***Applications for NYSF Access and Equity Scholarships to the 2023 NYSF Year 12 Program have now closed.*** 

The NYSF Access and Equity Scholarships assist participants who may find it challenging to attend the NYSF Year 12 Program.

Applications for Access and Equity Scholarships for the 2023 NYSF Year 12 Program are now open! All students will receive information from NYSF and are invited to consider applying.

We are committed to ensuring that as many talented, young Australians can participate in our programs as possible.

NYSF Access and Equity Scholarships have helped hundreds of students who otherwise would not have been able to participate.

Scholarship applications are assessed on whether participants meet the following criteria:

• from remote or regional areas,
• need to travel significant distances to attend in-person program components,
• from a low socio-economic background,
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander,
• from any other backgrounds that might need support.

We understand everyone’s situation is unique. You are encouraged to apply for funding if you are experiencing financial hardship or another disadvantage that negatively impacts your ability to attend the program; and/or currently residing in a regional/remote location and wish to attend an in-person STEM hub, and anticipate that you will incur additional travel or accommodation expenses to do so.

The Access and Equity Scholarship is provided in the form of a discount off program fees. The discount may be up to $1,950, with the amount based on how students meet the assessment criteria. Students can receive a scholarship in addition to other funding, including that from Rotary. This is particularly helpful for students who meet multiple criteria and need extra help.

Thank you

The NYSF Scholarship Program is proudly supported by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, and range of other NYSF partners and donors.

"The scholarship allowed me, as a rural student, to participate in the NYSF program. This was a wonderful opportunity for me to network with industry professionals and to expand my interests in STEM." 2021 scholarship recipient.

“I received the equity scholarship, which was amazing for me, and took away a lot of worry about how we were possibly going to find the funds for me to go. Given how much of an amazing experience it was, I can’t imagine how much I would have missed out on if I hadn’t had it.” 2020 scholarship recipient.

How to Apply

1. SUBMIT YOUR 2023 NYSF YEAR 12 PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM

You must submit your application to the 2023 NYSF Year 12 Program before applying for an Access and Equity Scholarship.

Applying for a scholarship does not mean you’ve applied to attend the NYSF Year 12 Program.

2. PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION

Please take the time to read the following information carefully. The NYSF may not contact you if your application is incomplete or incorrect.

EVIDENCE

Please provide the following information and documentation:

Receiving other funding

For students who meet multiple criteria, it is possible to receive a scholarship even if you have other funding support. If you are receiving funds from a Rotary Club or another source towards your NYSF Year 12 program attendance, you need to confirm it with them and note it on your scholarship application.

If you’re applying due to disadvantage

For scholarship applications involving financial hardship or another disadvantage, please include a letter of support from a responsible person outside of your family who is aware of your personal and family circumstances. This might be a school principal, year advisor, careers advisor, school counsellor, a Rotarian, or social worker.

Download the letter of support template.

It is essential that both you and the person providing your supporting letter clearly state the reason for your application for a scholarship.

Please download the guidance material and provide it to the person supporting your application. Make sure you talk to your support person, so they know what you are applying for.

If you’re applying as a regional or remote student

For scholarship applications involving travel and accommodation costs to attend an in-person hub, please include an estimate of the costs you will need to cover on your scholarship application form.
To get an idea of your costs, check with travel and accommodation providers using their website or by calling them directly.

We do not directly reimburse travel and accommodation costs but rather provide the value of the scholarship as a discount towards the program fee, leaving more funds available to assist with the additional travel and accommodation costs. Students that can demonstrate considerable need may receive an NYSF Access and Equity scholarship alongside other funding, e.g. Rotary, school or other.

The NYSF has some discretion as to the amount of the scholarship offered and will take into account the travel and accommodation costs you may need to cover to attend an in-person hub. Remember, if there is any reason you cannot travel, NYSF also has a well-regarded digital alternative.

Note: The NYSF does not book travel or accommodation for the 2023 NYSF Year 12 Program.

3. Complete the application form

Upload your details and supporting evidence in the scholarship application form.

Submitting an application for the Access and Equity Scholarship does not mean you will be offered one. The NYSF has limited scholarship funds. We allocate funds on a case-by-case basis considering the evidence you provide.

4. We will be in touch

Once the scholarship application period has closed, we’ll review the applications and advise you of the outcome.

EXAMPLES – COMMON CIRCUMSTANCES FOR SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING

Here are some examples of common circumstances for scholarship funding.

Amna lives in far north Queensland and has Rotary Club sponsorship. To attend an in-person hub she will need travel and accommodation. In addition to her Rotary sponsorship, Amna can apply for an NYSF Access and Equity scholarship up to a maximum of $1,950 provided as a discount towards her program fee, as she is from a remote/rural area and needs to travel a significant distance.

Jordan is planning to work at their local supermarket during the summer holidays to help with family expenses. Jordan would like to take time off work so they can participate in the Year 12 Program but has difficulty paying the program fee. Jordan can apply for funding of up to $1,950 towards their program fee, as they are experiencing financial hardship.

Ryan is from Tasmania and has received partial funding from his local Rotary Club to help cover the attendance fee. Ryan will need to travel and stay interstate to attend an in-person hub and he can show evidence of disadvantage. Given Ryan meets a number criteria, Ryan can apply for an NYSF Access and Equity scholarship of up to $1,950 towards his program fee in addition to any funds he receives from Rotary.