The Michael Schmaedicke Scholarship
The Michael Schmaedicke Scholarship exists to help young people from single-parent households access tertiary education by removing the financial and practical barriers that can prevent them from reaching their potential.
Established through a generous bequest from the late Mr Michael Schmaedicke, the scholarship reflects Youth Off The Streets’ fundamental belief: when young people are supported with the right resources, relationships and opportunities, they can build positive futures for themselves and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Applications open: 30 July 2026
Applications close: 31 August 2026
What does the scholarship offer each recipient?
- Financial support of up to $30,000 towards tuition fees, related education and essential living costs, staged over the duration of formal tertiary study for a maximum of three years
- Access to an optional mentoring program which partners recipients with professionals from various sectors
- Access to wraparound support from Youth Off The Streets, helping to plan each recipient’s educational journey through regular check-ins
Who is eligible to apply for the Michael Schmaedicke Scholarship?
Applicants for the scholarship must:
- be aged 21 years or under at the time of application
- come from a single-parent household
- have a defined tertiary education goal or be enrolled in tertiary education
- demonstrate potential to benefit from the scholarship and progress toward their education goal
Applicants don’t need to be enrolled in tertiary studies at the time of their application. However, they must demonstrate clear intent and have a realistic pathway planned to pursue tertiary education.
Applications for this scholarship are expected to be highly competitive and meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection.
What is the application process?
- Complete the online application form
Prepare written responses to the selection criteria. - Provide supporting documentation
While completing the form, provide the required identification, referee reports and any other supporting evidence that is requested. - Propose how the scholarship funds may be used
Outline plans to use the scholarship in support of tertiary education goals. - Attend an online interview
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to participate in an online with Youth Off The Streets staff. - Await assessment and moderation by the selection committee
Applications are reviewed and assessed against the scholarship criteria by the selection committee. - Receive final approval and scholarship offer
Successful applicants will receive a formal scholarship offer and information about the next steps.
Scholarship funding will only be made available to the applicant once their enrolment in an approved tertiary pathway has been confirmed.
Before you get started on your application, read the following documents:
Application guidelines and conditions
How to prepare your scholarship application
Youth Off The Streets privacy policy
How is the Michael Schmaedicke Scholarship different from the National Scholarship Program?
While both scholarship programs are operated by Youth Off The Streets, the Michael Schmaedicke Scholarship is independent from the National Scholarship Program, with different eligibility criteria and separate funding from the estate of Michael Schmaedicke.
Key differences:
- The Michael Schmaedicke Scholarship is funded separately through a specific one-off bequest with a defined purpose
- It is specifically dedicated to young people from single-parent households.
- It only supports young people pursuing tertiary education
- It provides funding up to $30,000 over three years (depending on the recipient’s duration of study)
Information for scholarship applicants
Eligibility criteria
- be 21 years of age or under at the time of application
- come from a single-parent household
- have a defined tertiary education goal or be enrolled in tertiary education
- demonstrate potential to benefit from the scholarship and progress toward your education goal
You don’t need to be enrolled in a tertiary course when you apply for the scholarship. However, you need to show clear intent to pursue higher education and have a realistic pathway planned to get there.
For the purpose of this scholarship, you may be considered to come from a single-parent household if you have:
- spent most of your time in a household with only one parent regularly involved in your life and upbringing; or
- been impacted by the loss, absence, separation, family breakdown or non-involvement of a parent; or
- one parent who has carried the main financial, emotional or practical responsibility for your care, wellbeing, education and day-to-day support
Applicants may be:
- current or former students from a Youth Off The Streets school
- young people supported through other Youth Off The Streets services
- external applicants who meet the scholarship purpose and eligibility criteria
Completing the application form
As the young person pursuing the scholarship, you must complete the application process yourself. However, you’re able to ask for help from a trusted adult.
Before starting the application form:
- Ensure you have read and understood the scholarship guidelines and conditions.
- Download and read how to prepare your scholarship application.
This will help you prepare your responses and gather the required documents, as the application form can’t be saved and completed later. - Identify a trusted adult to act as your support person.
- Identify 1–2 trusted adults to act as referees.
While completing the application form:
- Upload all required identification and supporting documents.
- Answer the questions in as much detail as possible. The selection committee will want to understand:
- your tertiary education or training goals
- your need for financial assistance
- how the scholarship will support your future pathway
Check that you have completed all fields marked with a red asterisk (*). You won’t be able to submit the application until you have completed all the mandatory fields.
Documents you'll need to provide
You’ll need copies of the following documents to upload while you complete the application form:
- A photo ID such as driver’s licence, passport or student ID.
- Proof of your Australian citizenship or permanent residency such as an Australian birth certificate, Australian citizenship certifiate, Australian passport, foreign passport or ImmiCard linked to visa.
- Your latest academic transcript or report from your most recent education institution.
Identifying a support person
You’ll need to nominate a trusted adult who can communicate with Youth Off The Streets on your behalf in case you can’t be contacted during the application process, as well as to consult on your progress if you’re selected for a scholarship.
Your support person may be a parent, guardian, case worker, teacher, coach or other support worker.
The application form will ask you to provide their contact details.
Referees for your application
While completing the application, you’ll nominate 1–2 referees to support your application. They must:
- be a trusted adult you know (such as a teacher, youth worker or coach)
- not be related to you
- not be the same person as your nominated support person
Your referee(s) will need to write and sign a letter of recommendation that:
- confirms the personal circumstances you have described in your application
- explains how your educational skills, abilities and achievements make you a suitable candidate for this scholarship
You will be able to upload the letter while you complete the application form.
You will also need to provide contact details for each referee, because Youth Off The Streets may get in touch with them for further reference checks if you advance to the next stage of the application process.
Want to learn more?
For more details and guidance on the application process, please contact:
Jude Lopez
Education Scholarships & Mentoring Lead