HSC students affected by the bushfires to receive UWS uni offer

All 700 Blue Mountains and Lithgow HSC students disrupted by the recent bushfires can rest a little easier, knowing they will receive a guaranteed offer of a place to study at the University of Western Sydney.

UWS Vice-Chancellor Professor Janice Reid says the UWS Blue Mountains Staying On Track program will provide all affected HSC students with the reassurance and confidence in knowing that their future study plans remain on track.

In addition to the guaranteed offer of a place, those who lost or suffered significant damage to their home will also receive a $2000 On Track Scholarship. 

This will assist students with expenses, such as purchasing textbooks, stationery, study materials and other equipment.

Professor Reid says the University of Western Sydney wanted to offer support in a tangible way.

"UWS is very much a part of the Greater Western Sydney community. We want to ensure no Blue Mountains or Lithgow HSC student faces a setback to their plans to go university," says Professor Reid.

"Studying the HSC and applying to university can be stressful enough, without the additional stress of worrying about your family and your home.

"As the Blue Mountains and Lithgow areas rebuild, it's important that the next generation of residents don't miss out on the opportunity to study at university.

"Higher education provides a strong foundation on which people can fulfil their aspirations, build their career, support themselves and their families and - perhaps most importantly for the years ahead - for communities to grow."

The University is contacting all HSC students and high schools in the Blue Mountains and Lithgow areas about this program.

With over 150 courses ranging from pathways programs to advanced and honours degrees, the University will work with students to help them find the course that best suits their needs and aspirations.

The UWS Blue Mountains Staying On Track program will include courses on all UWS campuses including arts, nursing, business, policing, science, engineering, computing and teaching.  

Some specialist UWS programs, such as medicine, midwifery, physiotherapy, paramedicine and music, require additional selection criteria.

The University, its staff and students have also contributed over $50,000 for grants to our current staff and students who lost homes during the fires.

For more details: UWS Blue Mountains Staying On-Track Program or call UWS on 1300 897 669

Ends

4 November 2013

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