Apply for a NSW Aboriginal Housing Office Accommodation Grant

Are you an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander enrolled in full-time studies at TAFE NSW? Students are currently experiencing financial challenges due to a shortage of accommodation, rising inflation, and a cost-of-living crisis.

The NSW Government Aboriginal Housing Office is stepping up by offering a Tertiary Accommodation Grant of up to $10,000 to help offset rising costs, so you to focus on what matters most — your studies. The grant aims to assist Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students facing challenges due to housing stress, making it difficult for them to focus on their studies.

Applications for a NSW Aboriginal Housing Office Accommodation Grant is now closed.

To apply for a NSW Aboriginal Housing Office Accommodation Grant, you must:

• identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and demonstrate your community involvement. For example, through volunteer positions, community activities and advisory groups
• provide proof of age (16 years and older)
• be enrolled at TAFE NSW in a full-time, on-campus certificate IV, diploma, advanced diploma, degree course, or in a recognised university bridging pathways course (such as IPROWD), or be enrolled part-time for students living with a disability or mental health challenges
• provide evidence that you’re a social housing tenant or experiencing housing stress (as defined as an individual spending more than 40% of weekly income on housing)
• provide evidence of independent living. For example, this could include a rental bond notice in your name, a lease agreement also in your name, or a letter from your landlord addressed to you
• provide proof of income. For example, you can use a recent Centrelink statement or payslips
• provide a ‘Statement of Claim’ – not exceeding 600 words, explaining the reasons why you should be considered for the grant – through the application form.

Have a question about the grant? Email us at aboriginalscholarships@tafensw.edu.au.

Please remember that TAFE NSW offers multiple support services to students, including free counselling services. We understand that sharing your personal or financial circumstances may be emotionally challenging, so please don’t hesitate to access these services if you need support.

You can arrange an appointment with a counsellor by phoning 131 601 and selecting option five, then option 2. You can also use this option to access disability services or referral to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student support services.

Learn more about the resources available to you on the Student Services homepage.

Every year TAFE NSW awards hundreds of scholarships. To find the one that's right for you, go to the TAFE NSW Scholarships homepage.