NYSF :: Applying :: “How-to” guide

“How-to” guide for applications

This document gives a step-by-step overview of the entire application and selection process for the National Youth Science Forum. If, after consulting this guide and reading the other information on the NYSF website, you still have questions about the application process, please contact the office on 02 6125 2777 or nysf@nysf.edu.au.

Step 1 — preparation

Your first step should be to consult the NYSF website. In particular, you should pay attention to the “About” and “Applying” sections of the site. It is important that you know what the NYSF is (and what it isn’t), and what type of student it caters for.

Your school and your nearest Rotary club should also have received a copy of our Guide book, as well as a number of information leaflets. If you need additional copies of this literature sent to your school or club, please contact the NYSF office.

Before you can begin the application process you need to know which Rotary district you live in. A rough description of the district boundaries can be found on our website at www.nysf.edu.au/application/districts, and further details can be found on Rotary’s website at www.rotarydownunder.com.au/rotmain/rotmain.asp.

Note that in order to be elligible to attend the NYSF, a student must: be in year 11; be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and; intend to pursue a university degree at an Australian university to study science, engineering, technology, or a related discipline.

Step 2 — beginning an online application

All student applications must be initiated through our online application process. To begin go to www.nysf.edu.au/application. You will be required to enter the following information:

Basic details (name, date of birth, address, etc).
Your next of kin’s details, usually one of your parents (name, address, contact phone number).

Once you have completed the initial online application registration process, an email will be sent to you with a username and password in order to access the next step in the online application.

Step 3 — continue the online application

When you receive your username and password, you should return to the online application page, www.nysf.edu.au/application, and login using these details. You will then have the opportunity to edit your details, and enter all further information required for your application.

You should be sure to enter the following information accurately and completely:

Change your username and password to something that is easier for you to remember.
The name you are commonly known by, if not your given first name (eg. Nicko, Dave, Shaz, etc).
the Rotary club through which you will submit your final application. See further details in Step 4.
School details, subject interests and university intentions.
50 word precis, briefly describing yourself and your interests.
Small passport photo in JPEG format.

Step 4 — finding a Rotary club

You will need to find a Rotary club which will support your application. If you do not know which is your local club, or who you should contact at this club, you should first begin your search on the Rotary website at www.rotarnet.com.au or www.rotary.org.au. You may also find useful information by doing a simple Google search, or browsing through the local WhitePages directory, or simply asking around in amongst the local business people. If all else fails, use your initiative.

Note that you must make contact with the club(s) in question, to ensure that they are willing to accept your application and support you through the NYSF selection process. You may need to approach a number of clubs before you find one which is willing and able to support you.

Step 5 — submit your application

Once all of your details have been entered correctly, you will be notified on the website that you may now print the application form (in PDF format) in order to submit your formal application to your Rotary club along the other essential documents. Those documents are:

A carefully written letter outlining your personal interests and achievements and giving reasons why you should be chosen, and;
A copy of your latest year 11 school report.

You need to personally deliver this application form to an appropriate person at your Rotary club.

Step 6 — Rotary selection

Your Rotary club will inform you of their selection procedures. They may require a formal interview, or further details from you.

If you are privileged enough to be supported by your Rotary club, you will be nominated for District Selections. It is at these Selections that final decisions are made for who will attend the NYSF. Again, your Rotary club, and/or District Chairman, will inform you of the procedures for this step.

At this point you should return to your online application and login again at www.nysf.edu.au/application, in order to see if any further details are required from you before you proceed to District Selections.

Further help

If, at any point, the information provided (this document, NYSF website, Guide book, District Chairman, etc) does not answer your questions, please feel free to contact the NYSF directly on 02 6125 2777 or nysf@nysf.edu.au.