The Australian Education Union (Victorian Branch) has supported public school students through the Public Education Foundation since 2021. Its secondary scholarships help students in Victorian public schools complete the final years of their schooling and move confidently into further study, training or work – reflecting the AEU’s ongoing commitment to equity in public education.
The scholarship is offered in two streams, each supporting a different group of students facing barriers to opportunity:
- Secondary Indigenous Scholarship – for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Victorian public schools
- Secondary Refugee Scholarship – for students of refugee background in Victorian public schools
Purpose
Public schools cultivate extraordinary talent, but many students navigate financial, social, geographic or systemic barriers that can limit their opportunities. These scholarships help remove some of those barriers at a pivotal stage – the final years of secondary school – when subject choices, senior study and early decisions about the future begin to take shape. The aim is simple: to help talented students stay engaged in learning, complete Year 12, and step confidently into whatever comes next, whether that’s university, vocational training, an apprenticeship or employment.
Who can apply
Both streams are open to students who are:
- Currently attending a Victorian public school and entering the final three years of secondary education
- Facing financial, social, geographic or systemic barriers that could limit access to opportunity without support
- Showing a genuine desire to complete Year 12 and pursue further study, training or employment
- Supported by their school as a student who will engage positively with the scholarship
In addition, each stream has its own requirement:
- For the Secondary Indigenous Scholarship, students identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- For the Secondary Refugee Scholarship, students are of refugee background and experiencing disadvantage
What the scholarship provides
Each recipient receives $1,500 per year across the final three years of secondary school – $4,500 in total. Funds are paid directly to the school and used, through an agreed spending plan, to support the student’s education and wellbeing: things like digital devices, subject fees, uniforms, study materials, enrichment activities and tutoring.
How to apply
Not sure which scholarships you’re eligible for? Complete the Eligibility Quiz to see everything that may apply to you, then apply online via PEF-Apply. You’ll need to sign up before you can access the application form.
For more information, contact the Public Education Foundation Scholarships team at scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au or 02 7814 2806.
