Rocky River student Alec Ellston, a proud First Nations student, has been awarded a prestigious scholarship to live and study at the esteemed St Andrew’s College within the University of Sydney in 2025.
Ellston graduated from O’Connor Catholic College in 2024 and plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science and Advanced Studies (Medical Science) at the University of Sydney.
The scholarship is just one of 40 awarded this year and is granted to exceptional students from rural and regional communities across Australia.
This scholarship will provide financial support for Ellston’s college expenses, including accommodation, meals and academic assistance.
“Alec Ellston is a worthy recipient of this prestigious scholarship at St Andrew’s College for 2025, and we look forward to him making a substantial contribution to the academic, sporting, artistic and cultural life of our college in years to come,” says St Andrew’s College Principal Dr Daniel Tyler.
“St Andrew’s recognises the unique challenges faced by many rural and regional students in accessing higher education, and our scholarships are strategically designed to ease these challenges and provide much-needed financial support.
“These scholarships open doors to education for exceptional students from various backgrounds and enrich our college community with their unique perspectives and talents.”
Excitement and gratitude
St Andrew’s College has a reputation for offering an extensive scholarship program, with up to $2.2 million annual scholarships – the most significant program, per capita, of any Australian residential college.
“I’m filled with excitement and immense gratitude. Knowing that I am part of a community that offers such generous scholarships to support its students makes me incredibly proud,” says Ellston.
“This scholarship is life-changing. It allows me to focus on my studies and fully embrace the university and college experience without the constant stress of financial pressures. With this support, I can dedicate myself to advancing my career aspirations in neuroscience while cherishing the vibrant community at St Andrew’s.”
He says growing up in his “strong regional community” has had a lasting impact on me.
“Uralla has taught me to appreciate and celebrate individuality because that’s exactly what my community has done for me. The unwavering support from Armidale and Uralla – whether through encouragement or challenges – has shaped the person I am today, and I am deeply grateful for that.”
Ellston says “first impressions” played a big part in choosing St Andrew’s College.
“At the University of Sydney Open Day last year, the enthusiasm and warmth of the St Andrew’s students stood out to me,” he says.
“They genuinely wanted to be there, and their passion for the College community reminded me so much of my own hometown. That sense of belonging and camaraderie instantly made me determined to become a part of this vibrant community. I’m excited to fully immerse myself in academic and extracurricular activities, contribute to college life, and hopefully inspire future students just as I was inspired.”
