Teaching scholarships: a state-by-state guide
By Sarah Vercoe
Curious about teaching scholarships in your state? From fee support to programs that help you turn the classroom into a career, here’s what’s on offer and how to get started.
Teaching scholarships: what you need to know
Teaching scholarships can make studying to become a teacher feel a lot more achievable. They can help with course fees, ease living costs during placements, and connect you with people who’ll support you as you work towards leading the classroom.
There’s something for almost every pathway. Some programs focus on rural, regional and remote students or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Others are for high-achieving applicants, career changers or people studying specific subjects.
As Liam Stewart from Australian Catholic University’s All Points to Teaching program explains, a scholarship can give you the confidence to start studying or to take a new direction in your work and personal life.
We hope that scholarships help bring people into study who may not have considered it otherwise.
A bit of extra financial breathing room can allow you to cut back on work to focus more time on study, join learning opportunities you’d otherwise skip, and study without constant money pressure. Many scholarships also offer extra support and a ready-made community, which can make uni feel less overwhelming, says Liam.
The main thing is knowing what’s available in your state, and putting together an application that shows who you are and why you want to teach.
Australia wide teaching scholarships
The Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships Program
These scholarships are designed to help the brightest future teachers start their careers in government schools.
How much funding can you get? Up to $40,000 if you’re an undergraduate initial teacher education student, and up to $20,000 if you’re a postgraduate initial teacher education student.
Who is eligible? Australian citizens, permanent residents, eligible visa holders and New Zealand citizens living in Australia who will begin an accredited full-time education degree and commit to teach in government schools or early-learning settings upon graduation.
Which courses are covered? Accredited undergraduate and postgraduate initial teacher education (ITE) degrees starting in the first semester or study period of the year applied. Browse education and teaching courses to find an accredited program.
What are the application requirements? Applications are online and require supporting documentation, such as proof of citizenship or visa status and evidence of enrolment.
How to apply: Apply via the Department of Education scholarship portal. You can also use the eligibility checker on the portal.
Application deadline: At the time of publishing, round 3 for study starting in 2026 closes 12 January 2026. Check the Department of Education portal for full details.
Queensland teaching scholarships
Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarship
The Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarship supports aspiring teachers of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent for the full duration of their teaching qualification.
How much funding can you get? Up to $40,000 if you’re an undergraduate student and up to $20,000 if you’re a postgraduate student, paid throughout the duration of your course.
Who is eligible? Applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and are about to commence or are already studying in an approved teacher education course.
Which courses are covered? Any approved full-time undergraduate or postgraduate initial teacher education (ITE) program, such as a Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching.
What are the application requirements? You will need to provide Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status, plus evidence of your enrolment and transcripts (if relevant), along with other documents specified by the Queensland Department of Education.
How to apply: Submit your application and supporting documents via the Teach Queensland scholarships portal.
Application deadline: This scholarship is awarded to recipients at the end of each year to commence in the following year. The deadline is in December. Check the Pearl Duncan page closer to this date for the next application window.
Aspiring Teacher Grant
The Aspiring Teacher Grant gives high-achieving Queensland Year 12 graduates a one-off payment to help kick-start their teaching studies, with the goal of supporting the next generation of educators.
How much funding can you get? General applicants receive a one-off $2,500 payment, while eligible rural or remote applicants can receive up to $5,000, paid in the first semester of study.
Who is eligible? High-achieving Queensland Year 12 graduates (ATAR 88.75+), including those who take a gap year, who are Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents and are commencing an initial teacher education degree at a Queensland uni. Rural/remote residents must meet specific location criteria.
Which courses are covered? Any accredited undergraduate initial teacher education program offered by a Queensland university.
What are the application requirements? You must complete the online application with supporting documents, including proof of ATAR, Year 12 results, citizenship/residency and university enrolment. Applicants from drought-affected or rural/remote areas may need additional address evidence, and priority is given to some groups.
How to apply: Submit your application and supporting documents through the Queensland Department of Education’s online application process.
