Further study or an apprenticeship after Year 12 can stretch your finances (we get it). You may need to pay for things like:
- Textbooks
- Fees to use facilities
- Living costs and accommodation
- Equipment
- Course fees
- Uniform
All of these expenses add up, and can make things difficult when you’re trying to complete further study or an apprenticeship. Staying on top of your assignments is hard enough!
The good news is that you may be eligible for a scholarship, bursary or financial incentive, which can take the pressure off financially. In fact, every year there are all sorts of scholarships and bursaries given to students. Often, they’re worth thousands of dollars. Better still, it’s financial support you don’t need to repay.
So let’s take a quick look at each one.
What is a Scholarship?
A scholarship is financial support given to a student while they’re studying. A scholarship for further study after Year 12 may be:
- A one-off payment (the amount varies according to the scholarship)
- A payment made each year or study period during a course.
- A payment for part of a study program.
Every scholarship is different. So it’s a matter of doing your research, understanding the eligibility criteria, and seeing what’s out there
What is a Bursary?
A bursary is financial support to students who can show a need for financial support (it’s not solely based on academic performance). Personal attributes such as leadership skills and community involvement are also considered.
Again, every bursary is different. So do your research, work out the eligibility criteria, and if you think you’re eligible, then give it your best shot.
Eligibility criteria for scholarships and bursaries may include:
- Academic ability
- Skills in certain areas such as sport, music, performing arts
- Enrolment in specific courses
- Refugee
- Indigenous Australian
- Living in rural or remote areas
- Women studying non-traditional courses (e.g., engineering)
- Financial hardship
- Disability or medical condition
- Difficult circumstances
- A range of other eligibility criteria set out by the scholarship funding group.
Financial incentives for apprentices
Apprentices in priority occupations are eligible for The Australian Apprenticeship Training Support Payment.
The payment provides up to two years of financial assistance for Australian Apprentices. For eligibility and information about applying, contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider.
Where to find scholarships, bursaries or Australian Apprenticeship Training Support Payments
To get an idea of the variety of financial support options that are out there, jump on the website links below and do some digging.
Of course, filling out an application can be fiddly (but it’s worth the effort). Right now, there are dozens of Scholarships, Bursaries and Training Support programs up for grabs, and one could be just right for you.
Scholarships and Bursaries
- University of Tasmania, Australian Maritime College and University College
- TasTAFE. Check often to locate scholarships or bursaries when they become available.
- other Australian university, TAFE or Registered Training Organisation. Scroll to the bottom of the Good Universities Guide website.
- search for scholarships on these websites:
- The Good Universities Guide
- The Indigenous Pathway Portal
- regional scholarships or bursaries for:
- Study Work Grow’s scholarship search
- My Heath Career for health profession scholarships
- Financial Incentives for Apprentices
- To find eligible apprentices in priority occupations visit Australian Apprenticeship Priorities.
Key takeaway
There are all sorts of scholarships, bursaries and financial incentives given to students in Tasmania and mainland students