Everyone’s path to TAFE or uni is different. Let’s find yours.
Raising Expectations supports young people in out-of-home care and care leavers to aspire to, access and succeed in vocational and higher education.
Getting started:
Hear from care leaver students about their experiences with further study in the video above.
Visit our University Partners page to see what supports and services Federation University Australia, La Trobe University and Swinburne University of Technology offer to care leaver students across all their campuses.
Still got questions? Start a confidential chat with us! Or, you can call us or text through your questions to 0407 702 975.
If we can’t answer your question, we’ll find someone who can!
We understand you might feel nervous about studying.
Each of the Raising Expectations partner universities offer academic support programs and other courses to help get you ready and feel more prepared for study:
Federation University Australia has the Foundation Access Studies (FAST) program.
La Trobe University offers the Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP)
Swinburne University of Technology offers ‘Pathways to further study’ with lots of different options.
“I do remember my very first day on campus. My heart was thumping so fast, I swear I could hear it beating out of my throat...I was very scared, I was anxious. As soon as I saw there were other people who had that same fear and anxiety, and excitement, to commence their studies, I ended up chilling right out.”
You sure can!
We can help you find a course that suits you and link you in to financial, academic and personal supports along the way.
To get started, take a look at support options for care leavers at our University Partners page. Federation University, La Trobe University and Swinburne University of Technology are committed to supporting care leaver students across all their campuses!
Got questions about vocational and higher education? Chat with us! Or text through your questions to 0407 702 975. Chats are confidential and you can ask whatever’s on your mind.
Yes. As a care leaver, you have access to 800+ no-fee TAFE courses via the Skills First Youth Access Initiative.
This is a great way to get into university via a TAFE pathway and potentially get credits for a uni course. Or you can complete one or more TAFE qualifications to set you up in the career you want to get into. To be eligible, you need to:
be an Australian or New Zealand citizen and aged 24 years or under; and
have been or are currently on a Child Protection Order or a Youth Justice Order (but are not currently in custody); or
be a resident of an Education First Youth Foyer.
If you are eligible, you can choose from 800+ courses, from Certificate through to Advanced Diploma level. For more information, read the guide and referral form. Click here to download our guide to Skills First and Free TAFE initiatives.
Most uni courses aren’t free, but did you know that a lot of them are subsidised? Or that you have the option to defer paying your course fees until a later date? Read up on your options here.
Send us a message via the Chat page for help applying to Skills First or to go over your options for uni.
Yes, there is!
Financial support is available from the government and universities to help you access higher education.
Government payment of $1500 for education and living expenses
Support, services and financial assistance from Federation University, La Trobe University and Swinburne University
Scholarships from other universities and institutions
Youth Allowance for students between 16 and 21, or up to 25 if you are a full-time student. Find out whether you are eligible and how to apply.
Study Assist for students to acquire a HELP loan or other funding
Saver Plus assists individuals and families on lower incomes to improve financial capability.
ABSTUDY help for young Aboriginal people with study/apprenticeship costs
Not sure what you’re eligible for? Chat with us about your options for financial support.
More resources and advice:
Higher education guidelines: for student care leavers
Skills and Jobs Centres: The Centres provide expert advice on training and employment opportunities for prospective students and job seekers. Find your local Centre here
Youth Central website: info for care leavers who want to study, career profiles, planning your career page, and career bullseyes
LOOKOUT Education Support Centres: supports young people who are still at school, as well as case workers and Child Protection Practitioners
A LOOKOUT Education Careers Advisor has been appointed to each of the four Department of Education and Training regions. Advisors work with schools to support students in out-of-home care from Years 7 to 10 to make sure students have access to all available career education tools and programs and secure and access positive industry engagement and workplace learning opportunities, in fields and settings that suit their interests. Click here for contact information for each of the four advisors.
Check out the Headspace website for work & study resources, including a list of employment services and supports
University and TAFE Open Days: Find Open day dates, or call universities on their Future Students numbers to get more info
Marrung: Aboriginal Education Plan – 2016-2026: supports Aboriginal students achieve their learning aspirations
Deadly Story has resources and supports available for Aboriginal children and young people in education
Looking for something else? You might find it here.
Getting on your feet after care
Give the Leaving Care Hotline a ring on 1300 532 846, or visit the website for help with referrals, mentoring and independent living allowance
Post-Care Support Programs for help with immediate/ongoing support and accommodation
Year13 gives you access to loads of resources to assist young people make decisions about life, work, study and travel after Year 12.
Education Foyers learning and student accommodation centres for young people who need support and a place to live while they study or train
moneysmart.gov teaches you about money: how to pay of debt, save and plan for the future.
Our Tax Tips guide will help you connect with free financial advice and counselling for support during and beyond tax time!
Getting Involved
The Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) is the main organisation in Victoria that makes sure young people’s voices are heard on really important issues like climate change and social policy. YACvic is run by young people, for young people.
CREATE is the main organisation representing the voices of children and young people with a care experience. It’s free to join CREATE and membership gives you access to all kinds of programs, grants and events!
Other support
Other organisations providing education support
LLENS: Check out your Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN) for education, employment and other supports and services including scholarships, health/wellbeing and accommodation. Find your LLEN here
Learn Local: Learn Local providers offer a range of education and training programs designed to help learners gain the confidence and skills needed to look for a job or go on to further study. Find your local provider here
CREATE Foundation: supports young people who are in or have left care and provides grants to support CREATE members to succeed in education.
Skills First Reconnect supports learners aged 17 to 19 who have not completed year 12 or equivalent and are not in education, training or full time employment and those aged 20 to 64 who have not completed year 12 or equivalent and who are long-term unemployed.