In 1994, the Fund implemented the Scholarship Awards which are available to children of past and present employees of the cinema industry in Victoria and the Riverina area of New South Wales and (now) Tasmania, to students who are currently so employed. In 2022, the Scholarship Awards were replaced with Student Support Grants. In 2025, CIBF reached the milestone of $500,000 that has been paid out in Scholarships and Student Support Grants.

The principal criteria for receiving a support grant is a community minded individual with a good worth ethic and a benevolent need but, at the discretion of the  selection panel, encouragement awards may also be made.

Up to 6 VCE Secondary School (year 11 & 12)  support grants ($1000 each) and 6 tertiary level support grants ($2500 each) are available every year. In addition, the sub-committee may award encouragement awards to students.

Application forms are available from this website. All submissions for awards must be to hand by the end of February in each year. There is no restriction whatsoever in respect of study courses; University, TAFE (or the equivalent) and others.

Past recipients have successfully completed degrees in Medicine, Engineering, Business Studies, Accounting, Nursing, Aeronautical Engineering, Teaching, Arts, Sciences, Journalism and many other fields. Subject to eligibility conditions, previously unsuccessful applicants as well as recipients may re-apply in subsequent years.

The final selections each year are, in every case, at the discretion of the selection panel. The panel likewise reserves the right to vary the eligibility conditions, from time to time, as they see fit in order to best align with the Fund's benevolent outcomes.

Applications  typically open in November for the coming year, and close at the end of February. If the Selection Committee believes that there are insufficient applications, or budget considerations permit, a 'late round' of applications will be accepted up until the end of March.

To succesfully apply for a Student Support Grant, candidates will need a cover letter, proof of eligibility and several character references. The specific details can be found in the Terms and Conditions, and Application form which are linked below.