Youth Development Scholarships 2023

We know there are many bright, ambitious students who want to excel in their studies. But focusing on school is not always easy, especially if you’re facing challenges with your health, caring duties, home life, or the cost of education and training.

We will be offering up to 1,400 scholarships to students enrolled in education or training in 2023. Successful applicants will receive $1,000 to help with school expenses and secondary support services.

Can I apply?

You are eligible to apply if you are:

Studying in Year 10, 11 or 12 in NSW at one of the following in 2023:

• at a NSW high school or
• equivalent at a TAFE college including Pathways
• doing a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship or
• home schooled

You must also be either a social housing client or living in out-of-home-care, this can include:

• living in public housing, including Aboriginal housing
• being on the NSW Housing Register (wait list)
• receiving a private rental subsidy from DCJ (not Centrelink)
• living in community housing/Aboriginal community housing
• living in housing provided by a Local Aboriginal Land Council
• living in supported, crisis or temporary accommodation
• living in statutory, supported or voluntary out-of-home care.

When can I apply?

Applications open Monday 5 September 2022 at 9:00am.

For new and returning high school students, applications will close Wednesday 30 November 2022 at 5:00pm.

For returning tertiary students, applications will close Friday 3 March 2023 at 5:00pm.

How do I apply?

Applications are completed online. Click on nsw-dcj.smapply.io to register or log in.

Please read the guidelines for new applicants (PDF , 388.6 KB) and our fact sheet for new applicants (PDF , 176.5 KB) before you submit your application. 

Can I reapply as a returning applicant for a scholarship?

Yes, students who received a scholarship from DCJ between 2017 to 2022 can reapply as a returning applicant if they are still in social housing and taking on further studies in 2023.

Please read our fact sheet for returning applicants. (PDF , 197.6 KB)

What can I use the scholarship for?

Examples of items or services which can be purchased with the scholarship include (but not limited to):

Primary Support – specific to the student

• school uniform including sports clothing and shoes
• course related/elective or subject fees
• tutoring
• study camps and excursions
• text books, workbooks, study guides
• course related equipment, materials and clothing
• sporting equipment
• stationery
• computer desktop, laptop, tablet, chromebook
• printer, scanner, usb, cables, smart drives
• computer software and licence
• internet access, portable wi-fi
• smart phone *
• study furniture (e.g. desk, chair)

* You will need to justify the need for a smart phone for educational purposes

Secondary Support – specific to the student

• transport costs (e.g. opal travel cards, driving lessons)
• medical and support needs (e.g. glasses, speech therapy)
• social inclusion (e.g. in-house sports and youth programs, formal tickets)
• training and employment (e.g. CV writing, job ready skills and job clothing for interview)

What material can I use to promote DCJ Scholarships?

• Fact Sheet for Returning Applicant (PDF , 197.6 KB)
• Fact Sheet for New Applicant (PDF , 176.5 KB)
• Fact Sheet for Education and Support Staff (PDF , 163.7 KB)
• Guidelines for New Applicant (PDF , 388.6 KB)
• A3 Poster  (PDF , 2.4 MB)
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