Australian Scholarships Group (ASG) has commissioned Mr Vince Callaghan to write two FREE e-guides, ASG's Get Smart Guide and ASG's Get Smart Scholarships Guide. Both guides are aimed at supporting students and their families through this important life stage. It is vital that students and their families are aware of the pending changes so that they can better understand the issues and make more informed decisions.

ASG's Get Smart Guide and ASG's Get Smart Scholarships Guide are both available for FREE download from ASG's website - http://www.asg.com.au/asggetsmart/

"While we don't know all the outcomes of the proposed changes to the Income Support for Students Bill when the Australian Government reintroduces it into Parliament in February this year, we do know that the current ‘gap year' arrangement (used to gain independent student assistance) is planned to be abolished and this has major implications for students and their families, especially those from regional and rural areas," explained Mr Callaghan, expert tertiary student services adviser.