Additional Information

Specialist NSW Government Secondary Schools

For the purposes of this scholarship scheme, a specialist NSW government secondary school is a government secondary school that conducts separate selection procedures, such as selective high schools, performing arts high schools and sports high schools. If you are seeking enrolment for the first time at a specialist NSW government secondary school, we suggest you contact the school to obtain details of their placement criteria and any special entry requirements.

Boarding

For the purposes of this scholarship scheme, ‘boarding’ or ‘board’ refers to a residential arrangement specifically entered to allow a student to attend the nominated school on a full-time basis during the normal school year.

Renewal of existing applications

Where there is no change to any of the circumstances given in the original application, there is no need for the family to renew the application, unless specifically requested to do so by the Department of Education. Family income will be reviewed when the student enters Year 9 and again in Year 11.

The Rural and Distance Education office in Bathurst must be notified within 14 days of any changes in family circumstances from those given in this application. Failure to do this may cause the cancellation of the allowance. Notification should be in writing. If a scholarship is withdrawn because of a change in family circumstances, a pro rata arrangement will be used to determine the value of the scholarship paid.

Other schemes providing financial assistance for boarding students

There are two government schemes that provide financial assistance to students living away from home to attend secondary school.

Secondary Students Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA)

In 2026 the allowance is $2,580 per annum with an additional $593 for Year 11-12 students if they are geographically isolated.

This allowance is subject to an income test. The Adjusted Family Taxable Income for the year ending 30 June 2025 must not exceed $84,456 to be eligible. Students who qualify for the Boarding Scholarship for Isolated Students may also be eligible for the Living Away from Home Allowance if their Adjusted Family Income is below the cut-off point and they meet distance or other conditions.

Enquiries may be directed to: Rural and Distance Education PO Box 717 BATHURST NSW 2795 Ph: 02 6334 8070 Email: rde@det.nsw.edu.au

Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme (AIC)

AIC is a Commonwealth government scheme administered by Centrelink that targets students who are geographically isolated and who do not have reasonable daily access to an appropriate government school. Information regarding this scheme may be obtained by calling Centrelink on 13 2318. In addition, students may be able to obtain assistance from Youth Allowance call 13 2490 or ABSTUDY call 13 2317, both of which are administered by the Commonwealth. Boarding Scholarships for Isolated Students can be granted alongside the Living Away from Home Allowance. However, students eligible for the Commonwealth assistance scheme (AIC) cannot receive BSIS but may still qualify to receive LAFHA.

Application for a Boarding Scholarship for Isolated Students (BSIS)

Hurlstone Agricultural High School