The Public Education Foundation’s VET in Schools Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship which aims to support students who are interested in pursuing vocational studies through their schools.

The scholarship has been made available from a bequest from Mr Raymond Romer.  Mr Romer was the beneficiary of the generosity of others as a boy when his personal circumstances made it difficult for him to pursue his education. With additional support he was able to successfully complete his schooling, undertake further study and become a qualified member of an esteemed profession.

His wish was to assist students who, due to financial strain, may otherwise not be able to pursue their chosen career.

Up to six scholarships may be awarded, with each scholarship providing up to $1,500 per year for up to three years.  Students will be required to provide evidence of their ongoing enrolment in VET studies each year to remain eligible for their scholarship.

Please note – students undertaking SBAT training are ineligible to apply for this scholarship.

The scholarship is to cover educational expenses such as:

  • Uniforms and equipment
  • Costs associated with work experience linked to VET subjects
  • Stationery and books
  • Laptop, iPad or similar device
  • Subject or study related software
  • Printer
  • Internet connection for study at home
  • School excursions and school camps
  • Furniture for study such as desk, chair, lamp etc
  • Face-To-Face Tutoring or Online Tutoring

If a student leaves public school before the end of the scholarship period, or does not continue their enrolment in VET studies the scholarship will lapse.  Please note – if a student’s attendance rate falls below an acceptable level at any time during the duration of the scholarship, the scholarship may be withdrawn.  Any unspent monies at the end of the scholarship period must be refunded to the Public Education Foundation scholarship fund.

Before applying for this scholarship, please ensure that you read the scholarship terms and conditions available on our website.

BASIC ELIGIBILITY

  • Attends a public high school in Australia
  • Currently in Years 9 – 11 (in 2023)
  • Intending to enroll in/continue VET studies through school from 2023

Experiencing significant financial hardship

SELECTION CRITERIA

  • Experiencing significant financial hardship that may prevent them from otherwise successfully completing school study or training
  • Demonstrated aptitude in subjects that are VET related
  • Intention to complete their HSC/NTCE/QCE/SACE/TCE/VCE/WACE and continue on to studies and/or work in their chosen field
  • Potential to do well at school and be able to demonstrate that the scholarship will make a significant contribution to reaching that potential
  • Have a positive attitude towards school and high rates of attendance
  • Demonstrate they participate in school life
  • Demonstrate they contribute in the community and/or in extracurricular activities

SELECTION PROCESS

A selection panel will review all scholarship applications and assess them against the selection criteria. The selection panel will include representatives of the Public Education Foundation and independent experts. After considering all applications, the selection panel will recommend the selected applicants for the approval of the Public Education Foundation’s Board.   The successful applicant will be notified in December 2023.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome via email. If successful, the scholarship recipient’s school principal will also receive notification directly.

HOW TO APPLY

All applications for the VET in Schools Scholarship must be submitted via the Foundation’s online portal. You will need to sign up for a PEF-Apply account to access the form.

Prior to starting your application, you should compile the following information ready to submit:

  • Applicant details including:
    • full name
    • gender
    • date of birth
    • phone number
    • address
    • email (please ensure you nominate an email account you regularly access)
  • Residence status (copy of residency Visa or Citizenship certificate is a requirement)
  • When you came to Australia (if applicable)
  • Number of years in formal education before coming to Australia (if applicable)
  • Parent/guardian details
    • name
    • phone number
    • relationship to student
    • email address
  • School details:
    • name of school
    • address
    • principal name
    • email
  • School Point of Contact – the person at the school who you would like correspondence sent to – name, phone number and email
  • Basic information about you / your family:
    • whether you are Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, or Pacific or South Sea Islander
    • who is the primary caregiver at home
    • highest education qualification of your immediate family
    • if you are from a Non-English-Speaking Background
    • country of origin of your parents and yourself
    • which languages you speak and are spoken at home
    • if 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
  • A statement outlining why you are a suitable candidate for this scholarship and how you meet each of the selection criteria. (Maximum 400 words)
  • A brief outline of your plans after you have completed your year 12 studies (maximum 150 words)
  • A brief explanation of how your current studies and/or extracurricular activities and/or work experience will support your futures goals. (Maximum 250 words)
  • A brief outline of how you meet the criteria in relation to financial need/disadvantage (maximum 150 words)
  • A brief statement on how the scholarship funds would be used (maximum 150 words)
  • Details of your current and/or proposed VET subjects
  • A copy of all pages of your most recent school report ready to upload
  • A personal reference from a teacher/counsellor/wellbeing officer from your school.  (PDF or Word format, maximum 400 words)
  • A supporting statement from your Principal which addresses the selection criteria (the applicant must initiate a request via the online application to the Principal. This will result in an email being sent to the Principal asking them to complete a statement of support online)

Note for Principals: Please be aware that your statement is a critical component of the application form and your feedback is given considerable weight in the process of panel deliberations.  The panels are looking for feedback that goes well beyond simple confirmation that the student is enrolled in your school, or that you endorse the application.

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

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

Applications must be submitted by 11.59pm on Tuesday 12th September 2023. 

For Further Information

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