Supporting primary and secondary students from refugee and First Nations backgrounds

About the scholarship

The Behrang Dehestani Scholarship has been established by the Dehestani Family in memory of their beloved son, Behrang, who attended both Lewisham Public School and Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt Campus.

This scholarship is designed to support students experiencing financial hardship and other barriers to education, helping them stay engaged at school and continue their learning journey with confidence during critical transition years.

Two scholarships are available – one for a primary school student and one for a secondary school student.

What does the scholarship provide?

Primary scholar (Lewisham Public School):

  • $1,000 per year for two years
  • Total support: $2,000
  • Support provided in Years 5 and 6

Secondary scholar (Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt Campus):

  • $1,000 per year for two years
  • Total support: $2,000
  • Support provided in Years 9 and 10

Scholarship funds can be used to support education-related costs such as uniforms, learning resources, technology, excursions, subject fees, tutoring support and other school-related expenses.

Who can apply?

Primary (Lewisham Public School)

Students must:

  • Be in Year 4 at the time of application
  • Be transitioning into Years 5 and 6 during the scholarship period

Secondary (Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt Campus)

Students must:

  • Be in Year 8 at the time of application
  • Be transitioning into Years 9 and 10 during the scholarship period

Priority will be given to students who:

  • Are from refugee backgrounds and/or First Nations backgrounds
  • Are experiencing financial hardship
  • Face equity, social or physical challenges that may impact their ability to successfully complete schooling
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude towards school and maintain high attendance
  • Participate in school life
  • Contribute to their community or extra-curricular activities

For secondary applicants, preference may be given to students who:

  • Show determination and aspiration to continue to tertiary education or a trade pathway

How are students selected?

Students will be nominated by their school. Shortlisted students may be required to participate in a panel or school-led selection process coordinated in partnership with the Public Education Foundation.

Due to the limited number of scholarships available, the selection process is expected to be highly competitive.

Key details

  • Number of scholarships: 2 (1 primary, 1 secondary)
  • Length of support: 2 years (2026-2027)
  • Total scholarship value: $4,000 across both scholars
  • Schools supported:
    • Lewisham Public School
    • Sydney Secondary College Leichhardt Campus

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the online portal: PEF-Apply. You must register for a PEF-Apply account. All sections including the Principal’s Statement must be completed.

Enquiries

For further information about this scholarship, please contact:

Public Education Foundation
Email: scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au
Phone: (02) 7819 5700