Life is definitely looking up for second year Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science student Brad O'Connor.

Brad, 39, is a recipient of one of CQUniversity's Accommodation Scholarships and is making a fresh start here in Rockhampton after a bumpy few years, including a separation from his wife.

Brad relocated from his hometown of Bundaberg in 2010 after completing CQUniversity's STEPS program, and was determined to combine his intense love of sport with a university degree. Yet he says that education took a back seat in his formative years.

Brad O'Connor is loving the chance to combine his love of sport with a viable career path

"When I was in school my Dad was in the army, so we moved around a lot" Brad says.

"We spent some time in Sydney, then went to Melbourne, and then to Perth, where I did year 9 and 10. We moved that often that I didn't really make an effort to get into my school work, as I knew we would probably be moving on again before I knew it."

Once leaving school after year 10, Brad pursued a number of day jobs, including working in bottle shops and as a garbage man, and even spent time playing semi-professional rugby league, a passion that is still very much alive in him today.

"I was a bit immature at that time. I just travelled around Australia for a while playing football in Cairns, Darwin, Townsville, Perth, plus in a few places in New South Wales. Unfortunately there's a use-by date on that sort of lifestyle, and after a while I realised that mine was up" he says.

Brad separated from his wife in 2008, leaving his life in Sydney and moving back to Bundaberg to gain his high school certificate and to try and put his life in perspective.

Three years later, Brad had successfully completed STEPS and been accepted into the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science under a CQUniversity Accommodation Scholarship.

"If it wasn't for the scholarship, I wouldn't be here" Brad reflects.

"I probably would have stayed in Bundaberg and tried to get into teaching or even something else. It really boosted my outlook on life to know that someone believed in me enough to give me a scholarship."

Brad says he still wants move into teaching once he finishes degree, and is aiming to be a role model for kids wanting to get outside and into sport, particularly his beloved rugby league.

"I'd love to change more lives than just my own" he says.

But for the time being, Brad is simply enjoying the opportunity to study at university.

"Kay [Brodel] and the staff here at Capricornia College are great. I've actually become an RA (Residential Advisor), which means I get to help new students at the College and organise events to get students, particularly the international people, out and about, kicking a footy and just mixing with everyone else" he says.

"It's good being a bit of a mentor, and giving back to the university that gave me shot. I'm allowed to show initiative to the internationals and the new arrivals, and just make sure that everyone is enjoying themselves".

CQUniversity's Scholarships and Financial Assistance Officer Pauline Holbeck says it's great to see students like Brad getting their shot at realising their goals through the many scholarships on offer.

"We strive to make tertiary education available to everyone, no matter what background they come from or what difficulties they face" she said.

"In partnership with the Commonwealth Government, we've given out over $195,000 in Accommodation Scholarships alone in 2012, with total scholarship payments for the year so far reaching $800,000."

"We've had a massive increase in 2012 with the number of students applying. We've awarded nearly 50 more Equity Merit Scholarship alone for Term 1 2012 compared to the same time last year."

Despite this surge in numbers, Holbeck says the Student Support Centre has been responsive to the increase in demand for financial assistance.

Applications are now open for Term 2 Equity Scholarships. For more information click here.