Here's your guide to applying to the NYSF Year 12 Program!
Found this page without knowing what the NYSF Year 12 Program is all about? Head to the Information about the NYSF Year 12 Program page.
Check your eligibility
- Are you currently a Year 11 student, applying to attend the NYSF Year 12 Program in 2027?
- Are you thinking about working in science, technology or engineering and considering study and/or training in STEM or STEM-related fields?
- Are you currently an Australian citizen or resident, and/or studying full-time in an Australian high school? (If you are an international student and/or based overseas, please contact us at nysf@nysf.edu.au to express your interest in applying to the program.
Selection to attend the NYSF Year 12 Program is not based solely on academic results and there are no limits on the number of students who can apply from one school or area of Australia.
We welcome applications from students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including:
- from remote or regional areas
- living in out-of-home care
- from a low socio-economic background
- living with a disability or chronic illness
- from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds
- from any other backgrounds that might need support
Diversity, access and inclusion are important to the NYSF. If you would like us to be aware of any special considerations regarding your application, or would like to request reasonable adjustments to support your application, please get in touch with nysf@nysf.edu.au for confidential support.
1. Start an online application
Applications for the 2027 NYSF Year 12 Program are now open and will close on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. Start you online application here.
2. Complete all questions
Motivation & Interest - Why do you want to attend the NYSF Year 12 Program?
Academic Record - Please comment on your recent academic results - what subjects you are taking, your usual grades, and whether there are any extenuating circumstances which we should be mindful of when interpreting your school reports. Please note that NYSF encourages a broad range of participants from diverse academic backgrounds.
Your Future Plans - What are your plans for after Year 12? Do you plan to undertake further education or training straight away, take a gap year, work, or do something else? If you are thinking about further studies and training in the future, what do you think you might pursue? What career/job do you think you are interested in? If you’re not sure about your future plans at this point, that’s okay! Just write about your current intentions.
Extracurricular Activities - Please outline any extracurricular activities you participate in outside of school. If you work or have other commitments that limit your ability to participate in extracurricular activities, such as caring responsibilities, please comment on them here.
Value of Attendance - What do you think you will get out of attending the program, and what do you think you can add to the program experience for other participants?
School Report - Please upload a copy of your most recent school report. If you have not yet received a school report in Year 11, please upload your most recent Year 10 report. Do not wait until you have received a Year 11 report to submit your application.
Your STEM Areas of Interest - This helps us understand your interests and shapes the overall program. Important note: You won't be placed into groups based on these interests. All participants will explore a wide range of STEM fields throughout the program.
Session Preference - In 2027, the Year 12 Program will be held in Canberra (6-14 January) and Brisbane (13-21 January). Please advise which session you would prefer to attend, or if you do not have a preference. Please note that we endeavour to offer all successful students a place in their preferred session; however, due to capacity constraints, this is not always possible. Please remember that it is the participant's responsibility to arrange their own travel to and from the program.
3. Apply for an NYSF Access and Equity Scholarship
NYSF Access and Equity Scholarships are generously funded by NYSF Partners and individuals from the NYSF community to support those whose circumstance adversely affects their ability to attend the NYSF Year 12 Program without financial support.
Scholarship applications are assessed on whether participants meet the following criteria:
- from remote or regional areas
- from a low socio-economic background
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
- from any other backgrounds/circumstances that might need support
Find out more about the NYSF Access and Equity Scholarships.
4. Pay the application fee and submit
There is a non-refundable $70 application fee. Once you have paid your application fee and submitted your application form, you will receive a confirmation email from the NYSF.
5. Your application is in review
After submission, all applications will be reviewed by the NYSF Selection Panel.
We aim to advise you of the outcome of your application in August 2026.
6. If successful, pay the program fee
The program fee for the 2027 NYSF Year 12 Program is $3,180. Students will be invoiced for their program fee once they have accepted their place, however fees are not due until October 2026.
As part of the application process, any students experiencing financial hardship or another disadvantage that negatively impacts their ability to attend the program may apply for an NYSF Access and Equity Scholarship. We also encourage students to seek financial support from NYSF’s founding partner, Rotary. Many Rotary Clubs are familiar with the NYSF and able to offer some level of funding or assist students to fundraise to attend. Click here to locate a Rotary Club in your area.
Further details on how to access funding assistance will be sent to all applicants at key stages of the application and selection process.
Read more about what to expect at the 2027 NYSF Year 12 Program.