Rose Jackson
Minister for Housing
Minister for Homelessness
Minister for Water
Minister for Youth
Minister for Mental Health
Steve Whan
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education
MEDIA RELEASE
Over $13 million invested to ease education costs for social housing students
Wednesday, 11 February 2026
Applications are open for the NSW Government's Youth Development Scholarship program, offering 1500 high school and tertiary students living in social housing $1000 grants to help cover their education expenses.
Now in its tenth year, the program reflects the Minns Labor Government's commitment to supporting the academic and career aspirations of young people living across public, community or Aboriginal housing.
Since 2017, the Youth Development Scholarship program has invested more than $13 million to support over 5,700 students, easing the costs associated with education and helping young people to thrive in school, complete their studies and move confidently into the workforce.
The grants are available to high school students in years 10 to 12, students at TAFE NSW or university, as well as those completing an apprenticeship or traineeship.
this year, 1,500 scholarships are on offer and be awarded to 1,000 new students and 500 returning students.
To be eligible, applicants must be either:
- Receiving a private rental subsidy from the Department of Communities and Justice
- Living in community housing/Aboriginal community housing
- Living in housing provided by a Local Aboriginal Land Council
- Living in supported, crisis or temporary accommodation
- Living in statutory, supported, or voluntary out-of-home care
The $1,000 grants can be used to fund study-related expenses such as laptops, textbooks, and internet access.
The Minns Labor Government is building a fairer New South Wales where young people from all backgrounds have access to education and the resources they need to succeed.
Applications for high school students will close at 5pm on Friday, 13th February 2026.
Applications for tertiary students will close at 5pm on Friday, 6th March 2026.
More information on how to apply can be found here.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:
"With the cost of living continuing to bite, back-to-school expenses are placing real pressure on family budgets across NSW, especially for families in social housing.
"No young person should have to choose between buying a textbook and putting food on the table, or between the tools they need for an apprenticeship and paying the rent.
"A $1,000 scholarship can be the difference between falling behind and getting ahead, helping students pay for textbooks, laptops, internet access and other essentials they need to succeed at schools, TAFE or university.
"This program is about fairness and opportunity, making sure young people in social housing have the support they need to stay engaged in education, reach their potential and build a better future."
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
"We already know that over the next ten years, around 92% of our jobs will require post-school training or study. Thanks to this program, 1,500 young people across the state will have the extra support they need to continue their education or apprenticeship, giving students a leg up while boosting a critical workforce in NSW.
"For students learning at TAFE NSW or our universities, the cost of study can be a real barrier. The scholarships help cover essentials like laptops and equipment so young people can focus on building practical skills the lead directly to jobs.
"TAFE NSW is a powerful pathway into secure work, and we want more young people to be able access it. This support helps students stay enrolled, complete their training and take the next step into the workforce."
Youth Development Scholarship recipience, Caitlyn Laws said:
"Growing up in a single-parent household in a low socioeconomic area presented ongoing financial and social challenges that could have limited my educational opportunities.
"The Homes Youth Development Scholarship provided essential academic, financial, and mentoring support throughout High School and my Bachelor of Nursing, enabling me to remain focused, engaged, and resilient in my studies.
"This support placed a pivotal role in my academic success and in fostering my commitment to pursuing higher education and professional achievement."
