Grants to help ease high university costs

THE costs associated with attending university are set to become cheaper for two lucky Logan students, with the introduction of a new scholarship program.

Logan's Community Bank, Bendigo Bank, is offering up the money to help ease the financial burden of paying for university fees, school books, laptops or other study materials.

Logan Bendigo Bank chairman John McLaughlin said the company was eager to help students realise their career dreams, with the cost of university a real barrier for many.

"At Logan Community Bank, we believe that you don't have to leave Logan to get a world class education, a great job or receive exceptional service," he said.

"As the only tertiary education facility in Logan, Griffith University offers a world class education locally and is one of the most influential universities in the Asia Pacific Region.

"We want to concentrate on the youth of Logan and one of the ways that can be done is through higher education and giving support to aspiring students, who for whatever reason, may not have the financial means.

"As a parent myself, I want young people in Logan to start their university career without having to move away from home or stress about the cost of their education."

Mr McLaughlin said the bank had been working closely with the university for six months to set up the scholarships.

He said in the future they hoped to offer more.

"This being the first year, we are only starting off with two scholarships but the idea is this will be an ongoing relationship," he said.

"We would like the number of students who we will assist to grow possibly up to four students a year.

"Our focus is the profits we make go directly back into the local community."

Griffith University professor Lesley Chenoweth said the scholarships were very generous.

"These scholarships are going to greatly benefit our students," she said.

"We see these scholarships as a really positive step to helping Logan's young students.

"I also think it is sending a message to our community that here is our local community bank that is backing local young people and the local university.

"Here at Griffith, we have many wonderful facilities and courses available which we want to share with all young people.

"We have many world class courses in health, business, marketing, IT, education and more."

For more information on how to apply for a scholarship, you can collect an application form at any of the five Bendigo Bank branches in Logan, located in Springwood, Loganholme, Beenleigh, Marsden and Browns Plains.

Alternatively, you can download an application form online at www.griffith.edu.au.

Applications close on Friday, January 25.