The Veterans SA Tertiary Scholarship Program provides grants of up to $5,000 (incl. GST) to support eligible veterans and partners of current-serving and former ADF members to undertake higher education and training.
Financial challenges can heavily influence the career direction and progression of veteran community members as they navigate their professional lives in the civilian workforce.
Following a successful pilot program in 2024, which saw 18 South Australians supported to pursue their study ambitions, the Veterans SA Tertiary Scholarship Program has been extended. A new round of scholarships is now on offer to support study in the 2025 calendar year, with a total of $50,000 in funding available.
The program aims to reduce the financial burden to higher education faced by former serving ADF members and partners, often trying to support themselves and their families while finding a new purpose and career direction.
About the scholarship program:
Through the scholarship program, eligible veterans and partners of current-serving and former ADF members can apply to receive up to 75% of their out-of-pocket education expenses, capped at $5,000 (incl. GST) per applicant. The funds can be used to support costs such as tuition, textbooks, resources and required course equipment.
The scholarship process is competitive, and applications may be funded in full, partially funded or not funded at all.
Higher priority will be given to applicants who seek to develop their skills and knowledge in one of the key industries outlined in the Government of South Australia’s Jobs and Skills Outlook 2024. This includes agriculture, forestry and fishing; construction; defence and manufacturing; digital, technology and cybersecurity; education and training; health and care; renewable energy and hydrogen and resources.
Eligibility criteria:
To be eligible to apply for funding under the Veterans SA Tertiary Scholarship Program, applicants must:
- be a South Australian resident
- have Australian residency status
- be a former permanent serving member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) or the partner of a current or former-serving ADF member.
- be enrolled or planning to enrol in a tertiary course of study (recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework) at a university, TAFE or a registered training organisation in Australia.
- not be in receipt of any education scholarships at the time of application, including but not limited to scholarships from the Australian Government designed to offset higher degree research fees.
The current round of the Veterans SA Tertiary Scholarship Program will fund study or training undertaken in the 2025 calendar year.
How to apply:
For detailed information on the fund assessment and application process:
Key dates:
26 November 2024: Scholarship fund applications open
23 January 2025: Applications close
30 January – 19 February 2025: Assessment period
20 February 2025: Applicants notified of outcome (by Public Trustee). Successful applicants to complete required information.
by 13 March 2025: Payments made to successful applicants (pending completion of required documentation).
Enquiries:
For more information contact:
Barbara von der Borch, Grants & Administration Officer, Veterans SA
- Phone: 08 7133 9303
- Email: veteranssa@sa.gov.au
Please include ‘Veterans SA Tertiary Scholarship Program – (nature of the enquiry)’ in the subject line. A response will be provided within three business days.
Ash Muir
former Royal Australian Air Force Officer
“The Veterans SA Tertiary Scholarship Program has been vital in alleviating the financial pressure of further education, allowing me to concentrate on my goals. This scholarship has provided a crucial opportunity for me to start this new chapter and pursue my academic passions.”
Elyse Goodwin
former Australian Army Medical Technician
“This scholarship paid my tuition fees this semester which was a huge help and allowed me to wholly focus on placement and developing my skillset which is vital to saving people’s lives.”
