Aboriginal Education Council Scholarship
The Public Education Foundation’s Aboriginal Education Council Scholarship supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in NSW public high schools to complete their senior years of education.
This scholarship is proudly supported by the Aboriginal Education Council (AEC) – a charity established in 1963 to advocate for innovative educational programs and improved government support for Aboriginal students.
Student Benefits
- $1,000 per year in both Year 11 and Year 12 (total of $2,000)
- Funds may be used for:
- Laptop, iPad or similar device
- Software and online tools
- Uniforms, shoes, textbooks, stationery
- Printer and internet access
- Excursions, camps, tutoring and study furniture
- Work experience-related costs (for VET subjects)
Expected Outcomes
- Remove barriers to education
- Support students to complete their HSC
- Encourage transition into tertiary or vocational study
- Build stronger connections with community and cultural identity
Financial Support
- Total value: $2,000 per student
- Payment period: $1,000 in Year 11 and $1,000 in Year 12
- Usage: Must be used for approved educational expenses
- Note: The scholarship may be withdrawn if a student leaves public school, leaves NSW, or attendance drops significantly
Eligibility Criteria
- Be enrolled in a NSW public high school
- Be in Year 10 in 2025
- Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- Be an Australian citizen (valid proof required) or permanent resident (holding a valid visa)
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be assessed on:
- Demonstrated potential to do well at school
- Positive attitude and good attendance
- Clear intention to complete the HSC and pursue further education or training
- Experiencing personal or financial disadvantage
- Active participation in school and community life
- Demonstrated Indigenous community connections
Selection Process
- Applications are reviewed by a panel including PEF, AEC, and independent experts
- Successful applicants will be notified in December 2025
- Schools will also be informed of successful recipients
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via our online portal (PEF-Apply). You must complete all sections of the application, including:
- Student and family background information
- Personal statement (up to 400 words)
- Future plans (up to 150 words)
- Subject choices and goals (up to 250 words)
- How the scholarship will support your learning (up to 150 words)
- Most recent school report (uploaded)
- Personal reference from an Aboriginal community member (PDF or Word, max. 400 words)
- Principal’s statement (requested via the online portal)
Optional: You may request a paper version to help draft responses, but the final application must be completed and submitted online. Clear scanned versions of handwritten references or signed terms are accepted if legible.
- Generic references may disadvantage your application
- Referees and principals should provide specific, thoughtful responses
Application Deadline
Applications close: Friday, 19 September 2025 at 5:00pm
Need Help?
📞 02 7814 2806
✉️ scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au
