Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Student Scholarship Program 

Applications for 2023 are closed.

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The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) Student Scholarship Program (formerly the Department of Health and Human Services) helps young people living in public or community housing, or those at risk of homelessness, get the support they need to stay in school and achieve their full potential.

The Victorian Government funds the Student Scholarship Program to help young people 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.

Eligibility criteria

• under 21 years of age at 1 February 2023;
• 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 2023 academic year;
• have the potential to achieve a good attendance record and a successful educational outcome in the 2023 academic year;
• supported within the school/ TAFE by an appropriate staff member such as a well-being coordinator or counsellor. 

How to apply

Your institution’s Principal or equivalent has been sent an email with a unique registration link to forward to all staff. If they have not received this and need it to be re-sent, please contact the Kids Under Cover Scholarships Lead on (03) 9429 7444 or email scholarship@kuc.org.au.

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. 

For those who have been successful the following information may be useful

Information packs: 

Information pack for principal or equivalent

Information pack for the responsible staff member

Information pack for scholarship recipients

Instructions: 

Change of circumstance guidelines

A guide to submitting an expense acquittal

Important documents:  

Scholarship handover terms and conditions

Editable invoice template

Hear from previous scholarship recipients 

“Without the help of this scholarship I would have probably left school and had to get a job to support myself. I would not have been able to purchase any of the textbooks and I did not have a laptop so that I could complete my work. The scholarship has provided all this to me which has been such a relief.”

“This scholarship changed my life. It got me to feel I was worthy of reengaging with school. Thank you.”

“I couldn’t believe how much better life was after I finally got all the tech equipment that the school helped me buy with my scholarship money. My anxiety and moving around has stopped me going to school as much as I wanted to, but I have been able to keep learning and doing what makes me happy.”

“It helped me get clothes to fit in with everyone else and now I have nice clothes to wear to an interview.”