Heritage Bank offers new USQ scholarship aimed at helping student from refugee community
24 June 2021
Heritage Bank today announced a new scholarship at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) aimed specifically at members of south-east Queensland’s growing refugee community to study in the field of psychology and counselling.
The $6000 scholarship will be made available to a full-time student starting an undergraduate degree in psychology or counselling at USQ, particularly a school-leaver from a refugee community experiencing financial hardship.
Applications for the Heritage Bank Scholarship will open later this year, with the recipient to be selected and announced early in 2022.
Heritage Bank CEO Peter Lock said members of the region’s migrant and refugee community faced many challenges in adapting to life in a new country.
“At Heritage we value diversity and inclusiveness, and recognise how difficult it can be for refugees to transition to a different way of life.
“Many face financial and language hardships that make attending university a real challenge.
“This scholarship aims to make the dream of university education a reality for someone who may otherwise be unable to enrol.
“We’ve also deliberately chosen to support study in the field of psychology and counselling. We hope that the scholarship recipient would then be equipped with the skills to assist other people from refugee backgrounds in dealing with their emotional and mental health needs.
“We’re delighted to partner with USQ to make this opportunity possible.”
USQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie said the University was proud to partner with Heritage Bank to further support the education aspirations of the south-east Queensland community.
“Our mission is to transform lives, empowering people to make positive change in their life and work experiences through life-long educational pathways,” Professor Mackenzie said.
“We are honoured to support the journey of students from a refugee background, and welcome opportunities for shared initiatives such as this Heritage Bank scholarship.”
PHOTO: Heritage Bank CEO Peter Lock, Heritage Bank Chairman Dr Kerry Betros AM, USQ Chancellor John Dornbusch and USQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie.
