In September the Minister announced that the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program (NSCSWP) will be expanded to fund up to 1000 additional schools. School communities will be able to choose to employ either a chaplain or a secular student welfare worker.

Applications are now open for funding under the expansion of the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program and schools most in need of program support will be given priority. 

Applications will only be accepted if submitted online via the Internet and a receipt of the submission will be issued automatically. An application guide is available to assist schools who not are currently receiving funding. 

The Program makes a clear distinction between the expansion round for the newly funded places and the extension of existing funding for schools with a chaplain at present.

Applicants already in receipt of funding are not eligible to bid for funding under the expansion round. Schools currently funded through the National School Chaplaincy Program that have met the quality, financial management and reporting requirements of the program will be contacted by DEEWR shortly in relation to the extension of funding to 2014. More information on the extension process can be found on the Program Extension page on the DEEWR website.

Although schools can apply for a maximum of $60 000 over three years to establish or expand chaplaincy or student welfare services in their school community, schools in very remote locations will be eligible for an additional 20 per cent loading or a maximum $72 000 over three years as measured by the Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA).

Schools will be required to provide evidence and results of consultation with their parent body or equivalent, demonstrating the support for the appointment of a chaplain or student welfare worker at their school.  Funding under the expansion will be in accordance with the new Guidelines.

The expansion round will be conducted in two opening periods

• Opening 1 opens 20 October 2011 12.00 pm EST and must be submitted by 8.00 pm EST on 22 December 2011.
• Opening 2 opens 5 January 2012 12.00 pm EST and must be submitted by 8.00 pm EST on 2 March 2012.

Applicants will be able submit their application during either period. The final day to lodge Applications is Friday 2 March 2012, 8.00 pm AEST. Applications are available online through the School Entry Point system. A guide to registering, logging in and the link to the process can also be found on School Entry Point.

Applicants may only submit one application in total and should therefore note that in either opening period, once the closing date has passed, applications are not able to be withdrawn. During both opening periods, applicants are able to withdraw their applications and re-submit if they so wish.

For further information, contact the department at 1300 363 079 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .