Seven students will be offered the chance to study in Gold Coast as part of a scholarship initiative with Griffith University ©Griffith University

Seven students will be offered the chance to study in Gold Coast as part of a scholarship initiative with Griffith University, the official university partner of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, it has been announced.

Worth around AUD$70,000 (£33,000/$51,000/€46,000), the scholarships include full tuition, full board and lodging and a contribution towards education expenses.

In order to be selected for the Griffith University Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games scheme, students must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as standards in academic excellence and criteria for sport participation, achievement and leadership.

Scholarships will be available in two different categories, the first of which is mainly for sport-related study and the second will be exclusive to elite athletes, who will be allowed to select a study area of their choice.

“These scholarships represent a very tangible opportunity to realise long lasting legacies around Commonwealth citizenship and key transformational principles underpinning the Commonwealth Games,” Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive David Grevemberg said.

“Students and the university community will take from this partnership very unique experiences and gain valuable capabilities in diverse areas of sport and major event management.”

Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive David Grevemberg says the scholarship scheme will help Gold Coast 2018 provide a tangible legacy
Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive David Grevemberg says the scholarship scheme will help Gold Coast 2018 provide a tangible legacy ©Getty Images

The scheme comes as a result of the partnership between Griffith University and Gold Coast 2018, which includes the use of campus facilities in the lead-up to the Games.

Around 250 internships within the Gold Coast Organising Committee will be offered across a range of areas and the educational institution could have involvement in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the event as they will contribute to the creative arts programme.

“This is the first time in the history of the Commonwealth Games that such a programme has been implemented and we are very proud to be at the helm of such a rewarding opportunity that will drive very real benefits for the students as they study and then embark on careers in the sporting and events field,” Gold Coast 2018 chief executive Mark Peters said.



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