Education

No matter your age or stage of study or career, further education may be an option to consider when planning for future employment. An Australian survey of adults with CF= found significantly lower tertiary education levels compared with peers without CF, highlighting the importance of access to flexible education and support opportunities.

CFWA have a goal setting subsidy for individuals aged 16+ that can help those who are seeking assistance and financial support to achieve goals related to study, education, employment and work skills. More information can be found here.

High School

If you’re in high school and exploring your options, check in with student services at your school. They can help match your interests and values to future career paths, share up-to-date information about job trends, and support you in setting career goals. It may be helpful to share some information about your CF so they can tailor their advice to your needs.

As you are considering your future studies/career path, you may find that you need additional support to fill in some educational gaps if you have missed a significant amount of school due to periods of illness, hospital visits or admissions. Tutoring is available for free through Ronald McDonald Learning Program and other financial support may also be available through scholarships or subsidies. More information can be found here.

You can also request our Guide to Life After School booklet, a practical resource for young people covering budgeting, renting, tax, travel, and more.

Further Education

For some people with CF, further study through TAFE, university, or other training providers may be an important step towards achieving career goals. Like employment, study can bring both opportunities and challenges when managing health needs. Things to consider include:

Flexibility in course load (e.g., part time vs full time study)
Access to online or hybrid learning options
Availability of extensions or special consideration if health impacts your studies
[GH1] Scholarships, financial assistance, and disability support services that may be available to help balance study and health needs.
Eligibility for the Ex-Carer Allowance (Child) Health Care Card. If you had a Health Care Card and choose to take up fulltime study between the ages of 16 and 25, you may be eligible.