Study or training can help you build confidence, learn new skills and create new opportunities. This may be after leaving Defence, changing careers, or supporting a partner or child to reach their goals.

Scholarships can help with the cost of study. They may make education and training easier to access for veterans and families of veterans.

What are scholarships?

Scholarships are forms of financial support that help cover the costs of education and training. Depending on the program, they may help with:

• course or tuition fees
• textbooks, equipment or study materials
• living or relocation costs
• upfront expenses when starting study

Some scholarships are based on financial need. Others are for people with service or lived experience and others support people studying in particular fields or life stages. 

Who can access scholarships?

There are scholarships available for:

• veterans transitioning from the ADF
• partners and spouses of veterans
• children and dependants of veterans
• family members retraining or returning to study after caring roles

Eligibility varies between programs, and some scholarships are linked to specific education pathways or support schemes.

Types of scholarships you may see

You may come across scholarships and education supports linked to:

• school, training or tertiary study
• apprenticeships and traineeships
• short courses or skills‑based training
• relocation or living away from home to study
• additional support to help stay engaged in education

Some programs are designed for families of veterans and recognise that service can affect study and career plans.

Finding the right scholarship

It can feel overwhelming knowing where to start. Supports are available to help you:

• understand what scholarships you may be eligible for
• work out how scholarships fit with other payments or supports
• navigate application processes and deadlines

If you are not sure what is available, help may be available to talk through your options and how to apply.

Support to get started

If you are thinking about study for yourself or a family member, you do not have to work it out on your own.

You can:

• explore trusted education and scholarship options
• seek advice about eligibility and education pathways
• connect with services that support veterans and families through study, transition and career change

Scholarship options by category

These examples may help you find a scholarship or study support option that fits your situation.

Key: National means available across Australia. State-based means only available in a particular state or territory. Institution-based means offered by a specific university or education provider.

For veterans

• Australian Catholic University veteran scholarships and grants (national). These include support such as the Veteran Transition Program and a technology and book grant for eligible student veterans. 
• UNSW Veterans Scholarship (state-based: New South Wales). This scholarship supports former or transitioning ADF personnel and, in some cases, their dependants who are experiencing disadvantage. 
• Macquarie University Australian Defence Force postgraduate sponsorship (state-based: New South Wales). This support is for current and former ADF members studying an eligible postgraduate course. 
• Some universities offer veteran entry and support programs (state-based or institution-based). For example, the University of Canberra Veteran Tertiary Support Program may offer direct entry, credit recognition and tailored support. Check the relevant university’s veteran support or admissions pages.

For partners and spouses

• RSL NSW Veteran and Partner Scholarship at Australian Catholic University (state-based: New South Wales). This is for current or former ADF members and their partners who live in New South Wales. Check Australian Catholic University scholarship pages for current details.
• Some universities offer partner pathways into study (institution-based), especially where a veteran support program includes family members. Check the relevant university’s scholarship, equity or veteran support pages.
• General university equity scholarships (institution-based) may also help if you are balancing study with caring responsibilities, relocation or financial pressure. Check the relevant university’s scholarship or equity support pages.

For children, grandchildren and dependants

• AVCAT scholarships (national) may support children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans who are studying at university, TAFE or a registered training organisation. 
• Long Tan Bursary (national). This bursary may help eligible children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans with tertiary study costs. It is administered by AVCAT on behalf of DVA. Check current eligibility and dates before applying.
• RSL-sponsored scholarships through AVCAT (national) may include options for children and grandchildren of veterans, including some scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Check AVCAT scholarship pages for current details.
• The Gallipoli Scholarship Fund (national) may be relevant for some young people from veteran families experiencing hardship. Check the provider’s application pages for current details.

Always check the eligibility rules, study level, location and application dates for each program before you apply.

Choose the right option

Use this list to help decide which scholarship or study support may suit you best.

• I know who the support is for: me, my partner, my child, grandchild or dependant.
• I know whether I am looking for a scholarship, a bursary or another education support option.
• I know what type of study I am planning, such as school, TAFE, university, an apprenticeship, a traineeship or a short course.
• I have checked the eligibility rules, including service history, family connection, location, financial need and study load.
• I know what costs I need help with, such as tuition, books, technology, equipment, travel, relocation or living costs.
• I have checked the timing, including application dates, course start dates and how long the funding lasts.
• I have checked whether the scholarship or support can be used with other payments or assistance I already receive.
• I know what I need for the application, such as documents, referee details or proof of eligibility.

If more than one option looks relevant, it may help to compare a few programs side by side before applying.

Before you apply

This list can help you get organised before you start an application.

• I have read the eligibility rules carefully.
• I know the application opening and closing dates.
• I have gathered the documents I may need, such as proof of service connection, proof of enrolment, academic results or financial information.
• I have checked whether I need a personal statement, references or supporting letters.
• I know what study costs the scholarship or support will and will not cover.
• I have checked whether I can apply for more than one option.
• I have allowed enough time to ask questions or get help if I need it.
• I have saved the application details so I can come back to them easily.

Starting early can make the process easier and give you more time to gather what you need.

Always check the current dates before you apply. Opening and closing dates can change each year.