Application deadline: This scholarship is awarded to recipients at the end of each year to commence in the following year. The deadline is in December, with the 2025 round closing on 12 December 2025. Check the Teach Queensland page closer to this date for the next application window.
All Points to Teaching (APTT), Australian Catholic University
This scholarship for ACU students offers financial assistance as well as personalised mentoring, professional development opportunities, and access to a strong, supportive cohort community.
How much funding can you get? Your full tuition fees (your HECS contribution) will be covered.
Who is eligible? Students enrolling full-time in an initial teacher education (ITE) degree at ACU. The university encourages applications from a broad range of teaching students, particularly those from underrepresented or equity groups, rural or regional areas, and those looking for a career change.
Which courses are covered? ACU’s Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Bachelor of Education (Secondary and Special Education), and Master of Teaching (Secondary) courses (the latter of which is available through Open Universities Australia).
While you’ll study online, you must be located or willing to complete your placements in one of the 7 approved areas: South East Queensland, Rockhampton, Townsville, Forbes/Bathurst, Parramatta, Lake Macquarie, South East NSW, Riverina or Tablelands.
What are the application requirements? You must submit a written application and supporting documents, including information on your academic and equity background, as well as a short video or audio file on why you want to become a teacher. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to chat over the phone.
How to apply: Applications are made directly through ACU’s All Points to Teaching.
Application deadline: The next round closes 20 February 2026.
New South Wales teaching scholarships
Teacher Education Scholarship
The NSW Teacher Education Scholarship supports future teachers with financial assistance and guaranteed employment in a NSW public school.
How much funding can you get? $7,500 per year whilst studying full-time (pro-rata for part-time study); plus a $6,000 allowance once you’re appointed a teaching role.
Who is eligible? HSC students, university students and career changers who are already studying or about to commence a secondary teaching or inclusive/special education course.
Which courses are covered? Any approved initial teacher education program from a NSW based university that focuses on a high demand secondary teaching specialisation (mathematics, science, technological and applied studies, or English). Or an initial teacher education program that focuses on inclusive/special education (this can be across primary or secondary teaching).
What are the application requirements? Meet subject and study-load eligibility and supply academic reports and any supporting documents requested.
How to apply: Apply via the NSW Department of Education Teach NSW scholarship page.
Application deadline: 12 January 2026.
Teach.Rural Scholarship
A scholarship for those looking to work in rural or regional communities where teachers are really needed after graduation.
How much funding can you get? If you’re successful, you'll receive up to $7,500 annually while you’re studying full-time (this is adjusted for part-time students), $500 per week during rural placements, and a $6,000 bonus when you start teaching. Plus, you're guaranteed a permanent position in a rural or remote NSW public school once you graduate.
Who is eligible? HSC students, university students, and career changers.
Which courses are covered? Accredited initial teacher education programs for secondary teaching (any subject area) or inclusive/special education (K-12), as recognised by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).
What are the application requirements? You must be an Australian citizen or eligible visa holder, commit to your study load, and be ready to complete practicum placements in rural NSW schools.
How to apply: Via the NSW Department of Education ‘Get paid to teach’ page.
Application deadline: Application windows vary by round. Check the website for details on key dates.
Teacher Education Scholarship – Aboriginal
A scholarship that empowers Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples to build strong teaching careers and increase representation in schools.
How much funding can you get? $7,500 per year whilst studying full-time (pro-rata for part-time study); $6,000 appointment allowance.
Who is eligible? HSC students, University students, and career changers. This is an identified scholarship for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Which courses are covered? Recognised initial teacher education (ITE) program courses.
What are the application requirements? Applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who can provide relevant documentation (citizenship / residency) and will commence initial teacher education (ITE) program in Semester 1, 2026 (or an undergraduate degree followed by ITE), with at least 6 months of study remaining.
How to apply: Via the NSW Department of Education website.
Application deadline: Application windows vary by round. Check the website for details on key dates.
All Points to Teaching (APTT), Australian Catholic University
This scholarship is also available to NSW students.
