Rural and Remote Indigenous Secondary Scholarship

The Public Education Foundation’s Rural and Remote Indigenous Secondary Scholarship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in Australian public schools located in rural or remote areas.

The scholarship aims to support students to engage, learn and excel during their final two years of secondary education, helping them reach their full potential.

The scholarship provides $2,000 per year in Years 11 and 12 (total value: $4,000) to assist with educational resources and services that improve learning outcomes.

Eligible Expenses Include:

  • Incidental school fees (e.g., textbooks, specialist subject costs)
  • Uniforms and school shoes (including sports clothing)
  • Stationery and general equipment
  • Laptop, iPad or similar device
  • Study-related software
  • Printer
  • Internet connection for home study
  • School excursions and camps
  • VET-related work experience expenses
  • Study furniture (desk, chair, lamp)
  • Face-to-face or online tutoring

If a student leaves public school before the end of Year 12, the scholarship will lapse. Note: If the student’s attendance rate falls below an acceptable level at any point, the scholarship may be withdrawn. Any unused funds must be returned to the Public Education Foundation.

Read the scholarship terms and conditions before applying.

Basic Eligibility

  • Enrolled in Year 10 in 2025 in an Australian public high school in a rural or remote area
  • Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
  • Australian citizen or permanent resident

Selection Criteria

  • Academic potential and the impact of scholarship support
  • Positive school attitude and high attendance
  • Intention to complete senior secondary schooling and pursue tertiary/vocational education
  • Barriers affecting academic success or participation
  • Active participation in school life
  • Connections to Indigenous community

Selection Process

A selection panel including Public Education Foundation representatives and independent experts will assess applications against the selection criteria. Recommendations will be submitted to the Foundation’s Board. Successful applicants will be notified by email in December 2025. The recipient’s school principal will also be notified.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the online portal: PEF-Apply. All sections, including the Principal’s Supporting Statement, must be completed before submission.

Information Required:

  • Applicant details (name, DOB, contact info, email)
  • Residency status
  • Parent/guardian details (name, contact info, relationship)
  • School details (school name, address, principal name and email)
  • School point of contact for correspondence
  • Background info:
    • Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or Pacific heritage
    • Mob/family/language group
    • Non-English-speaking background
    • Country of origin (student and parents)
    • Languages spoken at home
    • Household composition and employment
    • Primary caregiver
    • Number of school-aged children in household
    • Highest education level of immediate family
    • Disability or out-of-home care status
    • Socio-economic background
    • How you heard about the scholarship
  • Personal statement (PDF or Word, max 400 words) addressing selection criteria
  • Future plans post-secondary school (max 150 words)
  • How subject selection or work experience supports goals (max 250 words)
  • Statement on how scholarship funds will be used (max 150 words)
  • Most recent school report (all pages)
  • Reference from an Aboriginal Community Member (PDF or Word, max 400 words)
    Must be detailed and supportive – generic references will disadvantage the applicant.
  • Principal’s supporting statement submitted online via the application form
    Must address the selection criteria – generic or duplicated statements will disadvantage the applicant.

Paper Application Option

While online submission is mandatory, applicants may upload scanned handwritten documents for the following:

  • Reference from Aboriginal Community Member
  • Signed Terms and Conditions

To request a paper application form, contact scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au.

Submitting Your Application

Applications must be submitted online once all sections are complete.

Deadline: 5:00pm, Friday 19 September 2025

Further Information

Contact the Public Education Foundation at (02) 7814 2806 or scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au.