Telstra today announced a scholarship package totalling $1.35 million, creating 15 new scholarships over the next five years.

The scholarship package includes financial help to study at Carnegie Mellon University Australia in 2008.

The Telstra Media Communications and Technology Scholarship Program will support post-graduate students in completing a Master of Science in Information Technology at Carnegie Mellon's Heinz School of Public Policy and Management campus in Adelaide with each scholarship valued at $90,000.

Applications from IT professionals are now invited for courses starting in January 2008.

Scholarship recipients may also have the opportunity to secure a job and training placement with Telstra.

Announcing details of the program, Telstra CEO, Sol Trujillo, said IT knowledge was important in driving innovation across a wide spectrum of businesses and industries, especially within the telecommunications industry.

"The most successful technology leaders are those with deep expertise in technology and business strategy. Telstra's support reflects the company's commitment to building Australia's IT capability and provides an exciting opportunity for post-graduate IT students in South Australia," Trujillo said.

The Telstra Media Communications and Technology Scholarship will be awarded to high achieving students each year from 2008 through to 2012.

Carnegie Mellon's Master of Science in Information Technology is a unique program offering a mix of technology, management and strategy courses, immersing students in the very latest advances in the field through a blend of technical training and real-world experience.

Executive director of Carnegie Mellon Heinz School, Tim Zak, welcomed the opportunity to work with Telstra.

"Telstra is a leader in the field of technology and the opportunity to work with them in fostering innovation in the telecommunications industry is an excellent opportunity for Carnegie Mellon," he said.

The program will provide four fully funded scholarships for the January 2008 intake. These $90,000 scholarships will cover tuition fees plus an educational allowance. Applications close August 31, 2007.

Admission to the MSIT program requires a Bachelor's degree and three years experience in the workplace.