How much funding can you get? Your full tuition fees (your HECS contribution) will be covered.
Who is eligible? Students studying full-time in an initial teacher education degree at ACU, especially those from diverse backgrounds, regional or rural areas, or anyone making a career change into teaching.
Which courses are covered? ACU’s Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Bachelor of Education (Secondary and Special Education), and Master of Teaching (Secondary) courses (the latter of which is available through Open Universities Australia).
What are the application requirements? You’ll need to complete an application that shares your study background and personal journey, along with a short video or audio about your motivation to teach. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to a friendly phone conversation to learn more about their goals and aspirations.
How to apply: Applications are made directly through ACU’s All Points to Teaching.
Application deadline: The next round closes 20 February 2026.
Victorian teaching scholarships
Secondary Teaching Scholarships
The Victorian Government Secondary Teaching Scholarships help those studying secondary or dual-secondary initial teacher education degrees.
How much funding can you get? You can get roughly $9,600 during a four-year undergraduate secondary teaching degree and about $5,700 during a two-year postgraduate degree to help with study and living costs, and additional payments of around $8,400 (undergraduate) or $3,300 (postgraduate) if you go on to teach in a Victorian government secondary or specialist school.
Who is eligible? Residents of Victoria enrolling in eligible secondary and specialist initial teacher education degrees.
Which courses are covered? Accredited secondary, dual (primary-secondary) or specialist initial teacher education degrees.
What are the application requirements? You’ll need to meet residency and enrolment criteria, as well as provide supporting documents.
How to apply: Visit the Victorian Government scholarship portal and the program page for Scholarships for Secondary Teaching Degrees.
Application deadline: The Victorian Government will publish 2026 details and closing dates on the program page when they’re available. At the time of publishing, these have not been added yet. Check back frequently for updates.
South Australian teaching scholarships
Country professional experience scholarships
Country professional experience scholarships help final-year teaching students cover the costs of rural and regional placements, making it easier to gain hands-on classroom experience in South Australian country schools.
How much funding can you get? Funding varies by program but typically covers travel, some living costs and accommodation for your placements.
Who is eligible? Pre-service teachers in their final year of study with Charles Darwin University, Flinders University, Tabor College or University of Adelaide.
Which courses are covered? Accredited initial teacher education degrees with the above universities.
What are the application requirements? You’ll need to submit an online application through the Department for Education, nominate your preferred country regions, meet the selection criteria, and be willing to take part in required induction and professional learning if successful. Depending on where you’re studying, you may need to be nominated by your university to apply.
How to apply: Apply via the South Australian Department of Education country opportunities and scholarship pages.
Application deadline: Applications for the 2026 scholarships have closed. Check back for 2027 dates.
Enabling Educator Excellence Scholarships (E3), Flinders University
This scholarship celebrates and supports a diverse range of future teachers — from high achievers to men pursuing primary teaching — and helps them begin their journey into initial teacher education at Flinders University.
How much funding can you get? $5,000, awarded for one year of full-time study.
Who is eligible? Just 35 scholarships are available per year. Applicants must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or visa holder, be commencing the first year of an accredited course at Flinders University in an initial teacher registration, have a permanent home address in South Australia, and meet one of their applicant streams: ATAR 80 or above or GPA 5.5, First Nations, Women in STEM, or men in primary school teaching.
Which courses are covered?
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth - 8)
Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Health and Physical Education)
Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
Bachelor of Education (Inclusive Education)
Master of Teaching (Primary)
Master of Teaching (Secondary)
Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) *available through Open Universities Australia
What are the application requirements? Recpients will be selected based on how well they meet the eligibility criteria.
How to apply: Submit your application online through the Flinders University Student System.
Application deadline: 6 February 2026.
Tasmanian teaching scholarships
At the time of publishing, no Tasmanian-specific scholarships in the field of education, relating to courses available through Open Universities Australia, are available.
Western Australian teaching scholarships
Future Teacher’s Scholarship Fund, Edith Cowan University (ECU)
This ECU scholarship aids education students from diverse backgrounds as they complete their final teaching placement.
