QCoal Foundation

On-farm work plus study a winning combination

The best part about doing Veterinary Science is being around animals and combining practical on-farm experience with the science behind it, according to 2017 QCoal Foundation scholarship recipient Mel Martyn.

Having grown up on a property in the Clermont district, Mel is revelling in the opportunity to learn as much as she can at JCU before graduating and finding a job, ideally in a mixed veterinary practice in the region.

Mel’s academic experience has been sweetened by three years of financial support through the QCoal Foundation’s scholarship program, which has allowed her to focus on her degree.

“The QCoal Foundation scholarship has really helped with all my financial side,” Mel said.

“Because Vet is such a hard and hands-on degree, it’s given me the freedom not to have to work and have some financial burdens taken off my shoulders.”

Mel has some practical advice for students thinking about applying for the scholarship.

“I would say apply for the scholarship and put as much information in as you can, and if you really do have an interest in going back to help rural communities, really emphasise that,” she said.

“If you’re thinking of applying for Uni and you’re not sure, I would definitely say try, and definitely apply for the QCoal Foundation scholarship because it has helped me so much.”

Each year the Foundation awards a $30,000 scholarship over three years to a regional or remote Queensland student to study at JCU.

Eligible students must be due to start their first year of an undergraduate degree in any discipline, or in their second year of an Earth Science or Geology degree.

Applications for the QCoal Foundation Scholarship close in January each year.  You can learn more about the scholarship here.

Learn more about Mel’s experience as a recipient of the QCoal Foundation Scholarship in the video below: