When most people think of the RSL, they think of ANZAC Day marches, memorial services, and the local club on the corner. What most don't realise is that RSL branches and ex-service organisations across Australia are quietly funding university and TAFE scholarships for the children and grandchildren of veterans - and they're doing it through a single application system that most families have never heard of.
Twenty-four RSL branches, TPI associations, Vietnam Veterans' groups, War Widows guilds, and specialist veteran organisations fund scholarships through AVCAT (the Australian Veterans' Children Assistance Trust). Each is worth $4,000 to $6,000 per year for up to three years. All are accessed through one form.
This guide profiles every ESO and RSL sponsor in the AVCAT network as of June 2026.
How it works
All 24 ESO/RSL scholarships in this directory are administered through AVCAT. You don't apply to individual sponsors. You submit one AVCAT application, and AVCAT automatically considers you for every scholarship that matches your eligibility - including all the ESO/RSL sponsors listed here, all the corporate sponsors, and the Long Tan Bursaries if you're a Vietnam veteran descendant.
For the full breakdown of how the AVCAT single-form system works, eligibility criteria, and application tips, see our AVCAT Sponsored Scholarships complete guide.
Application window: 18 August to 31 October each year Apply at: avcat.org.au/scholarships
RSL branch scholarships
RSL branches are the largest group of ESO sponsors in the AVCAT network. They range from the national peak body down to individual sub-branches in suburban Sydney.
RSL Australia
Scope: National Value: $5,000 per year for up to 3 years (total $15,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of veterans in necessitous circumstances
This is the national RSL's scholarship. At $5,000 per year with a fixed amount (rather than the $4,000-$6,000 range most sponsors use), it provides predictable funding. Open to descendants of veterans from any conflict, anywhere in Australia.
RSL Queensland
Scope: Queensland Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ADF members, Queensland-based
RSL Queensland funds multiple scholarships per year, making it one of the more accessible state-level sponsors. If you're based in Queensland, you're in contention for both this scholarship and the national RSL Australia scholarship through the same application.
RSL Victoria
Scope: Victoria Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans, Victoria-based
RSL Chatswood Sub-Branch
Scope: NSW Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans, NSW-based
RSL Blacktown City Sub-Branch
Scope: NSW Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans, NSW-based
New sponsor for 2026. New sponsors can sometimes mean less competition in the first year as awareness builds.
RSL Joondalup City Sub-Branch
Scope: Western Australia Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans, WA-based
This is currently the only WA-specific RSL sub-branch sponsor in the AVCAT network. WA-based applicants are also eligible for all national sponsors.
RSL Nowra Sub-Branch
Scope: NSW Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans, NSW-based
Nowra is home to HMAS Albatross, the Royal Australian Navy's primary aviation base. The Nowra RSL's involvement in AVCAT reflects the area's deep connection to military service.
RSL Rooty Hill Sub-Branch
Scope: NSW Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans, NSW-based
TPI association scholarships
TPI stands for Totally and Permanently Incapacitated. TPI associations represent veterans who have been assessed as unable to work due to service-related injuries or conditions. Three state TPI associations fund scholarships through AVCAT.
TPI NSW
Scope: NSW Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of Totally and Permanently Incapacitated veterans, NSW-based
TPI SA
Scope: South Australia Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of Totally and Permanently Incapacitated veterans, SA-based
TPI QLD
Scope: Queensland Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of Totally and Permanently Incapacitated veterans, QLD-based
A note on TPI scholarships: If your veteran parent or grandparent has been classified as TPI, you may also be eligible for DVA education schemes (VCES/MRCAETS), which provide separate, government-funded education support. These programs can stack with AVCAT scholarships.
Vietnam Veterans' association scholarships
Three Vietnam Veterans' associations fund scholarships through AVCAT. These organisations were founded by and for veterans who served in Vietnam, and their scholarships are part of their commitment to supporting the next generation.
VVPPAA (Vietnam Veterans Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Association of Australia)
Scope: NSW (Granville-based) Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans, NSW-based
VVAA Far North Coast
Scope: NSW (Far North Coast region) Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans, NSW Far North Coast
The Vietnam Veterans' Association of Australia, Far North Coast branch. If you're from the Lismore, Byron Bay, Tweed Heads, or surrounding areas, this sponsor is targeted at your region.
VVAA Victorian Branch
Scope: Victoria Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans, Victoria-based
The Vietnam Veterans' Association of Australia, Victorian branch.
Important note: While these scholarships are funded by Vietnam Veterans' associations, the AVCAT Sponsored Scholarships program is open to descendants of all ex-serving veterans - not just Vietnam. These sponsors fund the scholarships, and AVCAT determines eligibility. If you're a Vietnam veteran descendant specifically, you should also look at the AVCAT Long Tan Bursaries, which are a separate, DVA-funded program.
