Media Releases

The Nationals Scholarship for Young Leaders will run again in 2012, Member for Eastern Region, Peter Hall said today.

The scholarship will assist students from rural and regional Victoria in their chosen tertiary pathway.

While announcing the scholarship, State President of The Nationals, Mr Peter Schwarz said The Nationals were committed to ensuring that regional and rural young people continued to reach their potential through higher education and training opportunities.

“The scholarship winners will be chosen based on their academic endeavours, local leadership qualities, community involvement and their commitment to rural life,” Mr Schwarz said.

The total value of the scholarship is $5,000 which may be shared amongst one or more successful applicants.

Mr Schwarz said the Scholarship for Young Leaders had been a great success in the many years The Nationals have committed to run the bursary.

“The response from students across the state has traditionally been of a high calibre and the quality of the applications shows the strength and resilience of young people from across country Victoria,” he added.

Mr Hall said the Scholarship was a fantastic initiative and encouraged eligible students to apply.

“The Nationals are proud to support regional and rural students pursuing their tertiary studies and promoting exceptional leadership qualities from future leaders, especially those committed to the future development of regional and rural Victoria,” Mr Hall said.

The selection criteria for The Nationals Scholarship includes the applicant’s academic record, leadership qualities and community involvement. It is intended that The Nationals Scholarship be awarded to students who are intending to return to or remain in the country after their course and demonstrate a career commitment that will ultimately benefit rural/regional Victoria. Special consideration may also be given to students in hardship situations.

“I would encourage all school leavers and young people progressing with tertiary studies in 2012 to consider applying for the Young Leaders Scholarship,” Mr Hall said.

The application process will be open until February 24, 2012. Application forms can be downloaded from The Nationals website:www.vic.nationals.org.au