success in my undergraduate degree in Criminology and hopefully get accepted into an honours program in the future.”

Applications are now open for the GAF scholarships, closing on Monday 28 January 2019. More information and application details are available from the GAF scholarship website.