Apply for Boarding Scholarships for Isolated Students

Introduction

Boarding Scholarships for Isolated Students (BSIS) provides financial support for eligible students boarding away from home or residential fees to access education.

Scholarships are available to students in Years 7 to 12 who need to board:

• to attend NSW government specialist high schools including agricultural boarding schools
• at a school term hostel in order to access a NSW government secondary school.

Note: Application closing dates change each year. You can check the application due date on the form.

Eligibility

The student must:

• live in rural NSW at an address that meets criteria for geographical isolation measured using the Accessibility Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA)
• be enrolled in a NSW government school Years 7 to 12
• have a primary carer that is a permanent resident of NSW
• meet family income threshold criteria stated on the form.

The student must also either:

• need to board at a school term hostel to access a NSW government secondary school
• have been accepted or be eligible for enrolment to attend and board at a: 
  • NSW government agricultural high school
  • specialist NSW government secondary school that conducts selection procedures.

Students cannot apply if they receive:

• Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC)
• ABSTUDY
• Youth Allowance from Centrelink.

What you need

• student's enrolment details
• family income and dependents information
• copies of tax assessment documents and/or Centrelink statements for the Adjusted family income calculation
• Accessibility Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA) information
• signature of the principal of the school the student will be attending
• bank account details for payment
• other supporting documents for special circumstances (where applicable).

How to apply

1. Check the eligibility requirements.
2. Download, print and complete the Boarding Scholarships for Isolated Students (BSIS) application form – PDF.
3. Submit your application and supporting documents by post or email, to the details on the form.
    

More information

• A limited number of scholarships are available each year. The process is competitive, and scholarships are given based on the greatest need.
• If family circumstances change from those given in the application, you will need to notify the Rural and Distance Education office within 14 days.