- Scholarships to support Western Australians with autism to enter the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) workforce
- Up to $2,500 for students to undertake training at Certificate IV or Diploma levels
- Applies to studies in the fields of Information Technology (IT), programming, software development and cybersecurity
The latest round of Cook Labor Government-funded Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA) scholarships, which provide support to Western Australians with autism to enter the workforce, is now open.
The 2025 scholarships will provide up to $2,500 to students on the autism spectrum to undertake training in eligible courses, aimed at gaining employment in the fields of Information Technology (IT), programming, software development or cybersecurity.
Introduced in 2017, the scholarships have supported 34 Western Australians with autism to learn valuable work skills through vocational education and training.
More than $60,000 in scholarships have been provided since the program commenced.
Hosted by Curtin University, AASQA works together with the Autism Association of Western Australia and the Department of Training and Workforce Development to deliver the scholarship program, aimed at harnessing the unique skills of people with autism or related conditions.
AASQA is an Australian social innovation initiative harnessing the talents of people with autism through training, education and mentoring programs and creating pathways to long-term employment in the IT industry.
To apply or find out more about the scholarships, visit: www.wa.gov.au/service/education-and-training/vocational-education/vocational-education-and-training-scholarships
The 2025 scholarship round closes on 13 December 2024.
As stated by Minister Assisting the Minister for Training and Workforce Development Hannah Beazley:
"The Cook Labor Government is thrilled to be offering Western Australians on the autism spectrum this opportunity to be supported to participate in vocational education and training.
"Our workplaces are better and most effective when they reflect the diversity of our community.
"Individuals with autism often bring unique and valuable skills to the workplace, which may include strong attention to detail, appreciation of predictability and capacity to focus.
"These skills are valuable to the ICT industry, particularly for software development, testing and cybersecurity.
"These scholarships highlight the important role training has in changing people's lives, while addressing the skills needs of our State and the individuals who shape it."
