University of Wollongong makes Country to Coast and Future Skills scholarships available for Early Admission students

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is pleased to announce the availability of its popular Country to Coast and Future Skills Scholarships for students commencing their studies in 2024, with more than $5 million in scholarships on offer for domestic students.

UOW introduced both scholarships last year in recognition of the cost-of-living pressures university students face.

The $5,000 Country to Coast Scholarship recognises the additional financial barrier faced by students from rural and regional areas due to the cost of moving to study. The $2,500 Future Skills Scholarship underlines the University’s commitment to fostering skills, knowledge and capability in national priority areas and setting our students up for future success.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Life) Professor Theo Farrell said UOW awarded more than 500 Country to Coast and Future Skills Scholarships in 2023 and believes even more students will take up the scholarship offers in 2024.

“The University of Wollongong has always prided itself on providing opportunities for students from all backgrounds. With regional campuses, strong school and community partnerships, tailored transition and support programs, and a firm commitment to financial support and wellbeing, we strive to ensure that every student has the chance to succeed,” Professor Farrell said.

“The Country to Coast Scholarship reflects our ongoing commitment to increasing access and participation in higher education for students in regional, rural and remote communities and is designed to assist students with the costs associated with university setup and accommodation.”

To be eligible for the scholarships, students must first apply for UOW Early Admission. Applications for Early Admission are currently open and will close on 11 August 2023.

Country to Coast Scholarship

The Country to Coast Scholarship has been enhanced for 2024, allowing recipients to attend any UOW campus across Australia, including UOW’s regional campuses in the Southern Highlands, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla and Bega Valley.

The Country to Coast Scholarship is also stackable, meaning recipients may also be eligible for additional financial support through UOW Equity Scholarships or the Australian Government Tertiary Access Payment (TAP).

The 2024 Country to Coast Scholarship will automatically be made available to 2024 Early Admission offer holders from Bega Valley, Central and Far West NSW, Goulburn and South Eastern NSW, Eden Monaro, Eurobodalla, Murray, Riverina and Shoalhaven. Select Indigenous Access Program (IAP) offer holders will also be considered eligible.


Future Skills Scholarship

The Future Skills Scholarship supports students pursuing studies in identified priority skills areas including business, computer science, IT and cybersecurity, education, engineering, exercise science, nursing, public health and social work.

Students who have applied for Early Admission to study a national-priority skills-area course at UOW in 2024 will be contacted and offered a $2,500 scholarship to assist with their study, travel, and living expenses.


UOW Early Admission program

UOW Early Admission is our early entry offer program for students completing Year 12 (Higher School Certificate or other Australian equivalents) during 2023.

For over 20 years, the Early Admission program has looked beyond ATARs and considered the unique skills and experiences of each applicant. Personal attributes and attitudes, alongside Year 11 results, are taken into account as part of the application. It enables students to earn a place at UOW before they sit their exams