DEAKIN University Warrnambool has bolstered its numbers through direct enrolment, with 661 students studying at the Warrnambool campus in 2017.
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A Deakin University spokesman said 195 new students commenced trimester one at the Warrnambool campus. The number is a boost for the campus which was under threat last year.
“That's up from 142 late last year - so we're pleasantly surprised, and of course there remains further opportunity for trimester two and three and enrolments as the year continues,” he said.
“While we acknowledge the challenges that remain - it's great to see the community looking to Deakin for the premium learning experience we offer.”
Deakin University Warrnambool campus director Alistair McCosh said more than 50 people had applied directly to the university over the summer.
“It gave us a boost, which was great,” he said.
“We knew we would take a dip, but we were able to recruit more students. We have an opportunity to increase our numbers over the course of the year. Our whole focus is on delivering for 2017 and hopefully we will have a significant boost in 2018.
“It’s certainly heartening from my perspective that we have consolidated. We have had amazing support from the community.”
A new scholarship program totaling $126,000 at Deakin has surpassed expectations and given 18 new students a financial head start in their studies.
Mr McCosh said the programs had been fully subscribed.
The successful applicants were from across the south-west, Mount Gambier, Ballarat, Gippsland, Mornington Peninsula and New South Wales. Applications were across all major faculty disciplines.
Mr McCosh said that in some cases the scholarships could mean the difference between being able to attend university or not.
“To receive a scholarship of this value is potentially life changing for some of these students as it means they can now attend university,” Mr McCosh said.