Out-of-home care & care leaver support

We offer a range of support for students who are in out-of-home care, or have left an out-of-home care arrangement.

If you are currently living in, transitioning out of or have previously lived in out-of-home care (including foster, residential, kinship and permanent), we are here to help you.

Our teams can assist you in your transition to Higher Education or TAFE and provide you with ongoing assistance to set you up for success.

Scholarships & financial support

At Victoria University, we have a number of scholarships available to support students to get a head start.

Browse our scholarships

While these options are not specific to care leavers, we encourage you to review the criteria and submit an application if you are eligible for any of these.

: The Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) is a one-off, non-indexed, means tested payment of up to $5,000 to encourage and assist outer regional and remote students who need to relocate to access tertiary study immediately following school (Year 12 or equivalent).

Visit the TAP page to learn more about eligibility and how to apply

Tertiary Access Payment (TAP)
: Study level: TAFE, undergraduate
Study area: all
Eligibility: high school students, mature-age students, demonstrated financial hardship
Value: $1000 per year for up to two years (maximum of $2000)

VU Access equity scholarship
: Study level: all
Study area: all
Eligibility: high school students, current students, mature-age students, Indigenous background
Value: scholarship values vary slightly each year

Indigenous Commonwealth scholarship