29 June 1999

Top students choose the University of Queensland

The University of Queensland's courses, facilities and outstanding reputation have attracted the majority of the State's 98 Australian Students Prize winners this year.

Luke Abnett, Matthew Grigg, Rebecca Hunn, Andrew Rasmussen and Amanda Smith are among 66 Prize winners who have made the University of Queensland their first choice for tertiary study.

Five hundred Australian Students Prizes, each worth $2000, are awarded annually by the Federal Government for academic excellence and achievement in secondary education.

Bachelor of Engineering student Andrew Rasmussen said the University of Queensland's prestige and graduate employment record had prompted him to leave his Bundaberg home to study in Brisbane.

"I had looked at some other universities but I decided on UQ because it has been established longer and my employment opportunities will be enhanced by the University's name," he said.

"All the University of Queensland graduates I know have been very happy with their tertiary education."

Andrew plans to specialise in mechanical engineering, working towards a career in design and manufacture. His long-term goal is to work for NASA.

Bachelor of Science student Rebecca Hunn said the reputation of the University of Queensland's science courses had helped her decide where to study.

"I always knew I would study science and everyone told me if you want to do science, UQ is the best place to do it," she said.

"I knew it had the best range of subjects too. I'm really enjoying my course. The teachers treat you with respect and the atmosphere is really positive.

"I think when people hear that you go to UQ they know it's a good university. They will respect your qualifications when you graduate."

Rebecca said her first semester of science studies had sparked her interest in an unexpected area - veterinary science.

"I didn't do biology in Senior but studying animal biology here has directed me that way, so I'm hoping to transfer into veterinary science," she said.

For more information, contact Claron Driscoll (telephone 3365 1979, facsimile 3365 2061, email AdmissionsEnquiries@admin.uq.edu.au).