A graduation ceremony has been held at The University of Western Australia for 29 Year 12 students who completed the Fairway program, now in its 11th year.

Fairway UWA is an academic support program for Year 12 students, who are high achievers and aiming for university, to familiarise them with the University's campus and courses.

The program provides students who are completing Year 12 under difficult circumstances with an admission pathway to university.

Forty-one students successfully completed this year’s program from schools around the state, including Bunbury Catholic College, Hedland Senior High School, Cape Naturaliste College and Mount Barker Community College.

Elysee Obin Nzoyihera from Mercy College in Koondoola in Perth’s north described Fairway as being like a family where students were able to learn and grow with support from those around them.

“Overall it was the unconditional love and care that was present from everyone that made the experience worthwhile,” said Elysee who hopes to study a Bachelor of Biomedical Science majoring in Pharmacology at UWA in 2024.

Image: Fairway graduate Elysee Obin Nzoyihera from Mercy College and his proud parents.

Bunbury Catholic College student Lily Ratcliffe, who next year plans to study Medicine at UWA through the Assured Pathway, cited the inclusive nature of the program and the chance to experience uni life and live away from home as her favourite aspects.

“For me Fairway was an opportunity to meet new people with similar aspirations that I have to successfully complete a uni degree,” Lily said.

“Hearing from (UWA Director Student Life) Lisa Goldacre and the alumni Fairway students was very beneficial and engaging and I’m excited to make new connections and further develop my education.”

Successful Fairway graduates are given access to a range of UWA scholarships and provided with ongoing academic and social support while they do their degrees.