The Waratah Education Foundation Secondary Transition Scholarship supports students entering Year 7 at a NSW public high school in 2026. This scholarship is for students experiencing financial hardship that could affect their ability to participate fully in early high school years.

Scholarship Value

  • Up to 25 scholarships available
  • $1,500 per year in Years 7 and 8
  • Refurbished laptop provided in Year 7
  • Total value: $3,500 per student

Eligible Expenses

  • Literacy/numeracy support
  • Stationery, textbooks, study software
  • Laptop, iPad, printer, internet
  • School excursions and camps
  • Furniture (desk, chair, lamp)
  • Online or face-to-face tutoring
Important: The scholarship will lapse if the student does not enrol or leaves a NSW public school. Poor attendance may result in withdrawal. Unspent funds must be returned.

Basic Eligibility

  • Currently in Year 6 (in 2025)
  • Attending a NSW public school
  • Enrolling in a NSW public high school for 2026
  • Australian citizen or permanent resident

Selection Criteria

  • Experiencing disadvantage
  • Positive attitude towards school
  • High attendance
  • Active participation in school life

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by a panel of PEF representatives, donors and experts. Recommendations are submitted to the PEF Board. Results will be notified by email in December 2025.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the online portal: PEF-Apply.

You must register for a PEF-Apply account. All sections including the Principal’s Statement must be completed.

Application Checklist

  • Applicant and parent/guardian details
  • Proof of residency or citizenship
  • High school for 2026
  • Information on background, languages, family situation
  • Parent/carer statement addressing selection criteria (25–400 words)
  • Parent/carer statement on use of funds (20–150 words)
  • Recent school report (PDF/Word)
  • Teacher/counsellor reference (PDF/Word, max 400 words)
  • Principal’s supporting statement (submitted via online form)
Note for Principals: Your statement must go beyond basic confirmation. Generic or copied responses may disadvantage applicants.

Application Deadline

5:00pm, Friday 19 September 2025

Contact Us

Email: scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au
Phone: 02 7814 2806
Website: publiceducationfoundation.org.au