The scholarships are designed to help the successful applicants complete their higher school certificate or TAFE equivalent.

The $2000 scholarships are managed by the student’s educational institution and can be spent on educational items such as computer equipment, textbooks or tutoring.

Housing NSW chief executive Mike Allen said all young people and parents living in social housing should consider applying.

“Housing NSW believes it is important for young people to have not only a roof over their heads, but a helping hand to move on and up, and for this a solid education is vital,” he said.

“We want to ensure that young people living in social housing have what they need to succeed in completing their HSC and continuing on to higher education to follow their dreams. “

Mr Allen said the social housing scholarship program was in its sixth year and, due to its success, the number of scholarships had increased from 170 to 200.

To be eligible, students must be under 25-years-old, live in or be on the waiting list for social housing, be studying year 11, 12 or TAFE and be recommended by their school or educational institution.

Applications for this year’s scholarships close on July 29.

Forms are available from the Housing NSW website www.housing.nsw.gov.au.