The Public Education Foundation’s National Regional and Remote Tertiary Scholarship supports high-achieving Year 12 students attending regional, rural or remote public high schools across Australia in 2024. This scholarship assists students facing hardship to pursue further study at TAFE or public university in 2026.

To confirm eligibility, please use the MySchool website. Eligible applicants must attend a school located in areas classified as Inner Regional, Outer Regional, Remote or Very Remote. Students at schools outside these areas should consider the National Tertiary Scholarship instead.

Scholarship Value

  • Up to $3,000 annually for up to three years
  • Additional one-off payment for relocation costs (if applicable)
  • Amount awarded is based on location, personal circumstances, and course of study

Eligible Expenses

  • Course fees
  • Laptop and necessary equipment
  • Stationery and books
  • Face-to-face or online tutoring

Eligibility Criteria

  • Currently in Year 12 in 2025
  • Attends a public high school in regional, rural or remote Australia
  • Australian citizen or permanent resident
    • Students without citizenship/permanent residency may be considered on a case-by-case basis
  • Commitment to full-time study at TAFE or university in 2026

Selection Criteria

  • Academic or work experience aligned to intended study
  • Commitment to chosen career path
  • Determination to complete tertiary studies
  • Equity-related hardship or personal challenges
  • Positive attitude, good school attendance, and engagement
  • Contribution to school/community life

Selection Process

  • Reviewed by a panel from PEF, funding partner, and independent experts
  • Recommended applicants approved by PEF Board
  • Successful applicants and schools notified in December 2025

How to Apply

Apply via the PEF-Apply online portal. All sections must be completed, including:

  • Applicant and family details
  • University/TAFE preferences
  • Written responses:
    • Why you are a strong candidate (up to 400 words)
    • Study and career commitment (up to 250 words)
    • Barriers to further education
  • School report upload
  • Personal reference (PDF/Word, max. 400 words)
  • Principal’s supporting statement (submitted via portal)

Note for Principals: Statements must provide detailed and specific feedback. Generic or copied responses will disadvantage the student.

Submitting Your Application

All components must be completed before submission. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Applications close at 5:00pm on Wednesday, 27 August 2025.

Further Information

📞 02 7814 2806
✉️ scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au