Here's your guide to applying to the NYSF Year 12 Program!
Found this page without knowing what the NYSF Year 12 Program is all about? Head to the Information about the NYSF Year 12 Program page.
Check your eligibility
Do you love science, technology, engineering, mathematics or a related area? Do you have the drive to find solutions to problems and fix things?
Are you curious and constantly asking Why? How? Why not?
Would you like to know more about STEM-related study and career paths and meet other people your age who are also exploring their options?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you are encouraged to apply for the NYSF Year 12 Program.
To apply, you must be:
- in Year 11 at the time of application
- an Australian citizen or resident, and/or studying full-time in an Australian school
Selection to attend the NYSF Year 12 Program is not based solely on academic results and there are no limits on the number of students who can apply from one school or area of Australia.
We welcome applications from students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including:
- from remote or regional areas,
- living in out-of-home care,
- from a low socio-economic background,
- living with a disability or chronic illness,
- from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, and
- from any other backgrounds that might need support.
Diversity, access and inclusion are important to the NYSF. If you would like us to be aware of any special considerations in regards to your application or would like to request reasonable adjustments to support your application and please get in touch with nysf@nysf.edu.au for confidential support.
1. Start an online application
2. Complete all questions
Motivation & Interest- Why do you want to attend the NYSF Year 12 Program?
Academic Record - Please comment on your recent academic results - what subjects you are taking, your usual grades, and whether there are any extenuating circumstances which we should be mindful of when interpreting your school reports. Please note that NYSF encourages a broad range of participants from diverse academic backgrounds.
Your Future Plans - What are your plans for after year 12? Do you plan to undertake further education or training straight away, take a gap year, work, or do something else? If you are thinking about further studies and training in the future, what do you think you might pursue? What career/job do you think you are interested in? If you’re not sure about your future plans at this point, that’s okay! Just write about your current intentions.
Extracurricular Activities - Please outline any extracurricular activities you participate in outside of school. If you work or have other commitments that limit your ability to participate in extracurricular activities, such as caring responsibilities, please comment on them here.
Value of Attendance - What do you think you will get out of attending the program, and what do you think you can add to the program experience for other participants?
School Report - Please upload a copy of your most recent school report. If you have not yet received a school report in Year 11, please upload your most recent Year 10 report. Do not wait until you have received a Year 11 report to submit your application.
Your STEM Field Preferences - This information is used for statistical purposes and to guide our overall programming. Please note that you will not be placed into a group based on this information, and all participants will attend visits across all fields of STEM.
Session Preference - Please advise which session you would prefer to attend, or if you do not have a preference. Please note that we endeavour to offer all successful students a place in their preferred session, however due to capacity constraints, this is not always possible. Please remember that it is the participant’s responsibility to arrange their own travel to and from the program.
3. Apply for an NYSF Access and Equity Scholarship
NYSF Access and Equity Scholarships are generously funded by NYSF Partners and individuals from the NYSF community to support those whose circumstance adversely affects their ability to attend the NYSF Year 12 Program without financial support.
Scholarship applications are assessed on whether participants meet the following criteria:
- from remote or regional areas,
- from a low socio-economic background,
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander,
- from any other backgrounds/circumstances that might need support.
Find out more information on the NYSF Access and Equity Scholarships.
4. Pay the application fee and submit
There is a non-refundable $70 application fee. Once you have paid your application fee and submitted your application form, you will receive a confirmation email from the NYSF.
5. Your application is in review
After submission, all applications will be reviewed by the NYSF Selection Panel.
You will be advised of the outcome of your application by mid-August.
Diversity, access and inclusion are important to the NYSF. If you would like us to be aware of any special considerations or you would like to request reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process, please get in touch with nysf@nysf.edu.au for confidential support.
5. If successful, pay the program fee
The program fee for the 2026 NYSF Year 12 Program in $3,065. Students will be invoiced for their program fee once they have accepted their place, however fees are not due until 15 October 2025.
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. 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.
Further details on how to access funding assistance will be sent to all applicants at key stages of the application and selection process.
Read more about what to expect at the 2026 NYSF Year 12 Program.