Applications for the Graduate Certificate in Child Protection Scholarships are closed.
Applications closed Monday 16 March 2026 at 4.00pm.
About
The scholarships were open for eligible Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation employees. Participants study a Graduate Certificate in Child Protection at La Trobe University.
The Graduate Certificate takes place from Monday 13 July to Sunday 25 October 2026.
Employees taking part in the program will get:
- a fully subsidised place in the Graduate Certificate in Child Protection course at La Trobe University
- networking opportunities with other participating Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation employees.
Organisations will get:
- access to a new professional development pathway for eligible employees to develop new or existing skills
- $6,000 in funding for each participating employee to support the costs of study. This can be used to cover support costs like travel and accommodation to attend the face-to-face component of the Graduate Certificate. The funding could also be used to help cover backfill costs while the employee is completing their study. This will be paid directly to participating Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in June 2026 through an updated service agreement.
The scholarships were open to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation employees wanting to develop new or extend existing child welfare and protection skills.
Applicants must have successfully completed:
- a Diploma of Community Services (or equivalent) and have at least 3 years’ full time professional experience in the related community services fields. For example, youth work, child protection or family violence.
Or
- an Australian bachelor’s degree in social welfare or related field (or equivalent).
Students learn the key theories, information and skills needed to work in the statutory system that supports at-risk children and young people.
Most of the course is delivered online. The first 3 units are fully online. The final and fourth unit is a mix of online and in-person learning. This includes 5 days at the La Trobe University Bundoora Campus for face-to-face classes and skills assessment. It also gives students from different organisations the opportunity to meet in person and network.
Students continue to work while studying. They attend classes 2 days a week.
- Friday 13 February 2026: applications opened
- Monday 16 March 2026 at 4 pm: applications closed
- Week commencing Monday 13 April 2026: applicants notified of the outcome of their application
- Monday 27 April 2026: student acceptances due
- Monday 6 July 2026: La Trobe University orientation week activities
- Monday 13 July 2026: graduate certificate starts
- Sunday 25 October 2026: graduate certificate ends.