Youth Development Scholarships

The 2024 scholarships program have closed.

Outcome notifications have been sent to the registration email address. Schools of successful applicants  have also been notified.

• Can I apply?
• When can I apply?
• How do I apply?
• Can I reapply as a returning applicant for a scholarship?
• What can I use the scholarship for?
• Where can I find out more information?

We know there are many bright, ambitious students who want to excel in their studies. But focusing on school is not always easy, especially if you’re facing challenges with your health, caring duties, home life, or the cost of education and training.

We will be offering up to 1,400 scholarships to students enrolled in education or training in 2025. Successful applicants will receive $1,000 to help with school expenses and secondary support services.

Can I apply?

You are eligible to apply if you are:

Studying in Year 10, 11 or 12 in NSW at one of the following in 2025:

• at a NSW high school or
• equivalent at a TAFE college including Pathways or
• doing a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship or
• home schooled

You must also be either a social housing client or living in out-of-home care, this can include:

• living in public housing, including Aboriginal housing
• being on the NSW Housing Register (wait list)
• receiving a private rental subsidy from DCJ (not Centrelink)
• living in community housing/Aboriginal community housing
• living in housing provided by a Local Aboriginal Land Council
• living in supported, crisis or temporary accommodation
• living in statutory, supported or voluntary out-of-home care.

When can I apply?

Applications for the 2025 program will open in mid October 2024

More information will be provided at a later date.

How do I apply?

Applications are completed online.

Can I reapply as a returning applicant for a scholarship?

Yes, students who received a scholarship from DCJ between 2017 to 2024 can reapply as a returning applicant if they are still in social housing and taking on further studies in 2025.

What can I use the scholarship for?

The scholarship funds must be used for educational or support related costs to help you complete the school year.

Examples of items or services which can be purchased with the scholarship include (but not limited to):

Primary support

• school uniform, including sports clothing and shoes
• course related or subject fees
• tutoring
• study camps and excursions
• textbooks, workbooks, study guides
• course related equipment, materials, and clothing
• sporting equipment
• stationery
• computer desktop, laptop, tablet, Chromebook
• printer, scanner, USB drives, cables, smart drives
• computer software and license
• internet access
• study furniture (e.g., desk, chair)

Secondary support

• transport costs (e.g., opal travel cards, driving lessons)
• medical and support needs (e.g., glasses, speech therapy)
• social inclusion (e.g., in-house sports and youth programs, school formal tickets)
• training and employment (e.g., CV writing, job ready skills and clothing for interview)

Note: The scholarship funds cannot be used to purchase mobile phones, smart watches, gaming headphones and other wireless communication devices.

Where can I find out more information?

• Call the Housing Contact Centre on 1800 422 322, press 2 for Housing Services then press 3 for General Enquiries.
• Email the Scholarships team on education@homes.nsw.gov.au