Apply now for a NSW Rural and Regional Mental Health Scholarship

Where you choose to live shouldn’t limit your access to education or career opportunities.

The NSW Rural and Regional Mental Health Scholarship supports remote human services staff in NSW to pursue mental health studies. It is designed to help you gain the qualifications needed for impactful roles in community rehabilitation, support, and mental health intake.

Scholarship Value & Availability In 2026, four scholarships are available, each valued at up to $3,000.

Funds can be used for study, living, or other course-related expenses, including:

• Travel costs
• Technology expenses
• Leave without pay (LWOP) support.

Who can apply? To be eligible, you must be working in a human services role (clinical or non-clinical) and enrolled in the Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315) at TAFE NSW.

You must also be based in one of the following TAFE NSW regions:

• South Inland
• Far West
• Central West
• New England
• North West
• North Coast
• Hunter Newcastle (excluding Newcastle Tighes Hill and Newcastle Hunter Street campuses).

Applications for the NSW Rural and Regional Mental Health Scholarship are now closed.

To apply for the NSW Rural and Regional Mental Health Scholarship, you must:

1. Residency & Status
   • Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder, or New Zealand citizen living in NSW.
   • Meet the Smart & Skilled eligibility criteria (specifically, be aged 15 years or older and living or working in NSW).
2. Enrolment
   • Be enrolled in the Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315) at TAFE NSW.
   • Have commenced your course by the date published by TAFE NSW (unless otherwise approved).
3. Employment & Location

   You must be currently employed in a human services role (clinical, non-clinical, or administration) or have relevant volunteering experience.

   You must also be working within one of the following TAFE NSW communities:

   • South Inland
   • Far West
   • Central West
   • New England
   • North West
   • North Coast
   • Hunter Newcastle (excluding Newcastle Tighes Hill and Newcastle Hunter Street campuses).

For further details, please refer to the NSW Rural and Regional Mental Health Scholarship Terms and Conditions.

If you have any questions about the scholarship, please email scholarships@tafensw.edu.au.

TAFE NSW offers a range of support services for students, including free and confidential counselling.

We understand that sharing your personal or financial circumstances can be emotionally challenging, so please do not hesitate to reach out if you need support.

To arrange an appointment with a counsellor, call 131 601 and select Option 5, then Option 2.

You can also use this number to access Disability Services or request a referral to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student support.

For more information on the resources available to you, visit the Student Services homepage.

Every year, TAFE NSW awards hundreds of scholarships and study grants.

To find the one that is right for you, visit the TAFE NSW Scholarships homepage.