The 2025 Young Carer Scholarship Program - Apply Now! 

About the Scholarship Program

Over 62,400 young people in Victoria are believed to have significant care responsibilities. They may support their mother, father, sister, brother or grandparent at home who have a disability, chronic illness, experience mental ill health or addiction or with aging care needs. Many are at risk of dropping out of school or have difficulty maintaining social networks and participating in activities with their peers.

Carers Victoria's Young Carer Scholarship program gives young carers attending secondary school the opportunity to be acknowledged for their contributions to their family and the community. It offers opportunities to participate in school or community-based activities that enhance their skills, educational achievement and abilities, or that help them to participate more fully in their community.

Scholarships of up to $500 are awarded to successful applicants.

The 2025 Young Carer Scholarships are proudly supported by The Collie Foundation.

Who can apply

Young Carer Scholarships are open to secondary school students who live or go to school in Victoria and provide care and support to a family member with an illness or disability.

Please read the Young Carer Scholarship Program Guidelines to check you are eligible.

Please note the number of scholarships awarded is dependent on the amount of funding available. Those who receive a 2025 Carers Australia Young Carer Bursary will not be eligible.

How to apply

To apply please complete and submit the application form here. Please note, application is online and through Carers Victoria's grants administration system - SmartyGrants.

Key dates

• Applications open - Monday 3 March 2025
• Applications close - Sunday 13 April 2025
• Notification and Payment – Friday 30 May 2025

Spread the word

You can promote the scholarship by word of mouth, online or displaying a poster at your school or workplace.

We have included digital assets for website, newsletters, emails and/or on social media use, and a poster to print and display in the Young Carers Scholarships stakeholder kit.

Questions

If you have any questions regarding the Young Carer Scholarship program, please call Kate Topp, Carer Networks and Grants Coordinator on 1800 514 845 or email grants@carersvictoria.org.au.