The George Alexander Foundation Rural Scholarship Program supports five students from rural areas by providing assistance with accommodation costs of about $5000 a year for each student.

Scholarship recipients will live on campus at the Murdoch University Village and have their accommodation costs covered for the first three years of study.

Recipient of a 2009 scholarship, Carianne Blyth, said it had made settling into university a lot easier.

“Having the much-needed support has allowed for an easy transition into university and I could not have asked for more,” Ms Blyth said.

“Budgeting and managing money can be very stressful, especially being a full-time student.

“Having the support of the GAF scholarship means I have more time to study and achieve at university as I don’t have to worry so much about bills.

“My family can rest assured that I am being well looked after in the as a result of this generous scholarship.”

Director of student liaison and recruitment Professor David Macey said the scholarship reduced the pressure for students.

“A move to Perth can be daunting for new students,” Professor Macey said.

“The scholarship offers an incentive to apply for a degree and provides much-needed support while they live and study in a safe environment.”

The George Alexander Foundation Rural Scholarship Program will be offered at Murdoch University for the next three years.

For more information visit www.oss.murdoch.edu.au/scholarshi ps/alexander.html