Toolooa State High School OP1 recipient Ryan Muller believes CQUniversity is "setting him up for life", after being given an OP1 scholarship.

The University has approved scholarships to relieve the HECS-HELP burden for OP1 students who choose to study full-time on campus in the Central Queensland region.

Ryan Muller - looking forward to a uni experience

This initiative not only rewards excellence but also recognises that high-achievers who study locally are more likely to remain to work in their home region, thus boosting the talent pool for Central Queensland.

"By not having a HECS debt at the end of my degree, it will really help set me up for life," explained Ryan.

Ryan's parents are also glad he has chosen to study in his home town of Gladstone.

Ryan has enrolled in the Bachelor of Engineering Co-op program and hopes to pursue a career in electrical engineering.

"I chose CQUniversity as my first preference as it offered the best engineering program.

"The program offers paid work experience which will enable me to find out exactly what direction I want to take my career."

Ryan will also be following in the footsteps of his father, who worked as an engineer in Gladstone for many years.

However, for now Ryan is just looking forward to learning new things at uni.

"I really enjoy maths and physics and I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge of these fields."