David S Ratner Scholarship
Supporting Jewish students in public education to thrive and succeed
The Public Education Foundation’s David S Ratner Scholarship provides long-term financial support for students in NSW public primary schools, high schools or tertiary institutions (university or TAFE). The scholarship supports eligible students for up to five years, as long as they remain enrolled in public education. This scholarship helps students experiencing financial hardship by contributing to school-related expenses – giving them a fair chance to reach their academic potential. Preference will be given to students from Jewish families who demonstrate educational promise and would benefit from financial assistance.
Scholarship value
- $1,000 per year (up to $5,000 over five years)
- Support begins in 2026
Funds may be used for:
- School supplies (e.g., stationery, textbooks)
- Digital devices (e.g., laptop, iPad, software)
- Study furniture (e.g., desk, chair, lamp)
- Internet access for study at home
- Tutoring (e.g., online or face-to-face)
- School excursions, camps, course-related fees
- Literacy or numeracy support
Important notes:
- If the student leaves public school before Year 12 or attendance falls below acceptable levels, the scholarship may be withdrawn
- Any unused funds at the end of the five-year period must be returned to PEF
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a NSW public primary or high school
- Be in Kindergarten to Year 11 in 2025
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Selection Criteria
Applicants should:
- Be experiencing disadvantage that may affect their education
- Show potential to succeed in school, university or TAFE
- Have a positive attitude to learning and strong school attendance
- Identify as Jewish
- Participate actively in school life
Selection Process
A panel from the Public Education Foundation, NSW Department of Education, funding partners and independent experts will assess all applications. Some applicants may be invited to interview.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their scholarship application by December 2025. School principals will also be informed.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted via the Public Education Foundation’s online portal. You’ll need to create a PEF-Apply account to access the form.
Important: The application must be fully completed—including the Principal’s Supporting Statement—before submission.
Information Required
Student and family information:
- Student’s name, date of birth, address, phone and email
- Residency documentation (if born overseas)
- Parent/guardian contact details
- School name, address, principal’s email, school point of contact
- Background information: cultural identity, household living arrangements, caregiver information, disability status, socioeconomic background, languages spoken at home
Statements and Documents:
- Primary Students
- Parent/carer statement addressing selection criteria and use of funds
- Secondary Students
- Statement addressing why you’re a strong candidate (max. 400 words)
- Outline of post-HSC plans (max. 150 words)
- For Years 10–11: Subject/work experience link to future goals (max. 250 words)
- Statement on how funds will be used (max. 150 words)
- Most recent school report
- Reference from a member of the Jewish community (PDF or Word, max. 400 words)
- Principal’s Supporting Statement (submitted online by the principal after your request)
Note for Principals: Please provide detailed, personalised feedback. Generic or copy/pasted statements will disadvantage the applicant.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 5:00pm on Friday, 26 September 2025.
Need Help?
Contact the Public Education Foundation:
📞 02 7814 2806
✉️ scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au
