Applications for the 2025 NYSF Year 12 Program have closed.
Applications closed 9:00am AEST Monday 12 August 2024.
Find tips on applying and answers to common questions on the How to Apply page.
The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program gives students that are about to start Year 12 a broader understanding of study and career options available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
In January 2025, the NYSF Year 12 Program will run two summer sessions at:
- The Australian National University, Canberra (6 –14 January)
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane (15 – 23 January)
Staying on campus at university colleges, students are immersed in science and technology. Participants:
- participate in tours of science and technology facilities,
- learn about cutting-edge research,
- engage with industry partners and research providers,
- learn about university, training and STEM career pathways,
- mix with like-minded students their age from all over Australia,
- participate in social and team building activities, and
- network with former NYSF participants.
Delivered by youth for youth, alumni of the Program return each year to help deliver each session through the NYSF Student Staff Leadership Program.
Cost
The program fee for the NYSF Year 12 Program in 2025 is $2,990. There is a non-refundable $65 application fee.
Students will be invoiced for their program fee once they are selected and have accepted their place, however fees are not due until 15 October 2024.
The program fee covers all accommodation, meals, and activities while at the program. The fee does not cover travel to and from the program or travel insurance.
Funding assistance
As part of the application process, any students experiencing financial hardship or another disadvantage that negatively impacts their ability to attend the program may apply for an NYSF Access and Equity Scholarship. More information on Access & Equity Scholarships is available here. We also encourage students to seek financial support from NYSF’s founding partner, Rotary. Many Rotary Clubs are familiar with the NYSF and able to offer some level of funding or assist students to fundraise to attend. You can use the Rotary Club Finder to search for your local Club.
Further details on how to access funding assistance will be sent to all applicants at key stages of the application and selection process.
After January
As an alum of the NYSF, you join the NYSF Connect alumni community. Through our mailing list and social media groups you’ll receive invitations to exclusive webinars, opportunities to attend a range of events, and priority access to other NYSF programs, such as the National Youth STEM Summit for 18-25 year olds who have completed high school.
The value of a Rotary-supported place
Students are encouraged to approach Rotary Clubs after they have started their program application if they need funding support to attend the NYSF Year 12 Program.
While Rotary Clubs are not obligated to support students, NYSF Year 12 Participants that are funded by Rotary often retain contact with their supporting Rotary Club long-term and go on to further hone their leadership skills through a range of Rotary opportunities and youth programs.
In return for funding support, participants are often given the opportunity to report back to their supporting Rotary Club by giving a presentation on their NYSF experience or attending other Rotary events.
We encourage applicants to approach Rotary Clubs early and once they have started their program application for the best chance of securing funding. Often applicants can line up prospective funding support while waiting to hear if they have been selected.
You can use the Rotary Club Finder to search for your local Club (input your suburb into ‘Meeting Location’). NYSF will provide applicants and successful participants with further information about how to connect with Rotary via email.
We thank Rotary District Chairs and Rotary Clubs around Australia for the help they give NYSF in delivering many aspects of the program. Our collaboration with Rotary ensures the NYSF Year 12 Program is accessible to participants from many different backgrounds and from all over Australia.
How to apply
Find tips on applying and answers to common questions on the How to Apply page.