Youth Development Scholarships

Applications for the 2023 program have closed.

Outcomes will be available in Term 2, 2023. Notifications will be sent to the registration email. Your school will be notified if you are successful. 

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.

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:

• at a NSW high school or
• equivalent at a TAFE college including Pathways
• 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?

Dates for the 2024 program will be advised later this year.

How do I apply?

Applications are completed online. 

The link will be provided once applications open for the 2024 program year. 

Can I reapply as a returning applicant for a scholarship?

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

How can I access the funds?

Your school will administer the funds on your behalf while you are still in high school.

If you are successful, we will write to your school with funding information and how to support you whilst you are in receipt of the scholarship.

What can I use the scholarship for?

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

Primary Support – specific to the student

• school uniform including sports clothing and shoes
• course related/elective or subject fees
• tutoring
• study camps and excursions
• text books, workbooks, study guides
• course related equipment, materials and clothing
• sporting equipment
• stationery
• computer desktop, laptop, tablet, chromebook
• printer, scanner, usb, cables, smart drives
• computer software and licence
• internet access, portable wi-fi
• study furniture (e.g. desk, chair)

Secondary Support – specific to the student

• 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, formal tickets)
• training and employment (e.g. CV writing, job ready skills and job clothing for interview)

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@facs.nsw.gov.au