Purpose of the Programme
Here’s what this scholarship is about. JCU and the QCoal Foundation have teamed up to support students from regional and remote areas of Queensland, giving them financial backing to make the move to university a bit less daunting. The aim is to “level the playing field” — because relocating, paying for accommodation and managing all the extra costs can really add up when you’re leaving a small town or remote community.
So if you’re someone who’s been thinking: “Can I afford to move and study away from home?” — this scholarship says: yes, you can. It’s not just help with fees — it’s help with logistics, stress, and making your first year smoother. One past recipient said it reduced her need to work lots of part-time hours, letting her settle in and focus on her course.
Eligibility Criteria
Before you get too excited, let’s check whether you qualify. It’s vital to meet the criteria to be eligible.
You must:
- Be a domestic student from regional or remote Queensland.
- Be commencing a first-year undergraduate degree at JCU (full-time) in 2026.
- Be relocating to attend JCU (meaning you’re moving from a regional/remote community). The scholarship recognises this cost and transition.
- Be willing to commit to your studies, with the expectation of making a contribution to your regional community upon graduation. The QCoal Foundation looks at both academic and community involvement.
Important notes:
- The value is A$10,000 per year, for up to three years (total A$30,000) for one recipient in the 2026 round.
- The scholarship selection also takes into account your academic performance, community involvement/extracurriculars, and your commitment to regional Queensland.
- Make sure you apply by the deadline — for the 2026 intake the applications close on 16 January 2026.
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Fields of Study
Good news: the scholarship is fairly flexible in terms of what you study. It’s open to eligible students across bachelor’s degrees at JCU — as long as you are full-time and relocating from regional/remote Queensland.
So whether you’re going into science, engineering, arts, health, business or education, if you meet the other criteria you can apply. The key is that you’re starting your first year and relocating as part of the process.
Benefits of the Scholarship
This is where the scholarship really shines. Here’s what you get if awarded:
- A payment of A$10,000 per year for up to three years, totalling A$30,000. That’s a substantial amount to ease the financial burden of university life coming from regional/remote areas.
- Because living away from home often means extra costs (accommodation, transport, settling in), this scholarship gives you breathing room — you might need less part-time work, and can focus more on your academics and university experience.
- You’ll also gain recognition — being a scholarship recipient can boost your profile, network and opportunities.
- It’s not just financial: the support and connection to the QCoal Foundation and JCU community is part of the value. One recipient noted that the Foundation offered advice and backing beyond the money.
Deadline & Important Dates
Here are the key dates to keep in mind:
- Applications for the 2026 round open now and close on 16 January 2026.
- You must ensure you apply for your JCU bachelor’s programme and meet admission requirements before applying for the scholarship — the scholarship application assumes you’re enrolled or eligible to enrol.
- Because selection involves review of your application, academic results and community background, the earlier you start your preparation the better.
Missing the deadline means waiting another year — so if you’re eligible, get going.
How to Apply
Here’s what you’ll need to do to apply:
- Decide on the bachelor’s programme at JCU you wish to study (first year, full-time) and check you meet admission requirements (school leaving results, English language, etc.).
- Ensure you qualify for the regional/remote student status (your home location must meet JCU’s definition for the scholarship).
- Prepare your documentation:
- Your personal statement/motivation (why you want to study, why relocating, how you’ll contribute)
- Academic results/transcripts from secondary schooling
- Evidence of community involvement, leadership, extracurriculars (especially in regional/remote context)
- Any required references or endorsements (if requested)
- Submit your JCU admission application first (if you haven’t done so already).
- Then apply for the QCoal Foundation Scholarship by the closing date (16 January 2026) via the application link from JCU or the Foundation. Make sure you follow the specific instructions and upload all required documentation.
- Await the outcome: if selected, you’ll receive the scholarship offer and the A$10,000 per year for up to three years — make sure to accept the offer and meet any conditions (such as full-time enrolment and academic progress).
Why This Scholarship Matters
If you’re coming from regional or remote Queensland, moving to university can bring huge opportunity — but also big change. This scholarship acts as a real support, not just symbolically but financially. It helps you focus on learning, engage in uni life, and map your future without being overwhelmed by cost.
More than that, it empowers regional students to become leaders in their communities. By investing in someone who will study and then potentially return or contribute to regional Queensland, the scholarship has a ripple effect — it encourages people to stay connected to their roots even as they grow and learn.
Final Thoughts
So if you’re eligible — you’re from regional or remote Queensland, you’re ready to study your first bachelor’s at JCU and you’re willing to make the most of the opportunity — then go for it. This scholarship could be the support you’ve been looking for.
Take the time now: check your eligibility, prepare your documents, write a genuine motivation, reflect on how you’ll contribute and make the move count. If you apply early and thoughtfully, you stand a strong chance.
Wishing you all the best. You’ve got this — go ahead and seize this chance to start your journey at JCU with strong support.
Official program website: https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2025/october/$30,000-scholarship-up-for-grabs-for-regional-students