Fraser Coast university students who need to relocate to continue their studies with USC could receive financial help under a special bursary pilot scheme.

Starting in 2020, USC will provide a one-off payment of up to $2,500 for eligible students who are enrolled in programs for which only the first year is available at its Fraser Coast campus.

To expand access to educational opportunities in the region, USC offers first-year subjects locally in degrees in Environmental Science, Science, Secondary Education/Science, Counselling and Social Sciences (Psychology).

Students undertake the remaining subjects at USC’s main campus at Sippy Downs.

USC Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Joanne Scott said the Relocation Bursary pilot scheme was part of a wider University commitment to enhancing higher education and improving student experiences in the Fraser Coast region.

“Offering first-year subjects in key degrees gives Fraser Coast students greater access to a range of study programs and the flexibility to complete their first year of university at home,” Professor Scott said.

“This bursary scheme recognises the costs involved in relocating to the Sunshine Coast to continue their studies and aims to assist students who may have financial difficulties and other equity considerations,” she said.

Almost 20 degrees and pathway programs will be offered at USC’s Fraser Coast campus next year including a new full degree in Social Work.

Other programs include full degrees in Tourism, Leisure and Event Management, Nursing Science, Primary Education, Animal Ecology, Business, Commerce (Accounting and Management) and Human Services.

This year, USC also introduced full-time, one-year diplomas in Business Innovation, Science and Technology, and Social and Human Services.

The diplomas are stand-alone qualifications that offer direct entry and up to one year’s credit into selected USC bachelor’s degrees.

Applications are open to study at USC next year.