FEDERATION University Gippsland remains optimistic about its future following a spike in direct applications and seven per cent increase in first-round offers compared to 2015.
The Churchill campus made 363 first-round offers to students on Monday – 26 more than 2015.
State-wide, 55,412 offers were made – down 1.3 per cent from last year.
The biggest decline was in the creative arts field with a 10 per cent drop, while education, health and commerce first round offers were also down on previous years.
However, Federation University director of marketing, advancement and community engagement Jamie McDonald said the university had seen significant demand for health degrees.
“We are particularly seeing increased interest in health sciences and nursing at Gippsland,” Mr McDonald said.
“There is also strong demand for new programs in environmental and conservation science.”
Numbers for first-round offers were also up by 21 for business degrees while physical education and information technology courses also experienced growth.
Federation University vice-chancellor David Battersby recently told The Express student interest in nursing and health sciences was vital for the region’s health sector as many students chose to work in the area post-study.
The university’s acting vice-chancellor John Blair said in addition to first-round figures, direct applicants to the university had significantly grown.
“”To date 2279 students have applied directly to the university, about double compared to last year,” Mr Blair said.
The university confirmed the majority of the offers went to Gippsland residents.
Education Minister James Merlino congratulated all students who received a first round offer, but reminded students who missed out not to lose hope.
“This is a new chapter in your education and training journey, and I wish you all the best,” Mr Merlino said.
“But there are many paths to a great career. If you haven’t received your ideal offer, remember that there are plenty of options including TAFE, apprenticeships and traineeships.
“Persistence will always pay off in the end.”
Guide to help with transition released
A FREE university guide seeking to ease the transition into tertiary education for Gippsland students commencing study this year has been released.
The Country Education Foundation today launched the 2016 University Survival Guide, downloadable by students from their website and packed full of resources related to university and TAFE studies.
Featuring advice on moving out of home, employment and study tips, Country Education Foundation chief executive Sarah Taylor said the guide was an invaluable resource for regional students from areas such as the Latrobe Valley.
“The university guide is a great one stop resource for anyone heading off to university this year,” Ms Taylor said.
“The guide covers all the essential information people need to know to make a successful transition to uni, particularly if they are living away from home.”
Released to coincide with university offers every year since 2013, the resource is written for students, by students.
Tips surrounding finance, budgeting and legal advice proved most popular in previous years as students struggled to balance work and study.
She said TAFE students and those moving away for employment would also benefit from the guide.
To access the guide visit
cef.org.au/students/uniguide
