This scholarship is different from every other program in our scholarships directory. It isn't for descendants. It isn't for children or grandchildren. It's for veterans and their partners directly - people who served, or whose partner served, and who are now looking to transition into tertiary education.
We have included it in this guide for a practical reason. Families searching for descendant scholarships often discover that the veteran in their family - a parent, a spouse - may also be eligible for education support themselves. If you're researching scholarships for your children and you're a veteran or the partner of a veteran, this program may be relevant to you personally.
What the RSL NSW Veteran and Partner Scholarship is
The RSL NSW Veteran and Partner Scholarship provides a pathway into tertiary education through Australian Catholic University (ACU). It has two components:
1. Two-week transitional program
Before starting a degree, scholarship recipients complete a two-week transitional program. This is designed to bridge the gap between military or civilian work life and the university environment.
The transitional program covers the practical and academic skills needed to succeed at university - study techniques, academic writing, research methods, campus orientation, and building confidence in a tertiary setting. For someone who has spent years in the Defence Force or supporting a partner through military life, the shift to university can be significant. This program is designed to make that transition smoother.
2. Chosen degree at Australian Catholic University
After completing the transitional program, recipients continue into their chosen degree at ACU. The scholarship supports the first year of tertiary study.
ACU has campuses in Sydney (North Sydney and Strathfield), Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Ballarat, and Adelaide. The university offers degrees across arts, business, education, health sciences, law, and theology.
Who can apply
Current and former Defence members
If you're currently serving or have previously served in the Australian Defence Force, you're eligible to apply. There's no minimum service period specified. There's no requirement for operational service.
Partners of Defence members
If your partner is currently serving or has previously served in the ADF, you're eligible. This recognises that military service affects the entire family unit, and that partners often put their own education and career goals on hold to support the serving member.
Not for descendants
This scholarship isn't available to children or grandchildren of veterans. If you're a descendant looking for education funding, see our guides to the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund, AVCAT Sponsored Scholarships, or our complete application guide.
How to apply
Application timing
The RSL NSW Veteran and Partner Scholarship doesn't have a fixed national application window like AVCAT (August to October) or the GSF (January to February). Contact RSL NSW directly for current application details and intake dates.
Where to apply
Contact RSL NSW through their education and training assistance page at rslnsw.org.au.
What you'll need
While the specific requirements should be confirmed directly with RSL NSW, you can expect to provide:
- Proof of ADF service (for veterans) or proof of partner's service (for partners). Service records, discharge papers, or a Defence ID can serve this purpose.
- Academic records - previous education history.
- Personal statement - your goals for tertiary study and how the scholarship would support your transition.
- ACU application - you'll need to apply to Australian Catholic University for your chosen degree as part of the process.
How this scholarship fits the broader landscape
The RSL NSW Veteran and Partner Scholarship fills a specific gap. Most programs in the veteran education space focus on descendants - children and grandchildren. This one focuses on the veteran and their partner.
Here's where it sits alongside the other programs:
| Program | Who it's for | Descendant eligible? | Veteran/partner eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSL NSW Veteran and Partner | Veterans and their partners | No | Yes |
| Gallipoli Scholarship Fund | Descendants of veterans | Yes | No |
| AVCAT Sponsored Scholarships | Descendants of veterans | Yes | No |
| AVCAT Long Tan Bursaries | Descendants of Vietnam veterans | Yes | No |
| Legacy Education Support | Families of veterans who died/were injured | Yes (and veteran families directly) | Partial |
| DVA VCES/MRCAETS | Children of veterans who died/were severely injured | Yes | No |
If you're a veteran with children, your family may be eligible across multiple programs simultaneously. You could apply for this scholarship for yourself while your children apply to AVCAT and the GSF. The programs are independent.
The transition challenge
The value of this scholarship extends beyond the financial. The two-week transitional program addresses a real challenge.
Veterans leaving the ADF often face a difficult adjustment. Military life is structured, hierarchical, and mission-focused. University is self-directed, decentralised, and open-ended. The skills that made someone effective in Defence - discipline, teamwork, problem-solving under pressure - are valuable in higher education. The challenge is learning to apply them in a completely different environment.
Partners face their own version of this. Many have spent years managing relocations, raising children through deployments, and building careers around the unpredictable demands of military life. Returning to formal education after years away - or starting it for the first time - can feel daunting.
The transitional program is designed to bridge both of these gaps. Two weeks of structured preparation before the degree begins builds confidence and practical skills for the academic environment ahead.
Other veteran education pathways
If you're a veteran or partner considering education, the RSL NSW program isn't the only option. Other pathways worth exploring include:
DVA rehabilitation and transition programs. DVA provides support for transitioning ADF members, including education and training assistance. Contact DVA at 1800 555 254 or visit dva.gov.au.
University veteran support programs. Several Australian universities have dedicated support services for veterans and Defence families. Check with the university you're interested in.
Defence transition support. The ADF Transition Support Service provides information and referral services for members leaving the Defence Force, including education pathways.
Certa Cito Foundation. The Certa Cito Foundation (linked to the Royal Australian Corps of Signals) funds a scholarship through AVCAT that's available to veterans as well as descendants.
Next steps
- Contact RSL NSW at rslnsw.org.au/find-help/education-and-training-assistance for current application details
- Research degree options at Australian Catholic University
- If you also have children who are descendants of a veteran, explore the full scholarships directory for their options
- For the complete guide to all veteran family education funding, see our application guide
Data sourced from RSL NSW. Last verified 8 June 2026. Contact RSL NSW directly at rslnsw.org.au for current program details, intake dates, and application requirements.