Applications are now open for a new program to make access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) easier for 1200 students living in regional and remote areas of Australia.

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor is encouraging local eligible students to apply for the scholarships of up to $18,000, made possible by a $24 million commitment from the Coalition Government at the last election.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain the support they need to study in fields where the jobs of the future will be,” Mr Taylor said.

“I’ve been presenting my own awards to students from the electorate’s 14 high schools over the past few weeks as my own personal away of encouraging more STEM learning.

“Australia’s prosperity rests upon our ability to use these skills to innovate.

“These scholarships are about making student life easier and making STEM courses more attractive study options.”

Mr Taylor said all Australians deserved to have quality education and training opportunities, no matter where they lived.

“The program has been designed to suit the needs of rural and regional students and will support flexible arrangements, including part-time and online study,” Mr Taylor said.

The scholarships will operate from 2017-18 to 2020-21, with the first round of 600 scholarships being awarded for the 2018 academic year, and a second round of 600 for 2019.

The first round of applications closes on 8 January 2018. Scholarship applications for the 2019 academic year will open in the second half of 2018.

For further information and to apply visit https://www.education.gov.au/rural-and-regional-enterprise-scholarships.