High school students will be able to study CQU courses for as little as $200 while still at school next year. This represents a saving of more than $1,000 on some courses.

The scholarships, offered under the Start Uni Now (SUN) scheme, will initially be available in education, music, journalism and outdoor pursuits. From 2006, university courses will be credited towards the new Queensland Certificate of Education.

Education and Creative Arts Dean, Professor Richard Smith, said that the new scheme allowed participating students to take the lead in the education game by getting in early on their university studies.

Professor Smith said CQU wanted to make it more convenient for qualified Central Queensland students to become involved in its affordable programs.

“We are working towards Central Queensland students having better access to universities than people in the big cities.” he said.

Project Co-ordinator, Associate Professor Ken Purnell said completed courses can be credited to appropriate CQU degree programs.

Students can get information about SUN courses from m.vannunen@cqu.edu.au.