As opportunities come across our desk for out of school extension and enrichment programs we publish them in our newsletter. Have an opportunity that may benefit our school community? Please reach out!

-Dean Ashton

High Ability Practice Leader

Email me if you want to chat or see info below: Dean.ashton@nhs.vic.edu.au

The National Youth Science Forum

https://www.nysf.edu.au/programs/year-12-program/

Applications are now open for the 2027 NYSF. This is an opportunity that students at the school have suggested to us as one that developed their love for science and technology.

Ideal for:

Young people with a passion for science

Students in Year 11 from around Australia

Everyone – scholarships available

VISION

Inspiring more young Australians to engage in science and technology futures.

Purpose

Creating opportunities to inspire and connect young Australians with diverse science and technology pathways.

Applications for the 2027 NYSF Year 12 Program are now open!

Find tips on applying and answers to common questions on the How to Apply page.

The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program gives students who are about to start year 12 a broader understanding of study and career options available in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

In January 2027, the NYSF Year 12 Program will run two summer sessions at:

The Australian National University, Canberra – January 6-14, 2027
The University of Queensland – January 13-21, 2027

Staying on campus at university colleges, students are immersed in science and technology.

Participants:

participate in tours of science and technology facilities,
learn about cutting-edge research,
engage with industry partners and research providers,
learn about university, training and STEM career pathways,
mix with like-minded students their age from all over Australia,
participate in social and team-building activities, and
network with former NYSF participants

Delivered by youth for youth, alumni of the Program return each year to help deliver each session through the NYSF Student Staff Leadership Program.

As an alum of the NYSF, you join the NYSF alumni community. Through our mailing list and social media groups, you’ll receive invitations to opportunities to attend a range of events, and priority access to other NYSF programs, such as the National Youth STEM Summit for 18-25 year olds who have completed high school.

Cost

The program fee for the NYSF Year 12 Program in 2027 is $3,180. An application fee of $70 also applies and is payable at the time of submission.

Successful applicants will receive an invoice for their program fee once they have accepted their place, however fees will not be due until October 2026.

The program fee covers all accommodation, meals and activities during the program. It does not cover travel to and from the program or travel insurance.

Funding assistance

As part of the application process, any students experiencing financial hardship or another disadvantage that negatively impacts their ability to attend the program may apply for an NYSF Access and Equity Scholarship once applications open.

We also encourage students to seek financial support from NYSF’s founding partner, Rotary. Many Rotary Clubs are familiar with the NYSF and are able to offer some level of funding or assist students to fundraise to attend. You can use the Rotary Club Finder to search for your local Club.

Further details on how to access funding assistance will be sent to all applicants at key stages of the application and selection process.

The value of a Rotary-supported place

Students are encouraged to approach Rotary Clubs after they have started their program application if they need funding support to attend the NYSF Year 12 Program.

While Rotary Clubs are not obligated to support students, NYSF Year 12 Program participants that are funded by Rotary often retain contact with their supporting Rotary Club long-term and go on to further hone their leadership skills through a range of Rotary opportunities and youth programs.

In return for funding support, participants are often given the opportunity to report back to their supporting Rotary Club by giving a presentation on their NYSF experience or attending other Rotary events.

We encourage applicants to approach Rotary Clubs early and once they have started their program application for the best chance of securing funding. Often applicants can line up prospective funding support while waiting to hear if they have been selected.

You can use the Rotary Club Finder to search for your local Club (input your suburb into ‘Meeting Location’). NYSF will provide applicants and successful participants with further information about how to connect with Rotary via email.

We thank Rotary District Chairs and Rotary Clubs around Australia for the help they give NYSF in delivering many aspects of the program. Our collaboration with Rotary ensures the NYSF Year 12 Program is accessible to participants from many different backgrounds and from all over Australia.

How to apply

Find tips on applying and answers to common questions on the How to Apply page.

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