Rural and Remote Indigenous Primary Scholarship

Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in rural and remote areas to thrive in primary education

The Public Education Foundation’s Rural and Remote Indigenous Primary Scholarship provides financial assistance to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in public primary schools in rural or remote areas of Australia.

The aim of the scholarship is to help students engage, learn, and excel in their primary education. It provides $1,000 per year, paid annually from Year 2 through Year 6 (maximum of $5,000), or from Year 3 through Year 6 (maximum of $4,000), depending on the student’s current year level.

What the Scholarship Covers

Funds can be used to support educational needs such as:

  • Uniforms and school shoes (including sports uniforms)
  • Literacy and numeracy support
  • Stationery and textbooks
  • Laptop, iPad or similar device
  • Subject-related or study software
  • Printer
  • Internet access for home study
  • School excursions and camps
  • Furniture for study (e.g. desk, chair, lamp)
  • Face-to-face or online tutoring

Important Notes:

  • If a student leaves public school before completing Year 6, the scholarship will lapse
  • If attendance drops below an acceptable level, the scholarship may be withdrawn
  • Unspent funds at the end of the scholarship period must be returned to the Foundation

Before applying, please read the full scholarship terms and conditions.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Enrolled in Year 1 or Year 2 in 2025
  • Attending a public primary school in a rural or remote area of Australia
  • Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
  • Australian citizen or permanent resident

Selection Criteria

  • Successful transition into the school environment and capacity to succeed
  • Positive attitude and high attendance rates
  • Disadvantage affecting school participation or success
  • Active participation in school life
  • Strong Indigenous community links

Selection Process

A selection panel including representatives from the Public Education Foundation and independent experts will assess all applications. Recommendations will be approved by the Foundation’s Board.

Applicants will be notified by December 2025, and their principal will also be informed of the outcome.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the Foundation’s portal. Create a PEF-Apply account 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, gender, date of birth, phone number, address, and email
  • Residence status (Visa or Citizenship certificate if born overseas)
  • Parent/guardian details (name, contact info, relationship)
  • School details (name, address, principal name and email)
  • School point of contact (name, phone, and email)
  • Background info:
    • Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander/Pacific Islander status
    • Mob/family/traditional owner/language group
    • Non-English-speaking background
    • Country of origin (student and parents)
    • Languages spoken at home
    • Number of adults and children in the home
    • Primary caregiver info
    • Adult employment status
    • Education level of immediate family
    • Disability or learning difficulty
    • Out-of-home care experience
    • Socio-economic background
    • How you heard about the scholarship

Written Components

  • Parent/carer statement addressing the selection criteria (25–400 words)
  • Parent/carer statement on how funds will be used (20–150 words)
  • Latest school report (all pages in digital format)
  • Reference from an Aboriginal community member (PDF or Word, max. 400 words)
  • Principal’s supporting statement (submitted online via system-generated email request)

Note for Community Member References: References must be specific and supportive. Generic responses will disadvantage applicants.

Note for Principals: The statement must provide detailed, individual feedback. Generic or copy/pasted responses will disadvantage the applicant.

Draft Paper Application Form

While online applications are mandatory, a paper version is available to support schools and families in preparing:

  • Parent/Carer Statement
  • Community Member Reference
  • Signed Terms and Conditions

Scanned copies can be uploaded if clearly legible. To request a copy, contact us at scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au.

Application Deadline

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

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

Once you have finalised your application and all elements are complete (including references as required) you can submit it for review.

Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm on Friday, 26 September 2025.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Call the Public Education Foundation on 02 7814 2806 or email us at scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au.