First Nations Subsidy

NIDA Open

First Nations Subsidy

The NIDA Open First Nations Subsidy offers subsidised tuition to help young First Nations people who are experiencing financial or other disadvantage achieve their full creative potential.

NIDA Open First Nations Subsidy

The NIDA Open First Nations Subsidy offers subsidised tuition to help young First Nations people who are experiencing financial or other disadvantage achieve their full creative potential. It is open to all First Nations primary or secondary aged students and adults aged 18-25 nationally, regardless of previous experience or professional ambition. 

Applications can be made by individuals or by an organisation on behalf of a young person. The subsidy provides a 50% discount off the full cost of a NIDA Open short course of your choice. Participants 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 course and would like some support to achieve this goal, we want to hear from you!  

Subsidies are offered at all of our teaching locations in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. This opportunity is available to First Nations applicants only. Other Equity subsidies are available here.

Apply now

Who: Students in the following age brackets may apply:

  • Children and young people grades K–12
  • Adults aged 18-25

What happens next

Successful applicants will be notified by email and will receive a code to gain 50% discount off when they book a place. Bookings must be made by telephoning the NIDA Open Customer Service team on 1300 450417. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email. 

Terms and conditions

  • Please allow adequate time for us to assess your application, before the start of the course. 
  • Subsidies must be applied to a course delivered in this calendar year and the decision of NIDA staff is final. No further correspondence shall be entered into. 
  • 50% of the cost of tuition for your nominated course is covered by this subsidy. Costs of travel, accommodation, food and any additional supports required remain at the participants’ expense. 
  • This opportunity is available to First Nations applicants only. Other Equity subsidies are available (LINK TO PAGE) 
  • All applicants must be able to attend and fully contribute to the course they enrol into. The subsidised place cannot be transferred to another person. 
  • Successful applicants 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 NIDA’s Head of First Nations or Elder in Residence 
  • 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] 

NIDA acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we learn and tell stories, the Bidjigal, Gadigal, Dharawal and Dharug peoples, and we pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present.