Further Education Bursary

As of Tuesday, July 1, 2025, applications are now open for Vision Australia’s Further Education Bursary 2026.

What is the Further Education Bursary program?

Each year, Vision Australia awards Further Education Bursaries to a select number of students who are blind or have low vision.

The bursaries provide adaptive technology to help students fully participate and succeed in their chosen studies. Assistive technology can eliminate barriers to education and enhance access to information. It enables students to read course material, conduct research and improve their student life.

Since the inception of the bursary scheme in 1996, more than 530 students have been supported in their further education journey. Meet the 2025 and prior years' recipients.

Eligibility criteria

Students of any age can apply for a Vision Australia Further Education Bursary.

Applicants must:

• Be blind or have low vision that is not correctable by spectacles, contact lenses or other standard medical treatments.
• Be, or become, a client of Vision Australia.
• Have a current (within the last 12 months) eye report on file with Vision Australia.
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Be living in or moving to Australia.
• Be enrolling to study at an institution in Australia.
• Be enrolling to study in at least Certificate IV or higher accredited courses, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees (not a Foundation or Enabling course) at the start of the year, or be already enrolled in such a course. The course must have a minimum 12 months remaining from January 2026 for those already enrolled.
• Be willing to be involved in publicity events and provide feedback and updates on their academic progress.

Selection criteria

The Bursary Committee will take the following criteria into consideration when making their selection, so applicants are advised to address these factors in their application:

Vision history

• Vision loss or deterioration as it relates to your work or educational history.

Future goals

• Reasoning behind your course selection.
• Career prospects upon completion of your course.

Potential for success in chosen courses

• Level of achievement demonstrated in your previous results.
• Work experience.
• Academic awards, prizes or acknowledgement.
• Ability to successfully complete your course.

Extracurricular activities

• Community service.
• Volunteer work.
• Raising a family.
• Music involvements.
• Languages.
• Sporting or other achievements.

Demonstrated need for the equipment

• What, if any, adaptive technology have you used in the past?
• What, if any, accommodations have you received (for example, alternative format text)?
• Justification of the need for any additional equipment beyond your current equipment.
• Implications of not having the equipment.
• Justification of the types of equipment and the benefits.

How to apply

• Read the Vision Australia Further Education Bursary Information 2026.
• Contact bursary staff member Joy King no later than Monday, September 15, 2025, to screen for eligibility and arrange an adaptive technology assessment (no other assessments will be accepted for bursary applications).
• Fill out the 2026 Bursary Application Form and provide supporting documents.
• Sign and submit the Bursary Declaration 2026.
• Submit your application before the deadline, Tuesday, September 30, 2025.