About the program
Young Carer Bursary Program (YCBP) assists young carers aged 12 to 25 continue their education. It provides financial assistance to reduce their need to undertake part-time work while studying and managing caring responsibilities.
Each bursary is valued at $4,000. Bursaries are awarded to eligible young carers in the greatest need who apply during the advertised application periods.
Carers Australia has delivered YCBP since its commencement in 2014.
In 2025 the Australian Government provided a $19.8 million boost to YCBP over 2 years and extended YCBP to June 2027. The bursary amount was lifted to $4,000 with 1,600 bursaries available each year. This increase in funding also allowed for a one-off increase to the number of bursaries in 2025 to meet additional demand.
Learn more or apply for a Young Carer Bursary on the Young Carers Network website.
Young Carer Bursary Program evaluations
2025 evaluation
We commissioned University of New South Wales Social Policy Research Centre to conduct an independent evaluation of YCBP and other programs supporting carers. The evaluation ran from November 2022 to July 2024.
The evaluation found that:
- YCBP works well and meets the needs of young carers.
- Young carers value the program and say it has made a positive difference in their lives.
- Young carers felt that YCBP helped with finances, education, health, wellbeing and staying socially connected.
- The flexibility of funding allows young carers to spend the money in the way that works best for them.
ICSS Evaluation: Young Carer Bursary Program and Young Carer Network Participant Results Summary
Impact Evaluation of the Young Carer Bursary Program and Young Carer Network: Final Report
2017 evaluation
Inside Policy was commissioned to conduct an independent evaluation of YCBP. The evaluation was conducted in 2016 and findings were published in 2017.
An evaluation of the Young Carer Bursary Program – Summary report
