Academic bursaries set to open doors for local university students

The program offers students in their second last year the chance to gain valuable paid work experience aligned with their area of study, along with the added bonus of $5000 financial assistance for costs associated with their studies.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council established the program back in 2011 to help support students in the region and to assist in retaining talented professionals.

“Mackay is a great place to live and work, and working at council offers a great work-life balance,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The academic bursary program gives students a taste of what it’s like to work in their chosen field and the opportunity to make great work connections,” he said.

2023 Academic Bursary recipient Kai Sanim, who is studying a Bachelor Business Management majoring in Human Resources at CQUniversity said his work at council had given him great insight into his future career options.

“Given the current cost of living pressures everyone is experiencing, the bursary has allowed me to focus on my studies rather than being stressed about trying to support myself via my part time job – it’s been a huge relief,” Mr Sanim said.

“The work experience so far has been invaluable, it’s a great way of putting my studies into practice. It will go a long way in kickstarting my future career.”

Students who are studying in skills shortage areas within the region like Engineering, Planning, Business (Accounting/Marketing/HR/Public Relations/Social Innovation), Environmental Health/Science, Workplace Health and Safety/Emergency Services and Information Technology/Digital Media are encouraged to apply.

Applications open today and close Sunday, April 7.

For more details head to mackay.qld.gov.au/academicbursary or contact the Academic Bursary team at smld@mackay.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

2023 Academic Bursary recipients Kai Sanim, Mackenzie Towers and Chanadda Klumkratok with Mayor Greg Williamson.