For the second year in a row, scholarships of up to $5,000 for study in 2016 are being offered to students studying Vocational Education Training (VET) courses in rural NSW. An initiative implemented by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Foundation, the scholarships are available for NSW individuals studying at registered VET institutions, such as TAFE or local colleges, who demonstrate a passion for any career that will ensure the future success of our rural and regional communities. Kate Ross, Executive Officer of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation, said she is excited to again offer scholarships specifically designed for VET students. “We established this program in 2015 to increase the number of VET student applications for our Rural Scholarship program, and gave careful thought to a scholarship window that would work best for students choosing to study VET courses,” Ms Ross said. “This approach not only adds to the diversity of our program but means we are able to support students on a range of different career pathways at a range of learning institutions, who are all passionate about following a career in rural or regional NSW,” Ms Ross said. “The RAS Foundation believes that vocations created from the foundations of a VET course will set students on a great career path and we’re committed to making post-school study accessible to as many students as possible,” Ms Ross said. The VET Scholarship Program is an initiative of the RAS Foundation and aims to foster the development of Australia’s next generation who are committed to the growth of rural and regional NSW. Scholarships are valued up to $5,000 for full time students and $2,500 for part time students. Applicants must be enrolled in or are applying for study in any accredited VET course at an approved Australian education provider and must be an Australia citizen or permanent resident. For more information and to submit your application, head to rasnsw.com.au/scholarships-grants Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday 5 January, 2016.