The Commonwealth Scholarships Program (CSP) (formally known as the Commonwealth Learning Scholarships (CLS) Program) was introduced in 2004 to assist students from low socio-economic backgrounds, particularly those from rural and regional areas and Indigenous students, with costs associated with higher education.To complement these reforms the CSP altered in 2010 and is now only open to new students who are Indigenous low SES. The CSP continues to support students who were awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship prior to 1 January 2010 under transitional arrangements provided they maintain their eligibility.
In 2010 the Government implemented significant reforms to student income support including the introduction of the Student Start-up and Relocation Scholarship. The Student Start-up replaces the CSP's Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship (CECS) and the Relocation Scholarship replaced the CSP's Commonwealth Accommodation Costs Scholarship (CAS).
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There are various scholarships that Post Secondary students with disability can apply for.
Alison Watson Memorial Award provides educational assistance for young people with arthritis. Applications close around 1 October each year.
Australian Disability and Indigenous Peoples' Education Fund
The Australian Disability & Indigenous Peoples' Education Fund (ADIPEF) has been established to assist people with disabilities from both indigenous and non-indigenous backgrounds. Small quarterly grants of up to $2,500 to assist people with disabilities to continue their learning will be awarded.
Golden Stave Educational Fellowship is for people with spinal injury to be used for mobility, speech, computer equipment, fees, books etc. Applications close around February each year..
Gregory and Dolores Farrell Scholarship is to assist undergraduate and postgraduate students in NSW who are wheelchair users with the costs entailed in tertiary education, including textbooks, equipment to assist study, scribes and tutors etc. Further information and application forms can be obtained by emailing spinecare@northcott.com.au Applications close around mid February each year.
The June Opie Fellowship is available to citizens and permanent residents of Australia, New Zealand and Canada who have a severe disability. Intended for those who plan to undertake postgraduate study with a view to entering the professions, particularly university teaching and research. Applications close around October each year.
Kenneth W. Tribe Scholarship The Deaf Society of NSW awards this scholarship to people who are deaf or hearing impaired, for study that will lead to improved employment outcomes. The scholarships are awarded twice yearly and can be up to $5000. Closing dates are the 30 June and the 31 December each year.
Further Education Bursary awarded by Vision Australia will financial assist tertiary students from NSW, ACT or Victoria who are blind or vision impaired for the purchase of adaptive technology. Applications close around October each year.
From 2011 the Freedom Scientific/Quantum Technology WYNN Scholarship and JAWS scholarship was replaced by the Print Disability Scholarship Program and Seniors Grant. This Program features a range of new prizes, including electronic magnifiers, text-to-speech devices and portable DAISY players. Applicants are invited to tell Quantum how having a print disability has impacted on their life. For 2011 applications close Friday 25th November 2011.
ParaQuad NSW Scholarshps are for students in NSW /ACT who have a spinal cord injury, and they provide assistance for education at an accredited institution. To be eligible for the ParaQuad NSW scholarships, applicants must: be an Australian citizen and a resident of NSW; • have a spinal cord injury; have a high level academic record; demonstrate motivation and perseverance to achieve goals. Closing date is around February annually.
The Redkite Education Support Grants Redkite's education support grants are available to children and young adults (up to 24 years of age) who have experienced cancer reach their study and work goals. Siblings whose education is disrupted during the cancer journey may also be eligible to receive Redkite's education assistance. Redkite's education and career assistance is provided via financial grants.
The Sir Charles Bright Scholarships ($1000) are awarded annually to people with disability undertaking post secondary education, whether at University, TAFE or other recognised educational institutions. Applicants must be residents of South Australia. Applications close around 24 December each year.
The Dr Louisa Alessandri Memorial Fund Scholarship is intended to assist a student with disability, residing in Western Australia, to achieve his or her career aspirations. Funds may be used for a variety of purposes, including course fees, equipment, support, interpreters, transport, etc.
Please email Jane.Hawkeswood@utas.edu.au if you know of additional and relevant scholarship information that could be included on this page.