Supporting First Nations and refugee students to begin tertiary studies in teaching and education
The Australian Education Union’s (AEU) National Tertiary Indigenous Teaching Scholarship provides financial support to assist Year 12 school leavers commencing their first year of tertiary study in 2026. The scholarship aims to help students successfully transition to university or TAFE and develop the skills needed for a future career in teaching.
Priority is given to applicants who have not previously undertaken tertiary study.
Funding may be awarded over three years at $3,000 per year (a total of $9,000).
What the Scholarship Covers
The scholarship provides financial assistance to support tertiary study-related expenses, including but not limited to:
- Tuition and course fees
- Textbooks and learning materials
- Laptop or device for study
- Specialist course software
- Internet access
- Travel and accommodation linked to study requirements
- Practicum-related or professional experience costs
Both face-to-face and online courses (or blended programs) are eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a First Nations student
- Be a Year 12 leaver in 2025 who is commencing tertiary study in 2026
- Have attended a public secondary school
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Be enrolled or intending to enrol in a full-time tertiary course of one or more academic year’s duration at an approved Australian public university or TAFE
- Demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English to meet the IELTS requirements of the enrolling university or TAFE
- Show evidence that current study, academic record or work experience aligns with the intended tertiary teaching pathway
- Be experiencing hardship that may otherwise prevent successful transition to post-school study or training
- Demonstrate a positive attitude towards schooling, participation in school life, and contribution to community or extracurricular activities
Selection Criteria
The selection panel will assess:
- The potential and ability of the applicant to successfully complete the nominated tertiary course
- Academic transcript and evidence of readiness for tertiary studies
- Overall eligibility against the scholarship selection criteria
- English proficiency (as referenced by both applicant and principal)
- Evidence of hardship or barriers to tertiary participation
- Participation and engagement in school, community and/or extracurricular settings
Selection Process
A selection panel including representatives from the AEU and independent experts will assess all applications. Recommendations will be approved by the AEU’s Board.
Applicants will be notified by the end of Semester 1, 2026.
Enrolment Requirements
Once offered the scholarship, the student must provide confirmed evidence of enrolment in a public university or TAFE course before payments can be made.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via PEF-Apply. Sign up here to access the form.
Note: All sections of the application, including the Principal’s Supporting Statement, must be completed before submission.
Information Required
Student and family information:
- Full name, date of birth, contact details, address, citizenship
- Parent/guardian information (name, contact, relationship)
- School information (school name, address, principal email)
- School point of contact (name, phone, email)
- Background Information
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status
- Mob/family/traditional owner/language group
- Languages spoken at home
- Family composition and household structure
- Employment status
- Education levels of immediate family
- Disability, learning difficulty or additional needs (if applicable)
- Socio-economic context
- How the applicant heard about the scholarship
- Any other relevant information
Written components:
- Why you are a suitable candidate (max. 400 words)
- How current study/work experience supports your goal to become a teacher
- Career motivation and commitment (max. 250 words)
- Perceived barriers to tertiary study
- Latest school report (digital copy)
- Personal reference (PDF/Word, max. 400 words)
- Principal’s supporting statement (submitted online via system-generated email) or supporting statement from university course convenor/equity and diversity team member or equivalent
Notes for References
- Community references must be specific and supportive. Generic references may disadvantage applicants
- Principal/university statements must provide individualised commentary; generic responses may disadvantage applicants
Contact Information
For support or clarification, contact the Public Education Foundation on (02) 7814 2806 or email scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au.
AEU National Tertiary Indigenous Teaching Scholarship
Supporting First Nations and refugee students to begin tertiary studies in teaching and education
The Australian Education Union’s (AEU) National Tertiary Indigenous Teaching Scholarship provides financial support to assist Year 12 school leavers commencing their first year of tertiary study in 2026. The scholarship aims to help students successfully transition to university or TAFE and develop the skills needed for a future career in teaching.
Priority is given to applicants who have not previously undertaken tertiary study.
Funding may be awarded over three years at $3,000 per year (a total of $9,000).
What the Scholarship Covers
The scholarship provides financial assistance to support tertiary study-related expenses, including but not limited to:
- Tuition and course fees
- Textbooks and learning materials
- Laptop or device for study
- Specialist course software
- Internet access
- Travel and accommodation linked to study requirements
- Practicum-related or professional experience costs
Both face-to-face and online courses (or blended programs) are eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a First Nations student
- Be a Year 12 leaver in 2025 who is commencing tertiary study in 2026
- Have attended a public secondary school
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Be enrolled or intending to enrol in a full-time tertiary course of one or more academic year’s duration at an approved Australian public university or TAFE
- Demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English to meet the IELTS requirements of the enrolling university or TAFE
- Show evidence that current study, academic record or work experience aligns with the intended tertiary teaching pathway
- Be experiencing hardship that may otherwise prevent successful transition to post-school study or training
- Demonstrate a positive attitude towards schooling, participation in school life, and contribution to community or extracurricular activities
Selection Criteria
The selection panel will assess:
- The potential and ability of the applicant to successfully complete the nominated tertiary course
- Academic transcript and evidence of readiness for tertiary studies
- Overall eligibility against the scholarship selection criteria
- English proficiency (as referenced by both applicant and principal)
- Evidence of hardship or barriers to tertiary participation
- Participation and engagement in school, community and/or extracurricular settings
Selection Process
A selection panel including representatives from the AEU and independent experts will assess all applications. Recommendations will be approved by the AEU’s Board.
Applicants will be notified by the end of Semester 1, 2026.
Enrolment Requirements
Once offered the scholarship, the student must provide confirmed evidence of enrolment in a public university or TAFE course before payments can be made.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via PEF-Apply. Sign up here to access the form.
Note: All sections of the application, including the Principal’s Supporting Statement, must be completed before submission.
Information Required
Student and family information:
- Full name, date of birth, contact details, address, citizenship
- Parent/guardian information (name, contact, relationship)
- School information (school name, address, principal email)
- School point of contact (name, phone, email)
- Background Information
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status
- Mob/family/traditional owner/language group
- Languages spoken at home
- Family composition and household structure
- Employment status
- Education levels of immediate family
- Disability, learning difficulty or additional needs (if applicable)
- Socio-economic context
- How the applicant heard about the scholarship
- Any other relevant information
Written components:
- Why you are a suitable candidate (max. 400 words)
- How current study/work experience supports your goal to become a teacher
- Career motivation and commitment (max. 250 words)
- Perceived barriers to tertiary study
- Latest school report (digital copy)
- Personal reference (PDF/Word, max. 400 words)
- Principal’s supporting statement (submitted online via system-generated email) or supporting statement from university course convenor/equity and diversity team member or equivalent
Notes for References
- Community references must be specific and supportive. Generic references may disadvantage applicants
- Principal/university statements must provide individualised commentary; generic responses may disadvantage applicants
Contact Information
For support or clarification, contact the Public Education Foundation on (02) 7814 2806 or email scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au.