After taking a gap year to travel through Canada, undertake work experience in three different industries and work in the real estate sector, Ilkley’s Oscar Noble has begun a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) with the help of an esteemed USC scholarship.

The Dux of Nambour Christian College in 2017 and an OP1 school-leaver, Oscar was one of six high-achieving students at USC to be awarded Thompson Excellence Scholarships at a special ceremony at the Sippy Downs campus last week (13 March).

Oscar, 19, will receive a total of $24,000 throughout his three-year degree, made possible through a $5 million donation made to USC by Roy and Nola Thompson in 2015.

“A huge part of my decision to study hinged on the cost of my studies so receiving this scholarship has set my mind at ease in relation to cost,” he said.

“I’m so grateful for financial assistance as it will allow me to focus more heavily on my study and my work.”

A keen surfer, golfer, tennis player and motorbike rider, Oscar said he chose to study accounting because he’s always had an interest in the systems of accounting and business.

“I’m not entirely sure what I would like to end up doing long-term, but I saw accounting as a useful degree that I will be able to apply to my own business and entrepreneurial endeavours,” he said.

“When I was still in high school I developed and then sold a wedding equipment hire business, and now I’m focusing on real estate, working with my mum at Noble Estate Agents, so I’ll definitely be able to apply my study straight away.”