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Applications for the Graduate Certificate in Child Protection Scholarships are open. The application form is available below.
Applications close 4 pm Monday 16 March 2026.
About
The scholarships are for eligible Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation employees. Participants will study a Graduate Certificate in Child Protection at La Trobe University.
The Graduate Certificate will take place from Monday 13 July to Sunday 25 October 2026.
Employees who take 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 are open to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation employees wanting to develop new or extend existing child welfare and protection skills.
Applicants must either 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).
Use the application form available below.
Include your academic transcripts with your application.
Email your application form and documents to ChildrenandFamiliesWorkforce@dffh.vic.gov.au.
Applications close at 4 pm Monday 16 March 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
Please ensure you have approval from your employer before you apply. As part of the application, we will ask you to:
- confirm that you have discussed your application and participation in the graduates certificate with your employer
- provide your manager’s name and contact details.
Students will 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 will be delivered online. The first 3 units will be fully online. The final and fourth unit will be a mix of online and in-person learning. This includes 4 days at the La Trobe University Bundoora Campus for face-to-face classes to allow for appropriate skills assessment. It will also give students from different organisations the opportunity to meet in person and network.
Students will continue to work while studying. They will attend classes 2 days a week.
- Friday 13 February 2026: applications open
- Monday 16 March 2026 at 4 pm: applications close
- Week commencing Monday 13 April 2026: applicants are 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.
You can find out more information by attending an information session. Information sessions are an opportunity to hear about the scholarship and ask questions.
The sessions will be led by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. A La Trobe University representative will also be in attendance.
To register your interest for an information session, please email ChildrenandFamiliesWorkforce@dffh.vic.gov.au.