At the University of Tasmania, our scholarship program is as diverse as our students. For many people, a scholarship can make all the difference. Just ask Kirsty Foote, a North West local who decided to return to university as a mature-aged student.
Kirsty was born Devonport, Tasmania and has lived on the north west coast all her life. After completing year 12 in 2008, she spent years working in administration and finance while saving for overseas travel.
Although she enjoyed her work, Kirsty knew she wasn’t doing what she wanted. The thought of returning to study was always on her mind.
“I felt a responsibility to help protect and care for these values, and it was this that led to my decision to return to university and study a Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Science).
With no background in science and beginning my degree as a mature aged student I was immediately pushed well outside my comfort zone; however, it has since proven to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Kirsty in her element in Sassafras, on the North West Coast of Tasmania.
A range of the University’s scholarships fall under four key themes: Merit, Access & Diversity, University Experience and Honours. Kirsty says that accessing a scholarship made all the difference to her experience.
“I decided to apply for the City of Launceston Environment Scholarship after details of the scholarship were made available by one of my lecturers.”
Kirsty says that the process was straightforward and not as daunting as she expected.
“After completing the application, I put it to the back of my mind, not expecting to be successful. So finding out that I had been selected was a big surprise.”
She says that receiving this scholarship has made a huge difference to her studies.
“Not only do I have a greater sense of security, but I have been able to consider continuing my studies at a postgraduate level, something I have always wanted to do but wasn’t sure if it would be financially viable.
The scholarship has helped Kirsty make the most of her Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Science). She says the connections and the field trips have been two of the biggest highlights for her.
The biggest highlight for me has been the continued exposure to a wide range of people from a variety of different disciplines and backgrounds. she says.
At the University of Tasmania, our Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Science) provides students with plenty of options to get out into the environment and gain practical, hands-on experience.
“Field trips featured strongly in my first two years and these took me to many places in Tasmania I had never been before.
One of the best experiences was 10 days camping on Bruny Island as part of a field techniques course run during the summer break.
If you’ve ever thought about further study as a mature aged student, Kirsty says to just jump right in.
“I would highly recommend studying at the University of Tasmania. Small class sizes have allowed me to develop more personal relationships and benefit from greater access to lecturers and teaching staff,” she says.
“A strong work-ready focus, coupled with numerous field trips and practicals has improved my confidence and taught me many skills easily transferrable to the workplace.”
If you have any questions about scholarships, studying Environmental Science or entry as a mature-aged student, we’d love to chat to you.
Interested in Environmental Science?
Find out more about studying the environment in our Bachelor of Science and our Bachelor of Natural Environment and Wilderness