“Applying for the BMedSci course at Flinders was the best decision I’ve ever made. Things had been tough at home, and I often didn’t think I’d even graduate.
Living in Two Wells, I knew the travel was going to be a lot to handle, so I moved on campus. I was sad to be so far away from home, but excited and happy for new people, new experiences and progressing my learning.”
But over the next three years, Jade faced constant financial insecurity.
The juggle between the demands of study and earning enough money to keep a roof over her head and food on the table was incredibly hard. She swapped between living on campus and living at home, desperately trying to find the right balance.
On campus, she had to work three days a week to support herself, which impacted her capacity to study.
At home, distance was her enemy. Public transport meant a 30-minute drive and two buses each way. Travel by car meant hundreds of dollars in fuel every week.
“Things got bad in my final year. I was in debt, my car was breaking down, and I felt really isolated from friends and family.”
Then Jade saw the Matthew Flinders Scholarship advertised online and became one of 65 students supported with a $1,000 scholarship.
Funding provided immediate help with basic living necessities, access to a psychologist for counselling and support, and car repairs, so she could get to appointments and see her family. Just a few months later, Jade passed her degree with flying colours, including an HD in Pharmacology.
Jade is a perfect example of our ambition for every Flinders student.
She’s trying to change lives for the better. But despite dedication, dreams and abundant talent, students like Jade sometimes question whether they can continue studying at all. Last year, more than 400 students applied for a Matthew Flinders Scholarship and missed out.
Together, we can help them.
This year, Flinders University is celebrating our 60 Year Anniversary with a dollar match campaign for the Matthew Flinders Scholarship.
Every donation made towards the Matthew Flinders Scholarship before 17 July will be doubled by the university!
100% of your tax-deductible donation will support students in financial need through the Matthew Flinders Scholarship.
Make your donation here and double the impact for students like Jade.
