FAQs

We always welcome feedback! You can email us at [email protected] or use the feedback form on our Contact Us page.

If your circumstances change (e.g., you stop studying or caring), please let us know as soon as possible.

Yes, you’ll need to complete one survey in May to confirm your details and situation haven’t changed.

No, you don’t need to provide receipts. However, we do ask that you use the bursary for education-related expenses.

The bursary will be paid in two instalments in January and June 2026, directly into the bank account you provided in your application.

The second payment is conditional on completing the mid-year survey and meeting ongoing eligibility requirements.

You can use it for education-related expenses such as textbooks, a laptop, school uniforms, transport costs, or even to reduce your paid work hours so you can focus more on your studies.

First, check if it’s in their spam folder. If it’s not there, contact us and we’ll resend it.

During your application you nominate a parent or guardian and give us their email address, we’ll automatically email them a consent form. They can sign it electronically, making the process quick and easy.

If you’re under 18, yes. But we’ve made this process much easier!

If you’re not successful, we’ll let you know by email. You can apply again in the next round if you’re still eligible.

Free and practical support for carers is available via Carer Gateway.

If you’re successful, we’ll email you with further instructions. You’ll receive the bursary in two payments throughout the year, in January and June 2026.

We aim to notify all applicants of the outcome in mid to late December 2025.

You’ll receive an email confirmation once you’ve successfully submitted your application.

Don’t worry! You can save your progress and come back later to complete it. Just make sure you submit before the closing date.

Yes, you can ask a parent, guardian, teacher, or support worker to help you. Make sure you give us consent to speak to them about your application.

If someone is helping you complete your application, make sure the answers still reflect your voice.

On the login page, click on “Forgot Username/Password” and follow the prompts to reset your details.

Visit our application portal, create an account or re-use an existing account and follow the step-by-step guide.

You can provide your parent or guardian’s bank account details.

We’ve simplified the process, so you’ll need minimal documentation. The application system will guide you. The documents you need are:

• Your study details or an intent to study
• Proof of caring
• Proof of age and identity. You can provide one of these if you are 12-17. If you are 18-25, you must provide two:
  • Driver’s licence
  • Passport (Australian or overseas, with details in English)
  • Birth certificate
  • Proof of age card
  • Student ID with date of birth (this should only be provided if you are unable to provide any other proof of age and identity listed here. Carers Australia staff may contact you to be in touch to verify why this is the case if you choose to use this document).
• Proof of citizenship or permanent residency. You can provide one of these:
  • Birth certificate
  • Australian passport
  • Commonwealth health care card
  • Green Medicare card
  • Citizenship certificate
  • Residency certificate
  • Pension concession card
  • Permanent residency or humanitarian visa

Note: If one document covers both identity and citizenship (e.g. birth certificate or passport), you will need to upload it twice.

You’ll need:

• Your personal details
• Information about your caring role
• Details about your education
• Your bank account information (or your parent or guardian’s if you’re under 18)

Yes, you can apply each year, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

Yes, you can apply whether you’re studying full-time or part-time.

Yes, you can apply if you’ll be 12 when you start Year 7 in the year you’re applying for the bursary.

A young carer is someone aged 12 to 25 who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or who is elderly.

No, the Young Carer Bursary is not considered taxable income.

For 2026, we’re offering 1,600 bursaries.

Each bursary is worth $4,000 for the year and is paid in two instalments in January and June 2026.

The Young Carer Bursary is a financial support program for young people who provide care for a family member or friend. It’s designed to help you continue your education while managing your caring responsibilities.