The scholarships are aimed at supporting new undergraduate and postgraduate students meet the costs of study.
The Australian Government has announced scholarships aimed at supporting new undergraduate and postgraduate teaching students meet the costs of their study in exchange for teaching in public schools or government-run early learning centres once they graduate.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) School of Education Executive Dean Professor Caroline Mansfield said the cost-of-living crisis has posed significant challenges for prospective teachers, and in some cases has impacted their study journey.
"Out of 800 final year education students that graduate from ECU each year, more than 220 report being facing some kind of financial difficulty during their degree," Professor Caroline Mansfield said.
"So, we are immensely pleased the Australian Government is offering some welcome financial relief to help students get by, and get into the classroom."
What's on offer?
Scholarships of $40,000 per student are available for full-time undergraduate initial teacher education (ITE) students, $10,000 per year for a four-year qualification) and $20,000 for full-time postgraduate ITE students ($10,000 per year for a two-year qualification).
The Federal Government has strongly encouraged applications from school leavers with an ATAR of 80 or above or equivalent academic result and career changers who meet the eligibility criteria.
"We are thrilled to learn that the government has also encouraged applications from First Nations peoples, students for whom English is an additional language, career changers, and those living in regional, rural or remote locations," Professor Mansfield said.
"A career in the classroom is such a rewarding experience, and at ECU we encourage all people with a passion for education to take that leap."
Who can apply?
Student must be living in Australia, and have the following:
- an Australian citizen
- a permanent resident
- a holder of a permanent humanitarian visa; or
- a New Zealand citizen living in Australia
Make your move
Scholarships will be available over five rounds from 2024 to 2028 with up to 1,000 scholarships per year on offer.
The first round of scholarships opens soon for students commencing ITE programs in 2024.
Students interested in applying can visit the website.
