Scholarships

TAFE NSW offers three main types of scholarships:

• Internal Scholarships – Funded by donors and administered directly by TAFE NSW. These support students across a range of courses and include:
  • Merit-based scholarships
  • Equity scholarships for students facing personal or financial barriers to study
  • Scholarships tailored to specific industries or fields of study
• External Scholarships – Offered by businesses, organisations, and other government agencies.
• Hunter TAFE Foundation Scholarships – Provided by the Hunter TAFE Foundation, a charitable organisation supporting students in the Newcastle, Hunter, and Central Coast regions through scholarships, grants, and other financial assistance programs.

Eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific scholarship. Generally, applicants must be enrolled and actively studying at TAFE NSW.

It’s important to carefully review the eligibility criteria, terms, and conditions for each scholarship to ensure you meet the requirements before applying.

The application process varies depending on the scholarship. You may need to:

• Register an account on the TAFE NSW Scholarships Platform
• Log in to an existing account to complete an online application form
• Or download and submit a PDF application form to the relevant contact

Tips for applying:

• Complete all fields in the application form with as much detail as necessary before submitting.
• If a referee endorsement is required, notify your nominated referee early so they can provide a strong referral.
• Ask a teacher to proofread your application to check for spelling or grammar errors.
• Include all required attachments to support your application. These may include your TAFE NSW academic transcript, certificates, awards, volunteer contributions, letters of support, or other evidence of community involvement. Assessors want to understand why you’re the best candidate for the scholarship.
• Explore the free TAFE NSW Support Services, including literacy support, if you need help reading or writing your application.

Scholarship application periods vary depending on the type of scholarship. Typically, there are multiple application rounds each year, usually aligned with the Semester 1 and Semester 2 course delivery periods.

Some scholarship programs are ongoing, with applications accepted and assessed on a case-by-case basis throughout the year.

To stay up to date, regularly check the TAFE NSW Scholarships browse page for current application dates and timelines.

Yes, students can apply for multiple scholarships, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for each one. Applying for more than one scholarship may improve your chances of receiving support.

However, some scholarships specify that applicants must not have received a scholarship from TAFE NSW or the Hunter TAFE Foundation within 12 months of the closing date of the scholarship you’re applying for. This means you may only be eligible to receive one award within that timeframe.

Be sure to carefully review the eligibility criteria, terms, and conditions for each scholarship before applying.

After the closing date, all applications are reviewed by a panel of representatives from TAFE NSW and/or the donor organisation.

Recipients are selected based on a range of factors, which may include:

• Academic performance
• Financial need
• Personal circumstances
• Industry or community involvement (where relevant)

Each scholarship has its own selection criteria, so it’s important to provide all required documentation and information to support your application.

Scholarship payments may be considered exempt income (non-taxable), depending on the nature of the scholarship. According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), some scholarships are fully exempt, while others may be partially or fully assessable for tax purposes.

To determine whether your scholarship is taxable, visit the ATO’s “Is my scholarship taxable?” tool. This interactive tool helps you assess your specific situation based on the type of scholarship and your circumstances.

If your application is successful, you will be notified by either the Hunter TAFE Foundation or TAFE NSW via email or phone. The notification will include details about the scholarship award, how funds will be distributed (if applicable), and any next steps.

Please note: this does not apply to external scholarships listed on the TAFE NSW Scholarships webpage. For these, you’ll need to contact the provider directly to find out how and when successful applicants are notified.

For more information about Hunter TAFE Foundation scholarships, visit the Hunter TAFE Foundation landing page or contact hunter.foundation@tafensw.edu.au.

For general enquiries about TAFE NSW Scholarships, contact scholarships@tafensw.edu.au.