National Tertiary Scholarship

The Public Education Foundation’s National Tertiary Scholarship is open to current Year 12 students attending public high schools in metropolitan regions across all states and territories in Australia. This scholarship aims to support high-potential students who face hardship to pursue their post-school education goals.

To check your eligibility, visit the MySchool website. Your school’s SCHOOL LOCATION must be listed as Major Cities. Students from non-eligible locations should apply for the National Regional & Remote Tertiary Scholarship instead.

Scholarships assist students transitioning into TAFE or public university study after Year 12 in 2025. Eligible pathways include bachelor’s degrees, accredited apprenticeships, or Advanced Diplomas.

Scholarship Value

  • Up to $3,000 per year for a maximum of 3 years
  • A one-off relocation payment may be available if applicable
  • Final value depends on circumstances and education pathway

Eligible Expenses

  • Course fees
  • Required equipment
  • Stationery and textbooks
  • Laptop
  • Online or in-person tutoring

Recipients must submit an academic transcript each year to confirm progress. The Foundation reserves the right to withdraw scholarships for unsatisfactory academic progression or if the student discontinues their course. Any unused funds must be returned.

Please read the scholarship terms and conditions before applying.

Basic Eligibility

  • Attend a public school in a metropolitan area (designated as Major Cities on the MySchool website)
  • Currently enrolled in Year 12
  • Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • Students without permanent residency or citizenship may be considered on a case-by-case basis
  • Committed to full-time study at university or TAFE in 2026

Selection Criteria

  • Academic achievement, study relevance and/or work experience
  • Motivation to complete chosen study/training
  • Clear career path and educational alignment
  • Equity or financial disadvantage impacting education
  • Positive school engagement and high attendance
  • Participation in school and extracurricular activities

Selection Process

A selection panel comprising Public Education Foundation staff, funding partner representatives and independent experts will assess all eligible applications. Recommendations will be submitted to the Foundation’s Board for approval.

Applicants will be notified of outcomes in December 2025. School principals of successful applicants will be informed directly.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s online portal. Register for a PEF-Apply account to access the form. All sections of the application must be completed—including the Principal’s Supporting Statement—before submission.

Applicants must prepare the following before applying

  • Personal and contact details
  • Proof of residence or citizenship (if applicable)
  • Parent/guardian and school details
  • School point of contact information
  • Background information (cultural identity, languages, household composition, socioeconomic factors, etc.)
  • Course preferences (up to three, with institution name, course title and fees)
  • Written statements:
    • Why you are a suitable candidate (max. 400 words)
    • How your current studies and work experience support your goals
    • Your career commitment (max. 250 words)
    • Perceived barriers to study
  • Most recent school report (PDF/Word)
  • Personal reference (PDF/Word, max. 400 words)
  • Principal’s Supporting Statement (submitted via online system)

Note for Principals: Your detailed feedback is essential and highly valued in the selection process. Generic or copied responses may disadvantage the applicant.

Submitting Your Application

Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm Wednesday, 27 August 2025.

Further Information

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