2027 Teacher Education Scholarship Program - Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander - Primary or Secondary

HSC students, university students and career changers, you could get paid while you study to become a teacher. Teacher Education Scholarships are available for talented Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students to train as a primary or secondary teacher or in inclusive/special education (K-12)

Teacher Education Scholars receive:

• $7,500 (subject to tax) per year of full time study, up to a maximum of five years
• a permanent teaching job in an agreed location on completion of studies
• a further $6,000 (subject to tax) on completion of studies.

Eligible applicants are Australian citizens or permanent residents who are:

• of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent or identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person; and
• are accepted as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person by the community in which they live or have lived; and
• are able to provide confirmation of Aboriginality to the department as outlined in the Confirmation of Aboriginality and/or Torres Strait Islander descent procedures

And are either:

• students completing the HSC in 2026 in a NSW or ACT secondary school or TAFE NSW who will be entering into an initial teacher education degree at a recognised Australian university from Semester 1, 2027; or
• university students currently undertaking a suitable degree, or an undergraduate or postgraduate initial teacher education degree at a recognised Australian university and will be continuing studies in Semester 1, 2027; or
• individuals who are no longer at school, already have a degree, or have industry experience and are intending to enrol in an initial teacher education degree at a recognised Australian university from Semester 1, 2027; and
• are willing to accept an appointment as a permanent full time teacher to a NSW public school in an agreed location for a minimum period of three years.
  
   

For more information regarding accredited initial teacher education programs visit the NSW Education Standards Authority’s website.

The closing date for the receipt of applications and supporting documentation for the 2027 Teacher Education Scholarship Program is Friday, 16 October 2026.

For further information contact the Scholarships and Employment Programs Team on telephone 1300 301 435 or by email at scholarships@det.nsw.edu.au alternatively you may wish to contact the Department's Aboriginal Programs Team on telephone 1300 32 32 32 (option 2> 3> 2> 1) or by email at aboriginalemployment@det.nsw.edu.au.