Applications Open for the RCLDS Further Education Scholarships 2024/2025

Applications are now open for the Residential Care Learning and Development Strategy (RCLDS) ‘Further Education Scholarship’. The annual scholarship offers financial support for the ongoing higher education of people working in the residential care sector.

Aim of the Scholarship

The aim of RCLDS ‘Further Education Scholarship’ is to continue to support the improvements in residential care service provision, by supporting residential care workers who have a Certificate IV in Child Youth and Family Intervention (Residential and Out of Home Care) or similar, to obtain a relevant Diploma or Undergraduate Degree.

Successful applicants will be offered up to $2,000, to cover fees and essential books. Funds will be made available upon proof of enrolment.

Selection of Successful Scholars

The decision of whom will receive a further education scholarship will be made by a sub-committee of the RCLDS Reference Group. Their decision will be final, and no correspondence related to their decision will be entered into.

Successful Scholarship Applicants

The successful applicant must begin their studies in the year of application.

Successful applicants are to ensure holidays are pre-planned and the course is completed in the year the Scholarship has been awarded.

Successful applicants will need to provide permission for their names to be published to the sector, which may include attendance at Resi ROCKS for an official presentation, including photos.

Selection Criteria

The Scholarship will be offered to applicants who are, or will be, undertaking tertiary study relevant to residential care practice. The applicants must intend to study an accredited tertiary course (such as Diploma or Undergraduate Degree) in an area which supports improvements to the practical provision of residential care service.

The applicant must be employed by a Community Organisation funded by DFFH Out of Home Care, to provide youth residential care services in Victoria.

The applicant must have been employed in the residential care sector for at least two or more years.

Applicants must occupy a role where their studies directly benefit children and young people in care such as a direct care Residential Worker, unit-based Supervisor, or Residential Care Managers.

The applicant must not have previously received a RCLDS scholarship.

The application must be accompanied by a letter of support from the applicant’s employer and signed by relevant manager.

In the case of multiple applicants from the one organisation, the selection committee will seek advice from that organisation as part of the assessment process.

Download the application form.