Donate Contact

DFFH Student Scholarship Program

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Student Scholarships

Applications for the 2025 academic year are closed.

Kids Under Cover is proud to administer the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) Student Scholarship Program. The DFFH Student Scholarship Program is an initiative of the Victorian Government that aims to overcome barriers to students’ educational attainment and assist in school retention.

In 2010 Kids Under Cover partnered with DFFH as administrators for this program which supports at-risk young people to continue their education to Years 11 and 12 or the TAFE equivalent.

This scholarship is tailored for young people living in public or community housing, or those at risk of homelessness. Schools and TAFEs are asked to apply on behalf of students they feel meet the criteria.

Eligibility criteria

  • under 21 years of age at 1 February 2025;
  • an Australian citizen or permanent resident;
  • experiencing financial hardship;
  • living in social housing (i.e. public or community-managed housing) or at risk of homelessness;)
  • studying in Year 11 or Year 12 at a Victorian Government school, or the equivalent at a Victorian TAFE for the 2025 academic year;
  • have the potential to achieve a good attendance record and a successful educational outcome in the 2025 academic year;
  • supported within the school/ TAFE by an appropriate staff member such as a well-being coordinator or counsellor.

How to apply

The Victorian Government funds the Student Scholarship Program to help students stay engaged with education and complete years 11 and 12 at Government Secondary Schools or TAFEs. The program is administered by Kids Under Cover on behalf of the Department and provides $1,100 (GST Free) for items such as text books, computers or laptops, IT equipment, public transport, uniform and more.

Schools and TAFEs are asked to apply on behalf of the students they believe will benefit. Students are not able to apply for a scholarship directly. 

Applications can be submitted via the portal below. If this is the first time you are applying for a scholarship, please contact the Kids Under Cover Scholarships Lead via email at scholarship@kuc.org.au for access to the application portal.

Portal login

Supporting documents for applications submitted for the 2025 academic year

Information packs for those who have been successful

Instruction packs for those who have been successful

Important Documents for those who have been successful

Previous Scholarship recipients share their thoughts

“Student felt tremendous pride at being awarded this scholarship. Student also reported that it was the first time she saw her family cry when she told them she had received a scholarship. Student felt that she was being celebrated for the first time in the life. Student’s family find it extremely difficult to purchase the necessary equipment for all family members due to the large number of family members in the home.”

“This money have been very helpful to me this year.  I spent much of the year ‘couch surfing’ and would not have been able to keep coming to school sometimes without this money.”

“The scholarship made sure that I had all of the equipment I would need in the school year, without it I might’ve fallen behind as I would have had to wait to get the equipment. It also made me put more effort into schoolwork as I didn’t want the scholarship money to have been wasted. We’re grateful for the scholarship.”

“Student does not have any family support for anything, she has a disability and is at risk of homelessness, she struggles to navigate the world of financial control and responsibility.  Through this scholarship I was able to work with her on how to make better financial and educational decisions. This scholarship showed Student that she IS worthy and that someone IS looking out for her. That message alone is priceless.”

“Student has come out of his shell this year. I think it is part because he has a new uniform and not one from our second-hand supply. For him to join in on school excursions has made him feel more a part of the class and has created memories with his classmates. He now has a laptop which helps him complete his VET homework easier and has encouraged him to think about attending TAFE after school, knowing he has the tools to help him accomplish it.”