Young Australians and veterans can now apply for scholarships of up to $13,000 to cover the costs of an eligible vocational education and training (VET) qualification and internship.
Round Four of the Commonwealth Scholarships Program for Young Australians is open for those living in 10 selected regions, with up to $5,000 on offer per year for two years, along with an additional $3,000 if they also complete a 20-day paid internship.
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, the Hon Stuart Robert MP, himself a veteran, said better supporting young people and those transitioning from military service will strengthen Australia’s workforce.
‘These kinds of opportunities will help build our workforce, at a time when the Government is delivering a record $6.4 billion in support for skills,’ Minister Robert said.
‘We’re already seeing hundreds of thousands of Australians upskilling or reskilling thanks to programs like this, as well as JobTrainer, and TAFE and apprenticeship funding, all of which is driving our economic recovery.’
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Andrew Gee, said the program was recently expanded to include those who have transitioned from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in the past two years.
‘Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be a difficult time and these scholarships will help give veterans additional skills and qualifications on top of their valuable military experience,” Minister Gee said.
‘Australian businesses already recognise the significant benefits that former Defence force personnel can bring to a workplace, and further expanding training and employment opportunities for our ex-service personnel is a win for veterans, business and the Australian economy.’
Young people aged 15-24 are eligible for the scholarship, but must not be in full-time work or study at the time of applying, and intend on taking an eligible VET qualification from Certificate III through to an Advanced Diploma.
Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said it is a great opportunity for those in the 10 selected regions to take part in the nation’s skills-led economic recovery.
‘This program will provide a valuable boost to those young people and veterans looking to upskill and undertake sought after internships and VET qualifications and increase the number of skilled workers in our regions’ Minister McKenzie said.
Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services, the Hon Luke Howarth MP, said the Australian Government has expanded the program with an extra $2.9 million allocated in the 2021-22 Federal Budget.
‘Young people have been among the hardest hit from the COVID-19 pandemic, so opportunities like this will be immensely helpful, especially for those in disadvantaged communities,’ Assistant Minister Howarth said.
Host employers can receive $1,500 per intern hosted. To be eligible, applicants must live in the following regions:
• New South Wales – Grafton (including Coffs Harbour) and Gosford
• Northern Territory – Alice Springs
• Queensland – Maryborough and Townsville
• South Australia – Port Pirie
• Tasmania – Burnie
• Victoria – Shepparton
• Western Australia – Wanneroo and Armadale
Applications close on 11 March 2022. For more details on how to apply, visit
