Applications are now open for the NSW Government’s Youth Development Scholarship program, offering 1,500 high school and tertiary students living in social housing a $1,000 grant to help cover education expenses.
Now in its tenth year, the program reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to supporting the academic and career aspirations of young people living in public, community or Aboriginal housing.
Since 2017, the Youth Development Scholarship program has invested more than $13 million to support over 5,700 students. The funding is designed to ease the costs associated with education and help young people thrive at school, complete their studies and move confidently into the workforce.
The scholarships are available to high school students in Years 10 to 12, as well as students studying at TAFE NSW or university, and those completing an apprenticeship or traineeship. This year, 1,500 scholarships are on offer, with 1,000 awarded to new students and 500 to returning recipients.
To be eligible, applicants must be receiving a private rental subsidy from the Department of Communities and Justice, living in community housing or Aboriginal community housing, living in housing provided by a Local Aboriginal Land Council, living in supported, crisis or temporary accommodation, or living in statutory, supported or voluntary out-of-home care.
The $1,000 grant can be used for study-related expenses including laptops, textbooks and internet access.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said that with the cost of living continuing to bite, back-to-school expenses are placing real pressure on family budgets across NSW, especially for families in social housing. She said no young person should have to choose between buying a textbook and putting food on the table, or between the tools they need for an apprenticeship and paying the rent. Minister Jackson said a $1,000 scholarship can be the difference between falling behind and getting ahead, helping students pay for textbooks, laptops, internet access and other essentials they need to succeed at school, TAFE or university. She added that the program is about fairness and opportunity, making sure young people in social housing have the support they need to stay engaged in education, reach their potential and build a better future.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said that over the next ten years, around 92 per cent of jobs will require post-school training or study. He said the program will provide 1,500 young people across the state with extra support to continue their education or apprenticeship, giving students a leg up while boosting a critical workforce for NSW. Minister Whan said the cost of study can be a real barrier for students at TAFE NSW and universities, and these scholarships help cover essentials like laptops and equipment so young people can focus on building practical skills that lead directly to jobs. He added that TAFE NSW is a powerful pathway into secure work and the support helps students stay enrolled, complete their training and take the next step into the workforce.
Youth Development Scholarship recipient Caitlyn Laws shared her experience, saying that growing up in a single-parent household in a low socioeconomic area presented ongoing financial and social challenges that could have limited her educational opportunities. She said the Homes Youth Development Scholarship provided essential academic, financial and mentoring support throughout high school and her Bachelor of Nursing, enabling her to remain focused, engaged and resilient in her studies. Caitlyn said the support played a pivotal role in her academic success and in fostering her commitment to pursuing higher education and professional achievement.
Applications for high school students close at 5pm on Friday 13 February 2026. Applications for tertiary students close at 5pm on Friday 6 March 2026. More information and application details are available at https://dcjnsw.info/scholarships.