The Public Education Foundation’s Unions NSW Jeff Shaw Memorial Scholarship supports public school students studying curriculum subjects with aspects of unionism such as Economics, Business Studies, Legal Studies and Modern History. The scholarships particularly target students whose personal circumstances are such that without the scholarship they may not have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
The scholarships are funded by Unions NSW which represents more than 600,000 union members. As the peak body for the state’s trade unions, Unions NSW campaigns to improve the conditions of workers, including ensuring that workers receive decent wages, fair conditions and a safe workplace.
The scholarships are named in memory of the Honourable Jeff Shaw QC who began his career as an industrial officer of one of NSW’s largest unions, the Public Sector Association and later became the NSW Attorney General and Minister for Industrial Relations (1995-2000). He also served as a judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. His career was defined by a tireless work ethic which focused on the defence of workers and their rights to fair wages, a safe workplace and freedom from discrimination. A former student of Hunters Hill High School, The Hon. Jeff Shaw was also a staunch defender of and advocate for public education in NSW.
Each scholarship will provide financial support of $2,500 in Year 12 to help with resources and services relevant to improving their educational outcomes.
The scholarship is to cover educational expenses such as:
- Incidental fees (e.g., Textbook hiring, costs associated with a specialised subject etc.)
- Uniforms and equipment
- Stationery and general office items and equipment
- Textbooks
- Laptop, iPad or similar device
- Subject/study related software
- Printer
- Internet connection for study at home
- School excursions and school camps
- Furniture for study such as desk, chair, lamp etc.
- Face-to-face tutoring or online tutoring
If a student leaves public school before the end of Year 12, the scholarship will lapse. Please note - if a student’s attendance rate falls below an acceptable level at any time during the duration of the scholarship, the scholarship may be withdrawn. Any unspent monies at the end of the scholarship period must be refunded to the Public Education Foundation scholarship fund.
Before applying for this scholarship, please ensure that you read the scholarship terms and conditions available on our website.
BASIC ELIGIBILITY
- Attends a NSW Public school
- Currently in Year 11 (in 2025)
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
SELECTION CRITERIA
- Evidence of interest in one or more of the designated subjects, such as Economics, Business Studies, Legal Studies and Modern History
- Evidence of commitment to social justice
- Potential to do well at school and be able to demonstrate that the scholarship will make a significant contribution to reaching that potential
- Have a positive outlook towards school and a high rates of attendance
- Intention to complete their HSC and continue to tertiary education
- Demonstrate they participate in school life
- Demonstrate they contribute in the community and/or in extracurricular activities
Unions NSW Jeff Shaw Memorial Scholarships
The Public Education Foundation’s Unions NSW Jeff Shaw Memorial Scholarship supports public school students studying curriculum subjects with aspects of unionism such as Economics, Business Studies, Legal Studies and Modern History. The scholarships particularly target students whose personal circumstances are such that without the scholarship they may not have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
The scholarships are funded by Unions NSW which represents more than 600,000 union members. As the peak body for the state’s trade unions, Unions NSW campaigns to improve the conditions of workers, including ensuring that workers receive decent wages, fair conditions and a safe workplace.
The scholarships are named in memory of the Honourable Jeff Shaw QC who began his career as an industrial officer of one of NSW’s largest unions, the Public Sector Association and later became the NSW Attorney General and Minister for Industrial Relations (1995-2000). He also served as a judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. His career was defined by a tireless work ethic which focused on the defence of workers and their rights to fair wages, a safe workplace and freedom from discrimination. A former student of Hunters Hill High School, The Hon. Jeff Shaw was also a staunch defender of and advocate for public education in NSW.
Each scholarship will provide financial support of $2,500 in Year 12 to help with resources and services relevant to improving their educational outcomes.
The scholarship is to cover educational expenses such as:
- Incidental fees (e.g., Textbook hiring, costs associated with a specialised subject etc.)
- Uniforms and equipment
- Stationery and general office items and equipment
- Textbooks
- Laptop, iPad or similar device
- Subject/study related software
- Printer
- Internet connection for study at home
- School excursions and school camps
- Furniture for study such as desk, chair, lamp etc.
- Face-to-face tutoring or online tutoring
If a student leaves public school before the end of Year 12, the scholarship will lapse. Please note - if a student’s attendance rate falls below an acceptable level at any time during the duration of the scholarship, the scholarship may be withdrawn. Any unspent monies at the end of the scholarship period must be refunded to the Public Education Foundation scholarship fund.
Before applying for this scholarship, please ensure that you read the scholarship terms and conditions available on our website.
BASIC ELIGIBILITY
- Attends a NSW Public school
- Currently in Year 11 (in 2025)
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
SELECTION CRITERIA
- Evidence of interest in one or more of the designated subjects, such as Economics, Business Studies, Legal Studies and Modern History
- Evidence of commitment to social justice
- Potential to do well at school and be able to demonstrate that the scholarship will make a significant contribution to reaching that potential
- Have a positive outlook towards school and a high rates of attendance
- Intention to complete their HSC and continue to tertiary education
- Demonstrate they participate in school life
- Demonstrate they contribute in the community and/or in extracurricular activities