Your local Country Education Foundation (CEF) supports youth in your area through financial grants for education and employment expenses. Our grants contribute towards apprenticeships, traineeships, cadetships, diplomas, certificate level studies, university qualifications or employment.

A grant from the Country Education Foundation (CEF) will help you pay for educational purpose costs associated with any post-school educational and training expenses.

Generally, a local grant can be anywhere between $250-$5,000.

When to apply:

Grant applications are generally open during the second half of each calendar year, however each committee has different dates for consideration. You can check with your local foundation opening and closing dates here.

• Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview with their local committee.
• Grants will be allocated after interviews have been completed and you are accepted into your chosen course/apprenticeship/training.

Who is eligible?

CEF grants are based on financial need, not academic success. You will however, need to demonstrate commitment to achieving your goal. The four essential selection criteria are:

• You have a demonstrated financial need;
• You are aged 16-25 years;
• You have attended school in or currently live in the region covered by your local CEF (view full list HERE) and
• You are able to demonstrate commitment to achieving your goal.

Please note: Grants are unable to be provided for the payment of HECS fees or debt.

This program is listed as ongoing due to various closing dates according to the region. We recommend you look at your specific region to find exact opening and closing dates for funding rounds.

Link for individual regions below:

https://cef.org.au/our-foundations-overview/

• Phone: 02 6362 3162
• Email: info@cef.org.au