The Australian Education Union’s (AEU) Indigenous Primary Scholarship provides financial assistance to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in South Australian public primary schools located in regional, rural, or remote communities. The scholarship assists families with educational expenses to help students engage, learn, and excel in their primary years.
Funding may be awarded over four consecutive years at $1,000 per year – a total of $4,000 – depending on the student’s current year level at the time of application. For example, in 2026:
- Kindergarten student – assistance provided for four years (K-Year 3 or 2029)
- Year 1 student (Years 1-4 or 2029)
- Year 2 student (Years 2-5 or 2029)
- Year 3 student (Years 3-6 or 2029)
What the Scholarship Covers
Funds may be used to support a student’s educational needs such as:
- Uniforms and school shoes (including sports uniforms)
- Literacy and numeracy support programs
- Stationery and classroom learning materials
- Laptop, iPad or similar device
- Subject-related or study software
- Home printer and/or internet access
- Educational excursions, camps, or sports programs
- Furniture for home study (desk, chair, lamp)
- Face-to-face or online tutoring
- Transport costs directly related to schooling
Important Notes
- If a student leaves a South Australian public school before completing primary schooling, the scholarship will lapse
- If attendance drops below an acceptable level, the scholarship may be reviewed or withdrawn
- Unspent funds at the end of the scholarship period must be returned
- Before applying, applicants should read the full scholarship terms and conditions
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be enrolled in Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 2, or Year 3 in 2026
- Attend a South Australian public primary school located in a regional, rural, or remote community
- Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Selection Criteria
Assessment will consider:
- Successful engagement with the school environment and capacity to succeed
- Positive attitude towards learning and high attendance
- Disadvantage affecting school participation or success
- Active participation in school/community life
- Strong Indigenous community and cultural links
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 Term 1, 2026, and the student’s principal will also be advised of the outcome.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via PEF-Apply. Sign up here to access the form.
Note: All sections of the application, including the Principal’s Supporting Statement, must be completed before submission.
Information Required
Student and family information:
- Full name, date of birth, contact details, address, citizenship
- Parent/guardian information (name, contact, relationship)
- School information (school name, address, principal email)
- School point of contact (name, phone, 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
- Primary caregiver information
- Adult 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
Written components:
- Parent/carer statement addressing the selection criteria (25-400 words)
- Parent/carer statement on intended scholarship use (20-150 words)
- Latest school report (digital copy)
- Reference from an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community member (PDF/Word, max. 400 words)
- Principal’s supporting statement (submitted online via system-generated email)
Notes for References
- Community references must be specific and supportive. Generic references may disadvantage applicants
- Principal 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.