War Widows guild scholarships
War Widows guilds provide support and advocacy for the partners of deceased veterans. Two state guilds fund scholarships through AVCAT.
Australian War Widows QLD
Scope: Queensland Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans, QLD-based
Australian War Widows SA
Scope: South Australia Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans, SA-based
National specialist organisations
These organisations operate nationally and support the broader veteran community. Their scholarships are open to applicants from any state.
Legacy Australia (via AVCAT)
Scope: National Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans in necessitous circumstances
This is Legacy's scholarship through AVCAT - separate from Legacy's own direct education support program. Legacy operates two pathways for education funding:
- This AVCAT-sponsored scholarship (applied for through the AVCAT form)
- Legacy's own direct program, which covers tertiary scholarships, VET scholarships, school costs, uniforms, laptops, and mentorship - see our Legacy Australia Education Support guide
If you're eligible, you could potentially be considered for both.
Families of Veterans Guild
Scope: National Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans
New sponsor in the AVCAT network.
DFWA (Defence Force Welfare Association)
Scope: National Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans
The DFWA is an independent advocacy organisation for serving and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families.
Commando Welfare Trust
Scope: National Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans, special forces community
The Commando Welfare Trust supports the special forces community. While the AVCAT application is open to all eligible veteran descendants, this sponsor's connection to the special forces community is worth noting in your application if your veteran ancestor served in a commando, SAS, or special operations unit.
Bravery Trust
Scope: National Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans
Bravery Trust provides financial assistance to current and former ADF members and their families.
VESPIIA
Scope: National Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans
Ad Astra Foundation
Scope: National Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans
The Ad Astra Foundation is linked to the Royal Australian Air Force. "Ad Astra" (To the Stars) is part of the RAAF motto. If your veteran ancestor served in the RAAF, this connection may be relevant to your application. A decoded service record will clearly show which branch of the ADF the veteran served in.
Certa Cito Foundation
Scope: National Value: $4,000-$6,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $18,000) Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of ex-serving veterans
The Certa Cito Foundation is linked to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals. "Certa Cito" (Swift and Sure) is the Corps of Signals motto. The foundation also offers a veteran scholarship (not just for descendants). If your ancestor served in Signals, flag this in your application.
Your state at a glance
Here's a quick count of state-specific ESO/RSL sponsors in the AVCAT network, plus the national sponsors available to everyone.
| State | State-specific sponsors | Plus national sponsors |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 9 (RSL Chatswood, Blacktown, Nowra, Rooty Hill, TPI NSW, VVPPAA, VVAA FNC, plus general NSW eligibility) | 10 |
| QLD | 3 (RSL Queensland, TPI QLD, War Widows QLD) | 10 |
| VIC | 2 (RSL Victoria, VVAA Victorian) | 10 |
| SA | 2 (TPI SA, War Widows SA) | 10 |
| WA | 1 (RSL Joondalup) | 10 |
| TAS | 0 | 10 |
| NT | 0 | 10 |
| ACT | 0 | 10 |
NSW has the most concentrated coverage, with nine state-specific sponsors. If you're in a state with fewer local sponsors, the ten national organisations ensure you still have substantial access.
For states with no specific ESO/RSL sponsors (TAS, NT, ACT), note that corporate sponsors add further options - including TNN Hobart for Tasmanian applicants.
New sponsors for 2026
Two ESO/RSL organisations joined the AVCAT network in 2026:
- RSL Blacktown City Sub-Branch (NSW)
- Families of Veterans Guild (National)
New sponsors typically mean less competition in the first year. If you're NSW-based, the addition of RSL Blacktown is another opportunity in an already well-covered state.
How to maximise your chances
You don't need to know which specific sponsor you want. AVCAT handles the matching. What you can do is ensure your application contains the detail that helps AVCAT match you accurately.
State your location clearly. Your home address and study institution address determine which state-specific sponsors you're eligible for.
Name the veteran's service branch. If your ancestor served in the RAAF, Signals, or special operations, mention it. Sponsors like Ad Astra Foundation, Certa Cito Foundation, and Commando Welfare Trust have branch-specific connections.
Provide clear proof of service. A decoded service record from Decode My Digger costs $59 and translates the veteran's military record into plain language - including service branch, units, ranks, and deployment history. This gives AVCAT clear evidence for matching you to the right sponsors.
Next steps
- Check the state-by-state table to see how many sponsors cover your area
- Read the AVCAT Sponsored Scholarships complete guide for full eligibility and application details
- Also check the corporate sponsors directory for additional options
- Get your service records decoded for clear proof of service branch and history
- Apply at avcat.org.au/scholarships when applications open on 18 August
For the full picture of every scholarship available to veteran descendants, see our complete application guide and searchable scholarships database.
Data sourced from AVCAT. Last verified 8 June 2026. The sponsor directory changes from year to year. Verify the current list at avcat.org.au/sponsors before applying.