In a statement released this week, Dr Sam McMahon said regional students should be receiving the same opportunities as those living in larger cities.

Eligible students commencing university or vocational education and training this year could benefit from up to $18,000 towards the cost of expensive tertiary education, and are available to support students studying for six months full-time or up to 8 years part-time, on campus, or through online and distance education.

"Our Government is ensuring that every Australian, no matter where they live, has access to a world-class education," Dr McMahon said.

"It's only fair if you live in the Northern Territory that you get the same opportunities to access higher education as those living in metropolitan areas.

"There are more than 1,000 scholarships available to students in regional and remote Australia including in the Northern Territory, and I encourage everyone who needs financial support to gain a tertiary qualification or undertake further study to apply."

Applications are now open for the fourth round of scholarships under the Government's $58.1 million Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships program, with additional consideration given to those affected by bushfire and drought.

Dr McMahon said the scholarships also provide $500 for students undertaking an internship to ensure they are job-ready.

According to the senator, over 2,000 rural and regional students across Australia have already been supported to study through the program.

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