The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Rural Pharmacy Scholarships will soon be awarded to 37 students from rural and remote communities, providing financial support for them to undertake undergraduate or graduate studies in pharmacy.
Scholarship holders receive $10,000 each year, for up to four years of study, to help cover the costs associated with study away from home. They also participate in a mentor program aimed at reinforcing the students’ ties to rural and regional Australia.
Scholarship holders are encouraged to pursue a career in pharmacy in a rural or remote area of Australia after graduation. During their studies they also have a role in promoting rural pharmacy as a career choice to secondary school students.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President George Tambassis says scholarship holders receive financial and mentoring support to ensure they get the most out of their university studies.
“And the fact that they are encouraged to conduct their professional careers in rural Australia is fantastic,” he said.
“The mentoring program helps the students develop a learning plan and also provides support to students outside the university environment. It’s an important support for students who have come from rural and remote areas and are studying away from their family base.”
Meanwhile, the Guild has awarded scholarships to three students under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Scholarship Scheme.
The students, who will receive funding assistance during their time at university, are Kirralee Natty (University of New England, NSW), Teneal Hutchin (University of Queensland) and Lillian Emery (Queensland University of Technology).
Scholarship holders receive $15,000 each year, for up to four years of study, to help cover the costs associated with their studies.
The scheme is funded under the 6CPA. It was established in recognition of the key role pharmacists play in providing improved, culturally appropriate pharmacy services to better meet the needs of their local indigenous communities and patients, as well as maintaining the health of all Australians.
