Personally, my studies helped me understand my service, remake myself as a civilian to find new purpose in a different field of endeavour, and become part of a new community. Overall, it was an empowering and liberating experience.
A new Veterans SA pilot program is offering financial support to veterans and partners of current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, to undertake training or higher education study that improves their job prospects.
Launched last week, the Veterans SA Tertiary Scholarship Program was developed in response to community feedback about the financial barriers to higher education faced by former serving ADF members and partners.
Veterans SA Acting Director Rebecca van Reesema, said the pilot program aims to reduce the financial challenges by supporting applicants to pursue study and training opportunities to further their career aspirations.
“Ensuring South Australia has a strong, vibrant, and well-supported veteran community is a key priority for Veterans SA and we know that the financial aspect of higher education can be a barrier for veterans and partners to seek out new opportunities,” Ms van Reesema said.
“This pilot program is designed to reduce those barriers and help equip veterans and partners with the skills needed to thrive in their future careers.”
A total of $50,000 in funding is available in the grant round covering studies undertaken at TAFE, university, or a registered training organisation in the second half of 2024. Through the scholarship, eligible veterans and partners can apply to receive up to 75% of their out-of-pocket education expenses, capped at $5,000 per applicant.
Australian Army veteran and Flinders University Professor Ben Wadham said higher education was a great pathway for veterans to draw upon their unique skills and experience to reset for a new chapter.
“One of the challenges in engaging in higher education after service is supporting yourself or your family. Higher education scholarships can help secure your passage through university and into civilian employment,” Professor Wadham said.
“Personally, my studies helped me understand my service, remake myself as a civilian to find new purpose in a different field of endeavour, and become part of a new community. Overall, it was an empowering and liberating experience.”
Scholarship funds can be used by applicants to support costs such as tuition, textbooks, resources and required course equipment for study. Higher priority will be given to applicants who seek to develop their skills and knowledge in the State Government’s priority skills areas, including construction, defence and space, and early childhood education.
Applications for the Veterans SA Tertiary Scholarship Program are open until Tuesday 18 June 2024.
For more information and to apply visit veteranssa.sa.gov.au/tertiary-scholarship-program.
Caption: Professor Ben Wadham, Flinders University College of Education, Psychology and Social Work and Australian Army veteran.
