Jacob Mildren, who has just finished his first year of a double degree covering commerce and policy studies at the Canberra institution, said the $5000 scholarship was aimed at incoming students.

He took a gap year to save cash and works as a salesman at household goods store Bing Lee to offset his costs.

“I know one girl who is working at a bar until 3am and then going to study that day,” Mr Mildren said.

The scholarship will be offered to students doing their first year in 2018 and is not restricted to particular courses.

Regional students have raised $20,000 and eventually hope to have enough money to ensure the scholarship becomes perpetual.

More detail is on the ANU Students For Regional Scholarships Facebook page.