Applications for the 2024 NYSF Year 12 Program have now closed.
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
Do you love science, technology, engineering, or mathematics? Or do you have the drive to find solutions to problems and fix things?
Are you curious and constantly asking Why? How? Why not?
Do you see yourself working in a science or technology-related field and would like to know more about STEM-related study and career paths?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, apply to attend the NYSF Year 12 Program. To apply, you must be:
- in Year 11 in the year you apply, to attend the following January
- an Australian citizen or resident, and/or studying full-time in an Australian school
It's important to note that acceptance into the NYSF Year 12 Program is not based solely on academic results and there are no limits to the number of students who can apply from one school.
We welcome applications from students from underrepresented backgrounds, including, but not limited to:
- young people from remote or regional areas,
- young people in out-of-home care,
- young people from a low socio-economic background,
- young people with a disability or chronic illness,
- young people who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and
- young people 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 or would like to request reasonable adjustments to support you in your application and/or the selection event, please get in touch with nysf@nysf.edu.au for confidential support.
1. Start an online application
2. Complete all questions (max 1,700 characters per question)
About You - Please tell us about yourself - your interests, achievements, hobbies, and anything else you think we may like to know about you.
If you would like us to be aware of any special considerations (e.g., dyslexia, English as a second language) when assessing your application or would like to request a reasonable adjustment for your application and/or selection interview/event, you may mention them here.
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.
Motivation & Interest - Why do you want to attend the NYSF Year 12 Program?
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?
STEM Preference
You can order your STEM interest areas in the form. You will be allocated to a group based on your responses. Please note that allocation to your preferred area/s is not guaranteed.
Session Preference
In 2024, the NYSF Year 12 Program will be held in Canberra (5-13 Jan) and Brisbane (12-20 Jan). 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.
Upload your school report and reference
Please upload a copy of your most recent school report and a completed reference – you can download the template here (WORD). If it doesn't download straight away, click download at the top left. NYSF prefers a reference from a teacher, principal, or another educator at your school. If this is not possible, please get in touch so we can best support you in obtaining an appropriate reference for your application.
3. Pay the application fee and submit
There is a $65 application fee. Once you have paid your application fee and submitted your application form, you will receive a confirmation email from the NYSF.
4. Attend an NYSF Selection Event in August
The next step in the application process is a desktop review of your application in a secure portal and an NYSF Selection Event, which are both conducted by Rotary Volunteers.
NYSF will use your postcode to assign you to a Rotary District near you and to invite you to their NYSF Selection Event (online or in-person). Rotary District NYSF Selection Event invites will be issued by the NYSF and include all necessary information and details about what to expect at the selection event. Shortly following the Rotary District NYSF Selection Event, the NYSF will be in touch to advise if you have been successful and provide further information.
Diversity, access and inclusion are important to the NYSF. If you would like us to be aware of any special considerations or would like to request reasonable adjustments to support you through selections, please get in touch with nysf@nysf.edu.au for confidential support.
Program Fees
The program fee for the NYSF Year 12 Program in 2024 is $2,850. There is a $65 application fee.
If required, we encourage students to seek financial support from NYSF’s founding partner, Rotary Australia, by contacting their local Rotary Club. Many are familiar with the NYSF and able to offer some level of funding or assist students to fundraise. NYSF does offer a limited number of NYSF Access and Equity Scholarships, which will open later in the year.
Once selected, you have until 10 November 2023 to pay your program attendance fee ($2,850). This means you can submit your application now and start approaching local Rotary Clubs for support today.
Read more about what to expect at the 2024 NYSF Year 12 Program.
Rotary Support
Rotary Australia has supported the NYSF for 40 years in 2024 and is our founding partner. Rotary Clubs can often offer financial support to help students attend the NYSF Year 12 Program.
You can use the Rotary Club Finder to search for your local Clubs.
As part of your funding you may be required to attend key events, meetings and/or provide a report or presentation to your Rotary Club following the NYSF.
We encourage approaching Rotary Clubs early for the best chance of securing funding. Rotary Clubs are not obligated to support students.