CQUniversity Biomedical Science students Amy Hayhurst and Jodie Giese agree that access to the Commonwealth Accommodation Costs Scholarship (CAS) has helped them reduce stress and focus on their studies.

The Commonwealth Scholarships for 2008 are now open and applications need to be in by July 14. For more information visit: http://www.equity.cqu.edu.au/   

Scholarship holders Amy Hayhurst (left) and Jodie Giese are now more focused on their studies

Ms Hayhurst said she had to move away from home when she transferred from Bundaberg to Rockhampton to continue her degree.

"I have since come to realise all the joys that come with that, such as paying rent, phone, power bills and the ever increasing cost of petrol," she said.

"As a student it is often in the back of your mind about financial issues like bills that have to be paid and things you would like to do and can't.

"The Commonwealth Accommodation Costs Scholarship along with Centrelinks Youth Allowance basically pays for my living expenses and also assists with purchasing of textbooks so that I can work a little to have some pocket money and actually have a social life as well."

Another who has moved from Bundaberg to Rockhampton to continue her studies, third-year student Jodie Giese says it was a "scary proposition not only having to leave family and friends but the associated costs with living away from home".

"To help me pay the bills and buy textbooks I successfully applied for a Commonwealth Accommodation Costs Scholarship. This scholarship pays for a large portion of my yearly rental costs as well as buying those ever valuable textbooks.

"Knowing I have the scholarship money allows me to stress less over my bills and concentrate more on my studies!"

The Commonwealth Scholarship program aims to facilitate choice in higher education and to increase higher education participation by students from low socio-economic backgrounds, particularly Indigenous students and students from rural and regional areas.

These Scholarships provide financial assistance to commencing and continuing students studying in undergraduate programs and associate degrees or to Indigenous students studying an enabling program.

Anyone who would like to apply for a scholarship must check they fit the eligibility requirements and lodge their application before applications close on July 14.

Application forms and eligibility criteria are available from the Equity website, under student financial support.

For more information visit: http://www.equity.cqu.edu.au/