Students from regional and remote Queensland have the chance to receive significant financial support for their studies at James Cook University, thanks to the 11th annual QCoal Foundation Scholarship.
Now in its second decade, the scholarship provides one JCU undergraduate student with $10,000 per year for three years, helping ease the financial pressure of studying full-time and relocating to attend university.
2025 scholarship recipient and first-year Geology student Ashlee Browning, from Tolga on the Atherton Tablelands, said the award made all the difference in her decision to move to Townsville and study at JCU.
“This scholarship was a key factor in encouraging me to go to university in the first place, because originally I didn’t want to relocate.
“It’s a big deal moving from a small town to a city, and the scholarship really took away a lot of the financial burden – and with that, a lot of the stress.
“Now it’s given me more time to settle in, make friends, and enjoy uni life, because I don’t have to work as much. It’s taken so much pressure off paying for accommodation and fees,” Ashlee said.
QCoal Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Bhatia said the organisation is proud to provide the 11th annual QCoal Foundation Scholarship to assist a JCU student.
“We look forward to hearing from students who are passionate about regional and remote Queensland and who want to make a real contribution.” she said.
“Beyond levelling the playing field by providing support to students from outside major Queensland centres, we know the scholarship generates broader benefits for those communities where recipients are role models to others aspiring to attend university.
“Additionally, on their return to the regions, graduates contribute to community resilience, leadership and regional innovation.”
Sylvia said past recipients have consistently spoken about the ongoing support provided by the Foundation.
“From our regular engagement with our Scholarship alumni, we know the scholarship provides much more than financial assistance. Recipients consistently spoke about the value of knowing they had the broader support and backing of the QCoal Foundation.”
When awarding the scholarship, QCoal Foundation assesses applicants not only on academic performance, community involvement and extracurricular achievements, but also on their commitment to contributing to regional and remote communities after graduation.
Ashlee Browning encouraged other students to apply and praised the QCoal Foundation for their ongoing support.
“Just go for it – I almost didn’t apply because I thought I wouldn’t get it.
“Be honest and be yourself in your application. They really do want to get to know you and support your goals.
“QCoal Foundation has been so supportive – it’s not just about the money. They’ve told me I can always reach out if I ever need help or advice.”
| Applications for the 2026 QCoal Foundation Scholarship are now open and close on January 16, 2026. To apply, visit the QCoal Foundation Scholarship page at: www.jcu.edu.au/scholarships/search/qcoal-foundation-scholarship |
Image caption: 2025 QCoal Foundation Scholarship recipient Ashlee Browning.
