It's an unfortunate fact that students in regional areas often have to relocate in order to study. This usually means leaving behind the support of family and friends and feeling torn between their education and their obligations.

It’s a big commitment - finding accommodation, furnishings and adapting to study and it all costs money which students can rarely afford.

The Royal Agricultural Society has long understood these tricky logistics for country kids and offered financial support through scholarships since 2011. This means students from regional areas can chase the same education dreams as students from metropolitan areas. This year, RAS have awarded a record 73 scholarships across regional NSW.

"We recently announced our latest recipients of the RASF Rural Scholarship program," Nicola Dalby from RASNSW said. "And there is great representation from across the Western Plains."

Emily Barton from Collarenebri is one recipient. At 22, Emily holds the position of livestock manager in a farming business and works as a contract stock worker part-time. Her experience in these roles stems from her upbringing on a property located in Collarenebri.

Currently in the final year of her Bachelor of Agribusiness program at the University of New England (UNE). Emily has a particular interest in beef and aspires to specialise in this area. During her time at New England Girl's School, Emily achieved the distinction of Grand Champion Junior Judge at Wingham Beef Week.

RASF Manager, Cecilia Logan, said the Foundation is honoured to support the next generation of bright young minds to pursue their academic dreams.

“Pursuing higher education is often financially and emotionally demanding for rural and regional students, due to the need to relocate to urban centres, away from their family and their familiar way of life”, Ms Logan said.

“The Rural scholarship program aims to ease the burden of financial stress by assisting with accommodation and education related costs, so that students can give greater focus to their studies.

“This year we were able to present a record seventy-three scholarships to students from NSW and the ACT, which we are incredibly proud of. What this shows us, and our donors, is that there is a real demand for support and the Rural Scholarships are a tangible way to help the next generation access further education.”

RAS recipients for 2023, Kiara Harris (Condobolin), Maddy Jerrett (Coonamble) and Monique Morgan (Trundle). IMAGES: RAS Foundation

Other recipients in the Western Plains area include Kiara Harris from Condobolin (Psychology), Maddy Jerret from Coonamble (Education), and Monique Morgan from Trundle (Nursing).

Made possible with the assistance of generous donors, the RAS Foundation awards up to $6000 to Rural Scholarship recipients undertaking full-time study, or up to $3000 for those studying part-time.

There is no limit on the types of courses that qualify, and you could be studying anything from physiotherapy, teaching and medicine to agriculture, horticulture, vet nursing or metal fabrication.

There is no age limit for applicants, and you can be studying at university, college or TAFE. However, applicants all have one thing in common - a desire to play an active part in the future of rural and regional NSW. Applications for scholarships in 2024 is now open.