Tertiary Scholarship Program

We offer university and TAFE scholarships to young people who have grown up in out-of-home care.

Scholarships for success

A scholarship will allow you to work less hours, and better focus on your studies

The Sisters of Charity Foundation offers a university scholarship valued at up to $30,000 over the duration of your course, and a TAFE scholarship valued at $5,000 per year for the duration of your course.

You may choose to spend the scholarship however you wish, for example on study expenses (course fees, textbooks, laptops and other tech, Wi-Fi), taking advantage of career opportunities (attending conferences and networking events, completing internships), or living costs (rent, bills, groceries, transport etc).

The scholarship has made a massive difference in my life and made studying more accessible. It helped me buy a laptop, a printer and a desk, minimised the financial stress in our household, and gave me the ability to focus more on studying.

Tenayah, Diploma of Community Services

Eligibility requirements

Scholarships are available at universities, TAFEs, and other tertiary institutions Australia-wide

To be eligible to apply for the Tertiary Scholarship Program, you must:

  • Be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident
  • Be aged 27 or under
  • Be currently in out-of-home care, or have previously been in out-of-home care
  • Demonstrate that you are experiencing educational disadvantage and financial hardship
  • Demonstrate academic achievements, commitment, and motivation to study and to successfully complete the course, and to gain employment

Graduation was something that I never thought would happen. I never thought I would ever be able to choose to study. When I wore my gown I felt very powerful.

Faraz, Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production

Apply for a scholarship

We are now accepting applications for 2024 university and TAFE scholarships

Download the university or TAFE application form, fill it in and send it to Program Development Manager Estelle Muller at [email protected]. Don’t forget to add all the supporting documents including your personal statement.

Download the 2024 University Application

Download the 2024 TAFE Application

The application deadline has been extended to Monday 15 January 2024. Applications will be processed by the Foundation as they are submitted, so we encourage you to get your application in as soon as possible.

When I learnt I’d won the scholarship I was absolutely ecstatic. A huge financial burden was lifted from my shoulders.

Danny, Bachelor of Nursing

FAQs

What is out-of-home care?

For the purposes of this scholarship, out-of-home care means residential care and control of a child or young person that is provided:

(a) by a person other than a parent of the child or young person, and

(b) at a place other than the usual home of the child or young person.

For further information on definitions, please see Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 No 157.

I want to apply for a Sisters of Charity Foundation scholarship. How do I do this?

Download the university or TAFE application form, fill it in and send it to Program Development Manager Estelle Muller at [email protected]. Don’t forget to add all the supporting documents including your personal statement.

Download the 2024 University Application

Download the 2024 TAFE Application

The application deadline has been extended to Monday 15 January 2024. Applications will be processed by the Foundation as they are submitted, so we encourage you to get your application in as soon as possible.

Do I need to be a high-achieving student to apply?

No, but you should be able to demonstrate that you are committed to your chosen course of study.

How much are the scholarships and what can the money be used for?

The scholarships are valued at up to $30,000 for university scholarships or up to $10,000 for TAFE scholarships. You can choose how you spend the scholarship money however you wish, for example on course fees, laptops, living expenses (rent, bills, groceries) or career opportunities like internships or networking opportunities.

Are scholarships offered Australia-wide?

Yes, we offer scholarships to young people from out-of-home care backgrounds in all Australian states and territories.

What is the selection process?

Your application will be reviewed by our Scholarship Committee, which assesses each application against the selection criteria. The Committee then presents their recommendations to the Sisters of Charity Foundation Board for final approval.

I have already won another scholarship. Can I still apply?

Yes, you can still apply if you meet our scholarship criteria.

I’m having trouble with my application. What should I do?

Please phone the Foundation on (02) 9367 1211 or email  [email protected].

I don’t have my year 12 results yet. What should I do?

Just make a note of this on your application and submit your results separately via email to [email protected] when you receive them.

How do I find out more about the Tertiary Scholarship Program?

Please contact Program Development Manager Estelle Muller at [email protected] for information about the Tertiary Scholarship Program.

What is out-of-home care?

For the purposes of this scholarship, out-of-home care means residential care and control of a child or young person that is provided:

(a) by a person other than a parent of the child or young person, and

(b) at a place other than the usual home of the child or young person.

For further information on definitions, please see Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 No 157.

I want to apply for a Sisters of Charity Foundation scholarship. How do I do this?

Download the university or TAFE application form, fill it in and send it to Program Development Manager Estelle Muller at [email protected]. Don’t forget to add all the supporting documents including your personal statement.

Download the 2024 University Application

Download the 2024 TAFE Application

The application deadline has been extended to Monday 15 January 2024. Applications will be processed by the Foundation as they are submitted, so we encourage you to get your application in as soon as possible.

Do I need to be a high-achieving student to apply?

No, but you should be able to demonstrate that you are committed to your chosen course of study.

How much are the scholarships and what can the money be used for?

The scholarships are valued at up to $30,000 for university scholarships or up to $10,000 for TAFE scholarships. You can choose how you spend the scholarship money however you wish, for example on course fees, laptops, living expenses (rent, bills, groceries) or career opportunities like internships or networking opportunities.

Are scholarships offered Australia-wide?

Yes, we offer scholarships to young people from out-of-home care backgrounds in all Australian states and territories.

What is the selection process?

Your application will be reviewed by our Scholarship Committee, which assesses each application against the selection criteria. The Committee then presents their recommendations to the Sisters of Charity Foundation Board for final approval.

I have already won another scholarship. Can I still apply?

Yes, you can still apply if you meet our scholarship criteria.

I’m having trouble with my application. What should I do?

Please phone the Foundation on (02) 9367 1211 or email  [email protected].

I don’t have my year 12 results yet. What should I do?

Just make a note of this on your application and submit your results separately via email to [email protected] when you receive them.

How do I find out more about the Tertiary Scholarship Program?

Please contact Program Development Manager Estelle Muller at [email protected] for information about the Tertiary Scholarship Program.