Connecting public school alumni with the next generation of students, so where you start never determines where you end up

Overview of Scholarship

The Acacia Fellowship is a Public Education Foundation initiative that pairs financial support with mentoring, skills development and real-world exposure for public school students entering Years 11 and 12. Developed in partnership with founder Jennifer Robinson, the program connects students with “Acacia Fellows” – successful public school alumni who fund a scholarship and, where possible, offer mentoring and advocacy over the two-year Fellowship.

Is this scholarship for you? It’s open to students currently attending a public school who are entering Year 11 at the start of the program and can show potential, motivation or commitment (not academic excellence alone), alongside financial, social, geographic or systemic barriers that could limit their transition to senior schooling and beyond.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, students should be:

  • Currently attending a public school and entering Year 11 at the start of the program
  • Demonstrating potential, motivation, curiosity or commitment – not academic excellence alone
  • Facing financial, social, geographic or systemic barriers that could limit access to opportunity without intervention
  • Supported by their school as a student who will engage positively with program activities

Selection Process

Schools nominate scholars and assist them to apply. Applications are reviewed by a Panel, with successful students confirmed and matched to a Fellow based on region or alignment. Students and their families are then onboarded, a code of conduct is agreed, and a spending plan is established with the school before funds are distributed.

Funding/Assistance

  • $2,200 total contribution per student over two years ($1,000 per year)
  • Funds are paid directly to the school for controlled distribution
  • Each Fellow is paired with a student from their former school or local region
  • Continued payments depend on confirmed enrolment and the school-agreed spending plan being followed
  • Any unspent funds roll over to the next school year

Acceptable Use of Scholarship Funds

Approved expenses must support the student’s education, learning experience, wellbeing or access to enrichment opportunities. Acceptable uses include:

  • Digital learning and equipment – laptops, tablets, software, internet access
  • Compulsory school expenses – subject fees, textbooks, study materials, uniforms
  • Enrichment – camps, excursions, workshops, conferences, competitions
  • Learning environment – desk, chair, lighting, headphones
  • Tuition support – tutoring, specialist learning support

General household bills, holiday travel, cash reimbursements, gifts, or purchases unrelated to education and wellbeing are not permitted. All purchases are approved by the school and processed with accountability documentation.

Application Form

  • Schools are encouraged to nominate scholars directly
  • Students are required to apply

The following are typically confirmed:

  • Confirmation of Year 11 enrolment at a public school
  • Evidence of the barriers or hardship affecting the student’s transition to senior study
  • School support and endorsement of the student’s engagement and involvement
  • Student induction, including agreement to the program code of conduct
  • A spending plan agreed between the student and the school

How to Apply

Not sure which scholarships you’re eligible for? Complete the Eligibility Quiz to see all scholarships that may apply to you. Apply online via PEF-Apply. You will need to sign up before you can access the application form. Make sure all sections are complete before you submit.

Submitting Your Application

  • Applications open: June 2026
  • Applications close: September 2026

You can save your application in progress and return to it at any time before the closing date. Once you click Submit, your application is sent to the Public Education Foundation and will be reviewed during the Panel assessment period. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in December.

Further Information and Contact Details

For further information, please contact the Public Education Foundation Scholarships team: