AQ Foundation Bursary Program for AQ School Students
1 Sep 2025
The AQ Foundation Bursary Program aims to support students whose families are experiencing financial hardship, where school fees may otherwise be a barrier to enrolling or remaining enrolled at Autism Queensland School.
This limited funding pool is designed to provide partial assistance with tuition fees for Prep to Year 12 students across all AQ School campuses, including Distance Education. A financial contribution to school fees will be required.
Please note: This is a new initiative and funding is limited. We expect to receive more applications than we can support. In 2025, partial bursaries of up to $3,000 will be awarded.
Key Dates – 2025 Application Round
| Date | Activity |
| Monday 1 September | Applications open |
| Monday 29 September | Applications close |
| Early November | Notification of outcomes (via email) |
About the Bursary
The bursary may:
- Cover part of AQ School tuition fees for one school term or the full school year.
- Be awarded to current or prospective students (an offer of enrolment is required).
- Only be awarded once per student per school year.
It does not cover:
- Transport, uniforms, enrolment deposits, or school supplies.
- Therapy, assessments, or other non-tuition services.
Eligibility Criteria
You may apply if:
- Your child has a formal autism diagnosis (DSM-V) confirmed by a Paediatrician, Psychiatrist, Neurologist or Clinical Psychologist.
- Your child is currently enrolled or has an offer of enrolment from AQ School (any campus or Distance Education).
- You are a Queensland resident.
- Your family is experiencing financial hardship.
Priority may be given to:
- Applicants in regional or remote areas of Queensland (ASGS remoteness scale).
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
- Families without stable housing.
Supporting Documents Checklist
You’ll need to submit:
- Autism diagnosis report (signed and dated).
- Health Care Card or Centrelink documentation (if applicable).
- Payslips, bank statements (past 90 days), latest tax return.
- Personal statement explaining your situation.
- Housing status information.
- (Optional) Letter of support from a teacher, community leader, or service provider.
Expectations of Bursary Recipients
Bursary recipients are expected to:
- Attend school regularly.
- Maintain engagement with the AQ School team.
- Work in partnership with staff to support the student’s learning.
Bursary support may be withdrawn if these expectations are not met.
How to Apply
- Confirm you meet eligibility criteria.
- Complete the application form: Include required documentation, evidence, and personal statement.
- Submit before the deadline: Applications close Monday 29 September 2025.
Additional Information
Before submitting your application, please ensure you meet eligibility requirements, have appropriate documentation, and have read the AQ Foundation Bursary Guidelines (button below).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can also be found further below.
If you have any further questions, please email the AQ Foundation at: [email protected]
For those wanting to support the AQ Foundation Bursary Program, donations are welcome at the button below.
What Happens Next?
- You’ll receive an auto email confirmation once your application is submitted.
- Your application will be reviewed by the AQ Foundation Bursary Sub-Committee.
- All applicants will be notified of the outcome by the second week of November 2025.
- Applicants may resubmit for future consideration if not funded in this round.
- All decisions are final, and no discussions will be entered into.
- Names of bursary recipients will remain confidential, though we may publish the number and total value of bursaries distributed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the AQ Foundation Bursary Program
The AQ Foundation Bursary Program provides partial financial assistance with tuition fees for eligible students whose families are experiencing financial hardship. It aims to make Autism Queensland School more accessible for children who could not otherwise afford it.
How much funding is available?
In 2025, partial bursaries of up to $3,000 will be awarded. This may contribute towards tuition fees for the full 2026 school year, depending on available funds, applicant numbers, and eligibility.
If I receive a bursary, will I still have to pay school fees?
Yes. The bursary only covers part of the tuition fees. Families are expected to pay the remaining tuition amount each term.
Who can apply?
You can apply if:
- Your child has a formal diagnosis of autism (DSM-5) confirmed by a Paediatrician, Psychiatrist, Neurologist, or Clinical Psychologist.
- Your child is currently enrolled or has an offer of enrolment from any AQ School campus, including Distance Education.
- You are a Queensland resident.
- Your family is experiencing financial hardship (see Question 5).
Priority may be given to culturally disadvantaged students, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, students in regional/remote areas, or those without stable housing.
What is “evidence of financial hardship”?
You must provide at least one of the following:
- Proof of means tested government benefits (e.g., Health Care Card in parents’ name).
- Evidence of below-average household income (recent payslips, bank statements, Services Australia statement of income, latest tax return).
- Documentation of unforeseen/exceptional expenses (e.g., medical bills, job loss).
- Housing status information (unstable housing or at risk of homelessness).
What if I do not have evidence of financial hardship?
Unfortunately, without documentation showing financial hardship, your application will be deemed ineligible. You may reapply if your circumstances change and you can provide the required evidence.
What does the bursary NOT cover?
Bursary funds cannot be used for:
- Transport to/from school
- Uniforms or school supplies
- Enrolment deposits
- Therapy, assessments, or other non-tuition services.
How many times can I receive the bursary?
Each student can receive bursary support once per school year. You may reapply in future years.
When will I know if my application is successful?
All applicants will be notified by early November 2025. You will receive an automatic email confirming your application has been received and a follow-up notification after the AQ Foundation has assessed all applications.
How are applications assessed?
The AQ Foundation Bursary Sub-Committee reviews applications against the eligibility criteria, available funds, and priority categories. All decisions are final.
Is my application information confidential?
Yes. All personal information is stored securely in accordance with AQ’s Privacy Policy and is only accessed by Foundation members involved in processing your application.
If you have any further questions, please email the AQ Foundation at: [email protected]
