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Cobram and district students pursuing tertiary education are encouraged to apply for The Nationals Scholarship for Young Leaders, which closes soon.

The scholarship will help students from rural and regional Victoria in their chosen tertiary pathway.

Nationals state president Peter Schwarz said the party was committed to ensuring young people continued to reach their potential through higher education and training opportunities.

‘‘The scholarship winners will be chosen based on their academic endeavours, local leadership qualities, community involvement and their commitment to rural life,’’ Mr Schwarz said.

‘‘The Scholarship for Young Leaders has been a great success in the many years The Nationals have committed to run the bursary.

‘‘The response from students across the state has traditionally been of a high calibre and the quality of the applications shows the strength and resilience of young people from across country Victoria.’’

The total value of the scholarship is $5000, which may be shared among one or more successful applicants.

Nationals Member for Murray Valley Tim McCurdy said the scholarship was a fantastic initiative and encouraged eligible students to apply.

‘‘The Nationals are proud to support regional and rural students pursuing their tertiary studies and promoting exceptional leadership qualities from future leaders, especially those committed to the future development of regional and rural Victoria,’’ he said.

Wangaratta’s Jade Knight and Harry Hill are previous scholarship winners.

Jade, who is completing a Bachelor or Education at the University of Ballarat, was one of three students selected for the award in 2010.

Harry, a medical student, was one of five to benefit from the scholarship in 2008.

The scholarship will be awarded to students who plan to return to or remain in the country after their course and demonstrate a career commitment that will ultimately benefit rural or regional Victoria.

Special consideration may also be given to students in hardship situations.

Applications close on February 24. Application forms can be downloaded from www.vic.nationals.org.au