How much funding can you get? This scholarship provides a one-off $5,000 payment to support education students during their full-time final professional experience placement.
Who is eligible? Current ECU students, with a specific encouragement for applications from:
Students from low socio-economic backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are students
Students with disability
Students with chronic illness, medical conditions and/or mental health conditions
Students with caring responsibilities
Care leavers / people with experience of out-of-home care
Students from rural or regional areas of Australia.
Which courses are covered?
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) *available through Open Universities Australia
Bachelor of Education (Primary) *available through Open Universities Australia
Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
Master of Teaching (Primary)
Master of Teaching (Secondary)
Application requirements: Your application must address the specific criteria as listed under ‘Who is eligible?’.
How to apply: Applications should be made via the ECU scholarship portal.
Application deadline: 30 August 2026. Find out more on the ECU website.
Northern Territory teaching scholarships
At the time of publishing, no Northern Territory-specific scholarships in the field of education, relating to courses available through Open Universities Australia, are available.
ACT teaching scholarships
At the time of publishing, no ACT-specific scholarships in the field of education, relating to courses available through Open Universities Australia, are available.
Other financial support available
Beyond scholarships, there are a range of other financial support options available designed to help you work towards a career in teaching.
Student allowances
There are three main types of student allowances available: Austudy, ABSTUDY, and Youth Allowance. These payments are there to help support full-time students while they study and can also be received alongside scholarships.
Find out more about student allowances and what payments can you get. We break down each allowance, who is eligible, and how much you’ll receive.
Commonwealth Prac Payment
This new government payment supports teaching students during their practicum placement. Recognising the prac requirements throughout a teaching degree can make it difficult to maintain paid work, this payment helps cover living costs while you’re on placement.
Learn more about the Commonwealth Prac Payment.
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP are government-supported, interest-free study loans that let you start your study journey without having to worry about how to cover your uni costs upfront. In short, they let you study now and repay later, once you’re earning enough. Better yet, they’re available for eligible students when studying through Open Universities Australia.
Ask our student advisors to help you check your eligibility.
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FAQs about teaching scholarships
Are scholarships considered taxable income?
There are some situations where a scholarship is considered exempt income but if it’s not, it must be included as income on your tax return. Check with the Australian Taxation Office or a tax professional about your specific situation.
Can you study online and still receive a scholarship?
Many scholarships, including the Commonwealth Teaching Scholarship, support students studying online through platforms such as Open Universities Australia. Check each scholarship's specific eligibility criteria to confirm.
Are part-time students eligible?
Eligibility varies by scholarship. Some are exclusively for full-time students, while others support part-time study, particularly for students with caring responsibilities or those already working. Always check the specific requirements before applying.
Can I change education providers during my studies?
This depends on your scholarship conditions. Some scholarships are tied to specific universities, while others can transfer if you change providers. Contact your scholarship provider before making any changes to ensure you don't lose your funding.
What happens if I take a leave of absence?
Most scholarships can be deferred if you need to take a break from study, but you'll need to notify your scholarship provider and get approval. Conditions vary, so check your scholarship agreement and communicate with your provider as early as possible.
What happens if I miss the application window?
Unfortunately, most scholarships have strict deadlines. If you miss the window, you'll typically need to wait until the next application round. However, some universities have multiple scholarship rounds throughout the year, so it's worth checking directly with institutions about their timelines.
How do scholarship payments work?
Payment methods vary. Some scholarships pay directly to the university to cover fees, while others deposit money into your account for living expenses. Payments might be made as a lump sum, per semester, or in regular instalments. Your scholarship offer letter will outline the payment schedule and method.
Will I still need to apply for HECS/FEE-HELP?
If you wish to access HECS/FEE-HELP, you will still need to apply for it. Many scholarships cover only part of your fees or provide living allowances rather than covering tuition entirely. HECS/FEE-HELP can cover the remaining balance, and you don't need to start repaying until you're earning above the threshold. Check your scholarship conditions to understand exactly what's covered.
