Member for Calare, Andrew Gee said the Government wanted to ensure that drought and bushfire do not create additional barriers to high education for prospective students in the region.

"Especially those in the Mid- Western and Lithgow Council areas which have been badly affected by the recent bushfire crisis," Mr Gee said.

"These scholarships will also help ease some of the financial burden at what has been a very difficult time for many."

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Applications are now open for the fourth round of scholarships under the Australian Government's $58.1 million Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships program.

"A total of 19 tertiary students in the Calare electorate were awarded scholarships under round three of the program, so this is a great opportunity for more funding under the next round," Mr Gee said.

Eligible students commencing university or vocational education and training this year could benefit from up to $18,000 towards the cost of their studies.

"It's only fair that if you live in regional Australia, you get the same opportunities to access higher education as those living in metropolitan areas," Mr Gee said.

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"There are more than 1000 scholarships available to students in regional and remote Australia including in Calare and I encourage everyone who needs financial support to gain a tertiary qualification or undertake further study to apply."

The scholarships also provide $500 for students undertaking an internship to ensure they are job-ready.

For more information or to apply, visit education.gov.au/rural-and-regional- enterprise-scholarships

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