Una May Smith Scholarship

Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to succeed in school and progress to further education

The Public Education Foundation’s Una May Smith Scholarship helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students actively engage in their education, complete their schooling, and prepare for tertiary study or training.

The scholarship honours Miss Una May Smith of Coogee, an educator deeply involved with La Perouse Public School, who generously bequeathed part of her estate to establish this opportunity.

Six scholarships are available, one for each Stage group (Stages 1–6) in public schools. Each recipient will receive $1,000 per year for two years, with a total scholarship value of $2,000 per student.

What the Scholarship Covers

Funds can be used for educational expenses including:

  • Laptop, iPad or similar device
  • Study-related software
  • Incidental course fees (e.g., textbook hire, subject-specific costs)
  • Uniforms and school shoes (including sports clothing)
  • Textbooks
  • Stationery and general school supplies
  • Printer
  • Internet for home study
  • Excursions and camps
  • Costs linked to work experience (e.g., VET subjects)
  • Study furniture (e.g., desk, chair, lamp)
  • Face-to-face or online tutoring

Important Notes:

  • If a student leaves public school before Year 12, the scholarship will lapse.
  • Low attendance may result in the scholarship being withdrawn.
  • Unused funds at the end of the scholarship must be returned to the Foundation.

Before applying, please read the scholarship terms and conditions.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Currently enrolled at a NSW public school
  • In Kindergarten to Year 11 in 2025
  • Identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
  • Australian citizen or permanent resident

Selection Criteria

  • Potential to succeed at school, university, or TAFE
  • Positive attitude and strong attendance
  • Disadvantage impacting ability to complete studies
  • Active participation in school life
  • Contribution to community and/or extracurricular activities
  • Strong links to the Indigenous community

Selection Process

A selection panel, including representatives of the Public Education Foundation and independent experts, will assess all applications based on the selection criteria. The Foundation’s Board will approve the final recipients.

Applicants and school principals will be notified of the outcome by December 2025.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the Public Education Foundation’s portal. You must first sign up for a PEF-Apply account.

Note: All application sections, including the Principal’s Supporting Statement, must be completed before submission.

Information Required

Student and Family Details

  • Full name, gender, date of birth, phone number, address, and email
  • Residency status
  • Parent/guardian details (name, contact, relationship)
  • School name, address, principal name and email
  • School point of contact (name, phone, email)
  • Background information:
    • Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or Pacific Islander status
    • Mob/family/traditional owner/language group
    • Languages spoken at home
    • Country of origin (student and parents)
    • Household composition (adults, children, caregivers)
    • Employment of adults
    • Highest family education level
    • Disability or learning difficulty
    • Out-of-home care status
    • Socio-economic background
    • How you heard about the scholarship

Statements and Supporting Documents

Primary School Students:

  • Parent/carer statement addressing selection criteria
  • Parent/carer statement on how funds will be used

Secondary School Students:

  • Student statement addressing selection criteria (max. 400 words)
  • Post-HSC plans (max. 150 words)
  • Year 10–11 only: How subjects/work experience support future goals (max. 250 words)
  • Statement on how scholarship funds will be used (max. 150 words)
  • Most recent school report (PDF or Word)
  • Reference from an Aboriginal community member (max. 400 words, PDF or Word format)
  • Principal’s Supporting Statement (submitted online via email request from the application portal)

Note for Community Referees: References must be specific and demonstrate strong support. Generic references will disadvantage the applicant.

Note for Principals: Your statement must provide detailed insights. Generic or copy-paste responses will disadvantage the applicant.

Draft Paper Application Option

While the online form is required, the following can be uploaded as handwritten documents if needed:

  • Aboriginal community member reference
  • Signed Terms and Conditions

Ensure they are legible. To request a paper version, email scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au.

Submitting Your Application

Once all sections are complete and documents uploaded, you may submit your application for review.

Applications close at 5:00pm on Friday, 19 September 2025.

Need Help?

Contact the Public Education Foundation:
📞 02 7814 2806
✉️ scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au