TWO new health science scholarships will give regional students the opportunity to study at La Trobe University in Bendigo.
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The Rotary Club of Bendigo South launched the project at La Trobe University last night, with members from the Rotary Club of Bendigo-Sandhurst and Rotary Club of Bendigo Next Generation also in attendance.
The scholarships will be awarded to students studying at the School of Rural Health at La Trobe University.
Rotary Club of Bendigo South member and associate professor Lindsay Jackson said the scholarships would help students who struggled to afford to attend university.
"In particular we are looking at country students who have come down and are living on campus," he said.
"Very often (students) will come down and it's all so strange - they are away from home and it can be difficult.
"So we think this is a good area to have scholarships to provide financial support because it is expensive for students to study - that's the main aim of the scholarships."
Mr Lindsay said the Rotary club was passionate about the education sector.
He said there were many expenses for students when moving away from home to study and he hoped the scholarships would provide some relief.
"When you are living away from home the minimum it's going to cost you is $6000 to $7000 a year," he said.
"You are probably going to need a car, which is expensive, among other things which all cost money."
The value of the scholarships is yet to be determined.
La Trobe University Bendigo alumni chair Katherine Hancy said the scholarships were an excellent initiative.
"The aged care sector is growing and we need more health professionals in the industry," she said.
"There are many challenges facing rural students who are looking to study. I think the scholarships will be fantastic."
La Trobe University head of campus Robert Stephenson said the university's partnership with the community was part of the its vision.
"One of our goals in La Trobe University's vision is we want to be engaged with the community," he said.