Supporting Indigenous students to begin tertiary studies in teaching
The Australian Education Union’s (AEU) National Tertiary Indigenous Teaching Scholarship is open to Indigenous scholars, enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree (Teaching) in 2026, who completed Year 12 in a public school in 2025.
Funding may be awarded over three years at $3,000 per year (a total of $9,000). Consideration may also be given to a one-off payment of $3,000 for relocation expenses.
What the Scholarship Covers
The scholarship provides financial assistance to support tertiary study-related expenses, including but not limited to:
- Tuition and course fees
- Textbooks and learning materials
- Laptop or device for study
- Specialist course software
- Internet access
- Travel and accommodation linked to study requirements
- Practicum-related or professional experience costs
Both face-to-face and online courses (or blended programs) are eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be an Indigenous student
- Be currently enrolled full-time in a tertiary teaching course at an approved Australian public university
- Have attended a public secondary school
- Show evidence that current study, academic record or work experience aligns with an intended teaching career
- Be experiencing hardship
- Have demonstrated a positive contribution to community or extracurricular activities
Selection Criteria
The selection panel will assess:
- Academic achievement and engagement
- Motivation to complete tertiary studies in teaching
- Clear commitment to a future career in teaching
- Equity or financial disadvantage impacting education access
- Contribution to community, cultural or leadership activities
Selection Process
A selection panel including representatives from the AEU and independent experts will assess all applications. Recommendations will be approved by the AEU’s Board.
Applicants will be notified by the end of Semester 1, 2026.
Enrolment Requirements
Once offered the scholarship, the student must provide confirmed evidence of enrolment in a public university course before payments can be made.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via PEF-Apply. Sign up here to access the form.
Note: All sections of the application must be completed before submission.
Information Required
Student and family information:
- Contact information
- Proof of enrolment (university name, address, contact email)
- Background information
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status
- Mob/family/traditional owner/language group
- Languages spoken at home
- Family composition and household structure
- Employment status
- Education levels of immediate family
- Disability, learning difficulty or additional needs (if applicable)
- Socio-economic context
- How the applicant heard about the scholarship
- Any other relevant information
Written components:
- Why you are a suitable candidate (max. 400 words)
- How current study/work experience supports your goal to become a teacher
- Career motivation and commitment (max. 250 words)
- Perceived barriers to tertiary study
- Year 12 results or latest academic transcript (digital copy)
- Personal reference (PDF/Word, max. 400 words)
- Supporting statement from university course convenor/equity and diversity team member or equivalent
Notes for References
- Community references must be specific and supportive. Generic references may disadvantage applicants
- University statements must provide individualised commentary; generic responses may disadvantage applicants
Contact Information
For support or clarification, contact the Public Education Foundation on (02) 7814 2806 or email scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au.
