For individuals education opens the doors of opportunity. For the nation it is the key to our future prosperity.
Yet for many, accessing university education is a struggle.
Participation is hindered by geography, ethnicity, family commitments, disabilities and financial constraints.
In Australia, 15 per cent of university students come from low-income backgrounds. And an even higher proportion of students at the University of Wollongong (UOW) are disadvantaged through poverty.
Each year around 500 conscientious new students will contemplate dropping out of UOW due to financial hardships. Another 10 per cent of UOW students face significant challenges during their university studies due to disability.
We believe that disadvantage should not impede the personal and professional ambitions of our talented and enthusiastic students. UOW already provides scholarships for students in need, demonstrating our commitment to social justice.
Despite these good intentions, limited funds restrict the support we can provide to many students with legitimate needs. To ensure no deserving student misses out on the opportunity to access and fully participate in tertiary studies, we have established the new Learning & Development Fund.
With your help the Fund will provide practical support to deserving students, from vouchers that cover the costs of daily travel and textbooks, to rent subsidies, home internet access and laptops. These simple gifts can be the difference between success and failure.
By supporting the Fund you can help hardworking but disadvantaged students meet the costs and commitments associated with university study.
Your gift to the Fund will enable all UOW students to realise their dreams, regardless of their personal circumstances.
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Mikylla Cook
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education
“I had to leave school at just 15 to get a job and support myself so furthering my education has always been important to me.”
Read more
Boris Georgiou
Bachelor of Creative Arts
“In my first year here I lived on campus and my parents split the cost of accommodation with me. But I still had to work two jobs to cover all my expenses.”
Read More
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