Long-term support for NSW public education students who identify as Jewish, from primary school through to university or TAFE

Overview of Scholarship

The scholarship rests on a straightforward conviction: a student’s circumstances at home should not set the ceiling on what they achieve at school. Rather than a one-off prize, it commits to a student for up to five years – following them through primary school, high school and on into university or TAFE – for as long as they remain in public education.

It helps families meet the ordinary costs of schooling that quietly decide whether a capable student keeps pace: books and stationery, a device and an internet connection at home, tutoring, excursions and camps, and course fees further down the track.

Is this scholarship for you? It’s open to students in a NSW public primary or high school, from Kindergarten to Year 12 in 2026, who are Australian citizens or permanent residents. Preference is given to students from Jewish families who show educational promise and would benefit from financial support. If that doesn’t sound like you, PEF’s Eligibility Quiz can help you find a scholarship that does.

Eligibility Criteria

The student must:

  • attend a NSW government (public) primary or high school
  • be in Kindergarten to Year 12 in 2026
  • be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • not currently hold another Public Education Foundation scholarship – a student may hold only one PEF scholarship at a time

A complete application must also include:

  • a copy of all pages of the student’s most recent school report
  • a reference from a member of the Jewish community who knows the student and addresses the selection criteria (PDF or Word, maximum 400 words)
  • a supporting statement from the principal, completed online – the principal is sent the request automatically once the applicant enters their email address
  • for applicants born outside Australia, a copy of a residency visa or citizenship certificate

Primary school applicants also provide:

  • a statement from the parent or carer on why the student is a suitable candidate and how they meet each of the selection criteria
  • a brief statement from the parent or carer on how the funds would be used

Secondary school applicants also provide:

  • a statement on why you are a suitable candidate and how you meet each of the selection criteria (maximum 400 words)
  • a brief outline of your plans after you complete your HSC (maximum 150 words)
  • if you are in Year 10, 11 or 12, a brief explanation of how your current or proposed subject selection and/or work experience will help your future study or work goals (maximum 250 words)
  • a brief statement on how the funds would be used (maximum 150 words)

An application cannot be submitted until every section, including the Principal’s Supporting Statement, is complete. Applications that are incomplete at the closing time cannot be assessed.

Continued eligibility

  • The scholarship runs for a maximum of five years, provided the student remains in public education throughout that period
  • If the student leaves public education during the scholarship period, the scholarship will lapse
  • If attendance falls below an acceptable level at any time, the scholarship may be withdrawn
  • Any unspent funds at the end of the scholarship period must be returned to the Public Education Foundation scholarship fund

Selection Process

Selection criteria

  • experiencing disadvantage which could prevent the student from realising their potential at school
  • potential to succeed at school, university or TAFE
  • a positive attitude towards school and a high attendance rate
  • participation in school life
  • identifies as Jewish

How applications are assessed

  • A selection panel reviews all applications and assesses them against the selection criteria
  • The panel includes representatives of the Public Education Foundation, a funding representative, the NSW Department of Education and independent experts
  • The panel may shortlist applicants and invite those shortlisted to an interview
  • The panel’s recommendations are put to the Public Education Foundation’s Board for approval

Applicants are notified of the outcome by email in December 2026. If successful, the recipient’s school is also notified directly.

Funding/Assistance

  • $1,000 per year for up to five years – a maximum of $5,000 in total – commencing in 2027
  • Payments are made annually and are subject to the student remaining eligible
  • The scholarship follows the student across primary school, high school and tertiary study, provided they stay in public education
  • The scholarship cannot be transferred to another student or family member

Acceptable Use of Scholarship Funds

Funds are intended to be spent on items including:

  • literacy and/or numeracy support
  • stationery and text books
  • a laptop, iPad or other similar device
  • subject or study related software
  • a printer
  • an internet connection for study at home
  • school excursions and school camps
  • furniture for study, such as a desk, chair or lamp
  • face-to-face or online tutoring
  • course related fees

The scholarship is not intended for:

  • general household or family expenses not connected to the student’s education
  • items for another child in the family

Record keeping

  • Keep receipts for items bought with scholarship funds
  • Any unspent funds at the end of the scholarship period must be returned to the Public Education Foundation scholarship fund
  • Before applying, please read the full scholarship terms and conditions

Application Form

Before starting your application, compile the following information ready to submit. The form can be saved and returned to at any time before the closing date.

Applicant details

  • full name
  • gender
  • date of birth
  • phone number
  • address
  • email – please nominate an account you check regularly
  • residence status – a copy of a residency visa or citizenship certificate is required for applicants born outside Australia

Parent or guardian details (at least one, up to two)

  • name
  • phone number
  • relationship to the student
  • email address – please nominate an account you check regularly

School details

  • name of school
  • address
  • principal name and email
  • school point of contact – the person at the school you would like correspondence sent to, with their name, phone number and email

Background information about you and your family

  • whether you are Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, or Pacific or South Sea Islander
  • your mob, family, traditional owner or language group
  • whether you are from a non-English-speaking background
  • country of origin of you and your parents
  • languages you speak and languages spoken at home
  • how many adults live in your home, and how many of them are working
  • who the primary caregiver is at home
  • how many other school-aged or younger children live in your home
  • the highest education qualification in your immediate family
  • whether you have a diagnosed disability or learning difficulty
  • whether you have been in out-of-home care
  • socio-economic background
  • how you found out about the scholarship

Written components

See Eligibility Criteria above for the statements required, which differ for primary and secondary applicants, and for the reference and school report you will need to upload.

Notes for referees

  • Panels are not able to contact referees for additional information, so the reference should include everything the referee feels is relevant
  • Give your referee as much notice as you can, and let them know the closing date

Note for principals

Your statement is a critical component of the application and is given considerable weight in panel deliberations. Panels are looking for feedback that goes well beyond confirming that the student is enrolled at your school or that you endorse the application. Generic responses, or text copied from the applicant’s or referee’s statements, will disadvantage the applicant.

How to Apply

  • Applications must be submitted online via PEF-Apply, the Public Education Foundation’s application portal. Create an account to access the form
  • Complete every section of the application form
  • Upload the school report, the reference and, if required, proof of residency
  • Request the Principal’s Supporting Statement through the online application. Do this early – the principal needs time to respond, and your application cannot be submitted without it
  • Check that your contact details are correct, as all correspondence about the application is sent by email

If you need help with the form, or would prefer to complete it with support, contact the Public Education Foundation on the details at the end of this page. Your school can also help you put the application together.

Submitting Your Application

Once your application is finalised and all elements are complete, including the references required, you can submit it for review.

  • Applications open:
    • Secondary – July 2026
    • Primary – August 2026
  • Applications close
    • Secondary – September 2026
    • Primary – October 2026

Important information

  • Late applications cannot be accepted, and the portal closes automatically at the advertised time
  • All sections of the application, including the Principal’s Supporting Statement, must be completed before the application can be submitted
  • Submit as early as you can – the portal is busiest in the final days before closing
  • You will receive an automatic email confirming your submission. If it does not arrive, check your junk folder and then contact the Public Education Foundation
  • Applications cannot be edited after submission
  • Applicants are notified of the outcome in December 2026

Further Information and Contact Details

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

Create a PEF-Apply Account

Complete the Eligibility Quiz first to access scholarships that are right for you.

You can save your progress and return where you left off.

Primary Scholarship

Long-term support for NSW public education students who identify as Jewish, from primary school through to university or TAFE.

Download a PDF copy of the scholarship information kit.