The Application Process

Because of the many different schemes on offer, and the objective of making the best possible selections for each, the application form is necessarily lengthy and requires substantial supporting documentation from applicants. It thus does not lend itself to lodgement electronically.

Essentially, AVCAT must have sufficient information, usually from an official source, to confirm:

1. The applicant's relationship to the veteran as a child, adopted child, step-child or foster child, or grandchild, and if a foster child or a stepchild, whether they have been supported by the veteran for five of the last ten years.
2. Where and when the veteran served and with which Australian service or unit.
3. That the residential, association membership or Aboriginal or Torres Straits Islander descent requirements of relevant schemes are met.
4. That the course planned is post-secondary at undergraduate level, at university of TAFE, full-time, of appropriate length and location.
5. The academic record of the applicant
6. That the means test requirements are met.

Also required is sufficient information, from independent sources, on the applicant and family's financial circumstances, to allow a sound assessment to be made of the applicant's need for financial assistance, relative to other applicants.

Applications are checked for completeness and eligibility, and those eligible are assessed against the means and merit criteria. Assessment is in a number of stages, involving different assessors at national and state level

After considering all eligible applications, our independent, honorary national selection committee decides on, or recommends to scheme sponsors as appropriate, a small panel from which to choose those who are to be given bursaries and scholarships administered by AVCAT.

Following completion of that process, usually about mid February, all applicants are advised of the results of their applications.

Offer and Acceptance
After selection there is an offer and acceptance process to confirm financial and planned study eligibility. Studies must start in the year of selection. Offers which cannot be, or are not, taken up in time, lapse. Each year reserves are selected as replacements.

Following completion of offer and acceptance steps, the target date for the first payment is 15 March.

Presentations
Presentation ceremonies are held by DVA in each state capital in the first half of each year, at which certificates of award are presented to those selected from that state or studying there.

The Hon Bruce Billson, MP, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, third from the right, with the those from or studying in NSW or ACT, selected for Long Tan Bursaries and other AVCAT grants, after he presented certificates to them in Sydney on 5 July 2006.

Click here for FAQs for applicants.