When Rockhampton Grammar School higher achiever Georgia Sullivan told her friends she was staying in Rockhampton and studying at her local university, most were surprised by the decision.

With an OP1 score Georgia was eligible to apply to any university in the country in any program and people just assumed she would study a degree in medicine or law. However she decided on a field she was passionate about and at university who promised a ‘real-world' education.

Georgia Sullivan is studying busines and professional communication at CQUniversity."There was quite a big expectation to study medicine or law - a few of my friends are - and I felt that many people thought I'd do the same." However Georgia had dreams of working in public relations and thought CQUniversity offered the best program for her.

"I would love to work in public relations. PR is an integral factor of a successful business and with a degree in PR there are really no restrictions to what industry you could work in," explained Georgia, who has dreams of one day working in the entertainment industry as a talent agent.

"I am so pleased to be staying in Rockhampton as it takes away the hassle of having to settle into a new location."

Georgia has begun a degree in Business and Professional Communication at CQUniversity, where she has received a full scholarship thanks to a Vice-Chancellor's initiative to encourage high achieving students to stay in their home towns and study at their local university.

"I think CQUniversity will be very beneficial to me as they take a more ‘hands-on' approach compared to other theory-based universities. I think this is what makes the difference in the ‘real world'. Having knowledge is one thing, but being able to apply it is another."

"I was absolutely thrilled when I found out I was lucky enough to receive the scholarship. Being from a single-income family, it will be a tremendous help and will relieve some financial pressure."

Georgia Sullivan.