Young Carer Bursary Program
Young Carer Bursary Program provides financial support to young carers in greatest need, making life a bit easier while you balance studying and caring for someone.
In 2026, 1600 bursaries are available. Each one is worth $4,000.
Bursary money is there to help you with your education and caring role.
You could use it for things like:
Buying a laptop for your schoolwork
Getting your school uniforms or books
Paying for transport to get to school or college
Taking a break from caring
Joining in with school activities that cost extra
Paying for some school fees
We carefully review all applications and award bursaries to the young carers who need them the most.
Applications are now open and will close at 11:59pm AEDT on 7th November 2025.
Am I a young carer?
You’re a young carer if you’re between 12 and 25 years old and you provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend living with a disability, medical condition (including a terminal or chronic illness), mental illness, an alcohol or other drug issue or is frail and aged.
Many carers may not even realise they’re taking on caring responsibilities.
Young carers may do many things, such as:
Providing emotional support and advocating for loved ones
Helping with personal care
Looking after household expenses
Monitoring medications
Doing everyday chores, like washing, cleaning, cooking and mowing the lawn
Young carers may provide support every day, or every week, or only when they’re needed
Young carers aged under 12 attending secondary school may be eligible and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Am I eligible to apply?
We want to help as many young carers as possible through Young Carer Bursary Program. You may be eligible if you can say “yes” to all of these:
Your Age
You’re between 12 and 25 years old (young carers aged under 12 who are attending secondary school may be eligible and will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
You’ll stay in this age range for the whole time you’d receive the bursary
Your caring role
You provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend living with a disability, medical condition (including a terminal or chronic illness), mental illness, an alcohol or other drug issue or is frail and aged
Your residency
You’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
You’re living in Australia
Your education
You’re studying (or plan to study next year) at one of these:
High school
Home school and registered with a state or territory education authority
TAFE
Private college
University
Other recognised tertiary education institute
Your study can be full-time or part-time
Other bursaries or scholarships
You’re not receiving another bursary or scholarship for 2026 (worth more than $500)
Your qualifications
You don’t already have an advanced diploma, bachelor’s degree or higher qualification
For more information visit - https://youngcarersnetwork.com.au/bursary/young-carer-bursary/
Need help with your application? Contact Margaret Benoit (Youth Counsellor) via the school office