The Principals Scholarships give principals from Government primary and secondary schools the opportunity to undertake a short professional education program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in the USA. With three scholarships available, sponsored by the Harvard Club of Australia, Teachers Mutual Bank and the Public Education Foundation, the scholarships provide the recipients with the opportunity to “reflect, refocus and recharge” through a professional education program tailor-made for school principals.

We are grateful to our generous sponsors for supporting these scholarships:

  • Harvard Club of Australia Principals Scholarship
  • Teachers Mutual Bank Principals Scholarship
  • Public Education Foundation Principals Scholarship

Course Offering

This scholarship gives the recipients the opportunity to attend the following short program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education:

The program is designed to give school leaders a chance to step away from day-to-day challenges, deeply explore their values as educators, and build a concrete plan that centres those values for the benefit of their school communities.

Due to the current visa processing situation in the USA, we are yet to confirm the exact program dates for 2026. We will update applicants as soon as further information becomes available.

Basic Eligibility

To be eligible for this scholarship you must:

  • Be a current Principal in a Government primary or secondary school in Australia
  • Be a mid-career Principal. Eligible applicants will have served as a substantive Principal in a Government primary or secondary school in Australia for 3-15 years
  • Currently be school based
  • Be committed to continue as a Principal in the Government school system for at least another five years
  • Be available to share your learnings to a wide community through formal and informal channels such as relevant conferences, social media and other networks
  • Act as an ambassador in different forums such as the media, conferences and social media for the Public Education Foundation and the Teachers Mutual Bank upon your return

Please Note

  • Eligibility criteria is strictly applied and Principals who have served for less than three years or more than 15 will not be considered
  • Scholarship recipients are responsible for obtaining the consent of their employer prior to accepting this award and travel
  • Previous applicants are welcome to re-apply provided they still meet the eligibility criteria
  • Scholarship recipients are not required to take up their scholarship in the first year.

Before applying for this scholarship, please ensure you read PEF’s Teachers, Principals and Executives Terms and Conditions.

Scholarship Inclusions 

Each scholarship is valued at approximately $15,000 and includes:

  • All tuition fees for a short residential program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education
  • Travel insurance
  • Return airfares (ex-your nearest capital city)
  • Accommodation for the duration of the course

Each successful participant is responsible for covering their own living expenses and airport transfers.

Recipients will be responsible for booking their own airfare and travel insurance. They will then be reimbursed the equivalent of return airfare to Boston and travel insurance for the course period to an agreed amount.

Selection Criteria

  • Evidence of significant ability as a school leader, commitment to the values of public education and capacity for leadership into the future
  • Evidence of a candidate’s enthusiasm for furthering their own professional development and education
  • Evidence of understanding of ways in which learnings from the course can be shared with colleagues via social media and professional networks
  • Other personal qualities and personal circumstances that would enhance the candidate’s suitability for the scholarship

Selection Process

A selection panel will review all scholarship applications according to the criteria set out in the application form. The selection panel will include a representative of the Public Education Foundation, the Harvard Club of Australia, Teachers Mutual Bank and a serving public school Principal. After considering all applications, the selection panel will make recommendations to the Board of the Public Education Foundation for approval.

The selection panel may invite a number of applicants for interview before making its final decision.

How to apply

Principals should apply online via PEF-Apply.

The process will require you to:

  • Complete a short application
    • Contact details
    • Years as a Government school Principal
  • Information about your school
    • Total enrolment
    • Student attendance rate
    • Per cent of Indigenous students
    • Per cent of EALD students
    • Per cent of students with special needs
    • Outline of additional school funding
  • Complete a series of short-answer questions (maximum 250 words)
    • About your school
    • Challenges you have faced as a school leader
    • Describe an achievement at your school you are proud of
    • A personal statement about yourself, your commitment to public education and how this scholarship will contribute to the plans and goals for yourself and your school
    • How you would share your learning with your colleagues and community
  • Upload a reference from the education sector – e.g., your supervisor or area director (maximum 400 words)
  • Upload a reference from a community referee – e.g., your local Member of Parliament, local PCYC Director or Rotary Club President (maximum 400 words)
  • Upload a copy of your CV, complete with your educational qualifications, your employment and teaching history and information about any extra-curricular activities you have undertaken as part of your schooling duties or your community roles (maximum two pages)

The scholarship is focused on the impact of public education in the community (students, parents, teachers, other principals, broader community etc.). Please write your application with this broad audience in mind and avoid acronyms.

Submitting your Application

Once you have finalised your application and all elements are complete (including references as required) you can submit it for review.

Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm, Friday 10 October 2025.

For Further Information

Call the Public Education Foundation on 02 7814 2806 or email us at scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au.