NIDA Open Equity Subsidy 

The NIDA Open Equity Subsidy offers subsidised tuition to help young people achieve their full creative potential, regardless of previous experience. Subsidies are available for secondary school students (Grades 7-12) and young adults (aged 18-25) nationally, who are experiencing financial hardship or other disadvantage. 

Applications can be made by individuals or by an organisation on behalf of a young person identified as a suitable applicant. 

The subsidy provides a 50% discount off the full cost of a NIDA Open short course of your choice. Participants (or their supporting organisation) are required to pay the remaining 50% of the course fee before commencing the course. 

If you, or someone you know, wants to experience a NIDA Open short course and would like some support to achieve this goal, we want to hear from you. 

Visit the Young People and Adult course pages for the full list of courses available.

Please read carefully: 

Equity subsidies are conferred at the discretion of NIDA Open staff. We will endeavour to provide support to as many eligible people as possible, however there are location limits and a combined total limit to the value in any calendar year. The decision of NIDA staff is final and no further correspondence shall be entered into. 

50% of the full cost of tuition for your nominated course is covered by this subsidy. Participants are required to pay the remaining 50% of the course fee before commencing the course. Costs of travel, accommodation, food and any additional supports required remain at the participants’ expense. 

Applicants should nominate by preference which course they would like a subsidy for in their application. 

All applicants must be able to attend and fully contribute to the course for the entire subsidy period as awarded. The subsidy place cannot be transferred to another time period or person. 

• Successful applicants will be asked to complete a course feedback survey and may be asked to complete a short interview about their experience for use on NIDA’s online channels, marketing materials or in other media communications. Participants may decline to be interviewed for personal, cultural or legal reasons. 
• Applications close when all subsidy funds have been awarded. 
• Applications will be assessed by the Senior Program Manager and Head of NIDA Open. 
• Successful applicants will be notified by phone and email. 
• Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email to the email address submitted in your application. 
• Please note that the subsidy cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts. 

Further Information 

If you have a question about the NIDA Open Equity Subsidy program, telephone us on 1300 450 417 or email [email protected]