Funding for young people to build skills and access opportunities
Find out how to apply for our Youth Scholarships. They help young people aged 12 to 25 take part in activities, learn new skills and work towards their goals.
The scholarship program closes in December and January each year.
ACT Youth Scholarships
These scholarships help young people access opportunities that support their wellbeing, independence, learning and future goals.
They can help young people:
- attend events, courses or activities
- cover costs to represent the ACT in sport, education or community events.
Who this is for
This scholarship is for individual young people aged 12 to 25 years.
What you get
Up to $500 for individual applicants.
We provide this funding to successful applicants until the available funding runs out.
When we fund scholarships
We provide funds to successful applicants until our funding runs out.
The funding is limited and we assess applications once a month.
We can fund your application:
- if your application is eligible
- if we have enough funding.
Eligible applications will not be funded when demand is higher than the funding we have.
Decisions about whether to fund an application are at the sole discretion of the Health and Community Services Directorate
Check if you can apply
When the scholarships are open you can apply if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Learn:
- who can apply
- what you can use the funds for.
Who can apply
You must be 12 to 25 years old.
You must live in the ACT or attend school or higher education in the ACT.
You must be one of the following:
- an Australian Citizen
- a Permanent Resident of Australia
- an ACT Services Access Card holder.
You must apply at least 6 weeks before your activity, course, program or event starts
You must not have received an ACT Youth Scholarship in the last year.
What you can use the funds for
You can use the funds for:
- wellbeing and mental health programs
- counselling or psychology services
- life skills and self-improvement programs
- driving lessons
- vocational training and skills-based learning
- employment and job-readiness support
- sporting, cultural and community activities
- registration fees
- travel and accommodation associated with approved activities
- equipment and resources that support learning, development or employment.
Some examples include:
- interview skills workshops
- mental health and wellbeing programs
- vocational courses
- travel to participate in sporting or cultural activities
- work clothing for an apprenticeship
- equipment needed for training or learning.
Before you apply
Read the Youth scholarship guidelines.
Apply
After you apply
Assessing your application
Applications are reviewed against the eligibility requirements and assessment criteria set out in the Guidelines.
Applications are assessed monthly and funding decisions are subject to available funding.
We'll let you know the outcome of your application by email about 6 weeks after you submit your application. You must not send an application for an event or project that takes place less than 6 weeks after you apply.
If you get the funds
If your application is successful, you'll need to enter into an agreement with the ACT Government.
We'll send you a Letter of Offer that you must read and agree to.
The agreement will:
- set out the terms of your funding
- include the time frame.
You can only spend the funds on items and activities specified in the agreement.
If you want to change your agreement, you must get permission from the Office for Youth Engagement team in the Health and Community Services Directorate.
Further guidance
What you can’t use the funds for
The funds can't be used:
- for costs already paid before submitting your application
- for activities or events that have already taken place
- for an activity or event that starts less than 6 weeks after you apply
- for food or drinks
- for travel companions
- for ongoing memberships or subscriptions that need ongoing funding
- for internships or student exchange programs.
IT equipment
If you plan to use the funds for IT equipment or programs, you must get a letter of support.
The letter must:
- be from an educational institution or youth worker
- outline why you need the item.