Participants in the FOCUS project – Tran Khanh, Sarah Fraser, Thanh Hao, Quang Huy, Campbell Watt (also a CSU graduate), Minh Tien, Tran Hao. Photo: Supplied.
More than $1 million will be divided among 149 Charles Sturt University (CSU) students in Wagga Wagga, thanks to scholarships provided through the Charles Sturt Foundation Trust.
This scheme previously enabled agriculture student Sarah Fraser to live in Vietnam for three months to do her honours project.
“I decided to do a research project in Vietnam with a FOCUS project, which is Farmer Options Under Saline Conditions, so [to] explore alternative crops to rice in Vietnam,” Ms Fraser said.
The FOCUS Project is an international agriculture research project between Vietnam and Australia that explores alternative crops and management practices to combat climate change in the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam.
The 23-year-old soil scientist received three scholarships – the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Alumni Scholarship, the Meller Hume Scholarship and Crawford Fund Scholarship – which allowed her to study full-time and fund her honours project in Vietnam.
“I was really lucky to get a few scholarships, one from the Meller Hume Scholarship and one from the Crawford Fund as well,” she said.
“And those scholarships also supplied some funds to complete some experiments as well as overseas travel.”
She was awarded more than $10,000 over the course of three years, which allowed her to devote herself to studying full-time and pursue her passion for research in agriculture.
“I’m so thankful for the scholarships, and I think it definitely makes a big difference, because it’s not just financial,” she said.
“It’s also like they believe in you to give you the money to complete your studies. It’s a moral kind of support in a way, as well as financial support.
“That allowed me to continue my study and focus on that and only working in the summer as opposed to getting a part-time job and doing part-time uni.”
Ms Fraser regarded the three months she spent in Vietnam fondly, despite the hot weather.
Sarah Fraser, Tien Yami, anonymous, Tran Phu and Dr Nguyen Van Sinh. Photo: Supplied.
“It was kind of daunting at first, but also rewarding. It was my first time overseas, so to stay over there for so long was really good, but to make those friendships that kind of like transcended borders and language, in a way, was phenomenal,” she said.
“I probably wouldn’t have had that experience without the support from my supervisors, Jason Condon, and from my Vietnamese advisors as well.”
She was shocked by how consistently hot the weather was in Vietnam, but that did not deter her from doing what she loved.
“I suppose it was good to have, like, a nap in the middle of the day to combat the hot weather and some good air conditioning in some of the buildings,” she said.
“But when we were in the field, I think I was probably hit the most. I guess you kind of just get on with the job when you can, and take breaks and drink lots of water.
“It was definitely very hot, and it didn’t cool down much during night-time, as opposed to Australia which gets very hot and dry, but then cools down a little bit at night.”
Ms Fraser hopes to do more research overseas and possibly pursue a PhD, and encourages anyone dreaming of doing the same to do it.
Charles Sturt University Associate Director of Advancement Carly Evans has seen firsthand how this “moral kind of support” can impact and change lives.
“Scholarships don’t just support study; they change lives. We’ve seen recipients go on to become healthcare workers in remote towns, teachers in their local communities, and changemakers in their fields,” Ms Evans said.
“That’s the power of regional giving – its ripple effects are real and lasting.”
Students were recently presented with their scholarships at the official Charles Sturt Foundation Trust ceremony at CSU in Wagga Wagga.
“These scholarship ceremonies are not just formalities – they are powerful reminders that regional communities and passionate supporters believe in the potential of their young people and are keen to invest in their future,” Ms Evans said.
“This year, we’ve seen support reach students from all walks of life – First Nations students, carers, mature-age learners, those facing financial hardship, and those pursuing research that will directly benefit rural communities. The range of scholarships reflects the diversity of our student body.”
More information on the scholarships offered at CSU can be found on its website.
