Children of Vietnam veterans have just over a week remaining to apply for educational assistance for tertiary study under the Long Tan Bursary scheme, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson said today. "The Long Tan Bursary is designed to assist children of Vietnam veterans to undertake tertiary study, thus improving their health, wellbeing, and resilience to the life problems that arise from their parents' service," Mr Billson said. "Applications for 2007 Long Tan Bursaries close on 31 October 2006 and this year the bursary offers a greater level of financial assistance than in previous years and is open to all children of Vietnam veterans, regardless of age or year of study."

The Australian Government recently expanded the Long Tan Bursaries from 30 $6000 bursaries over one or two years, to 50 $9000 bursaries over three years. "These bursaries have been extended to offer a greater number of children of Vietnam veterans more support for their tertiary study," the Minister said. The scheme's eligibility criteria was also broadened to recognise the growing trend of children of Vietnam veterans to enter tertiary study at a mature age.

"Previously the bursary was limited to those under the age of 25 entering their first year of tertiary education. The scheme is now open to all children of Vietnam veterans who are in needy circumstances, undertaking an undergraduate course at an Australian tertiary institution, including vocationally orientated courses, regardless of age or year of study," Mr Billson said. "These changes have resulted in a significant increase in interest in the bursary this year and I encourage those eligible to take this opportunity to apply for financial assistance."