You might already know that there is currently a lack of Teachers in Australia. One of the Government’s action plans to address the shortage is introducing the Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships Program.
Students commencing teaching degrees in 2024 can now register their interest in applying for scholarships worth up to $40,000. Whether you’re a recent high school leaver, or if you’re transitioning into teaching from other professions, you could be eligible.
1,000 scholarships will be allocated each year over the next five years, as part of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan, so there’s plenty of opportunities for you to be awarded a scholarship (you’ll just need to apply).
What’s the Commonwealth Teaching Scholarship’s value?
Successful undergraduate recipients will receive $40,000 each, allocated as $10,000 per year for a four-year course. Postgraduate teaching students will receive $20,000, allocated as $10,000 per year for a two-year postgraduate course.
Who can apply?
High-achieving school leavers, mid-career professionals, First Nations peoples, people with disability, people for whom English is an additional language or dialect, individuals from rural, regional and remote locations, or people from low socio-economic backgrounds are all encouraged to apply. You just need to be enthusiastic about becoming a teacher.
There is one condition
Before you apply, it’s worth noting that if your application is successful, you’ll be required to work as teacher in a government school or government-run early learning setting, for a period equivalent to the duration of your teaching degree.
You’ll need to apply
Applications are scheduled to open soon and they’ll be closing on 14 January 2024.
You can register your interest here to get updates about when the Scholarship applications open. For more information about the Commonwealth Teaching Scholarship Program, read the media release from the Minister of Education here.
Looking for more information about teaching?
If you’re not sure a career in teaching is for you yet, but you’re interested to learn more, you could read the teacher job spotlight, check out the career clusters in schools, or grab a copy of the Pathways to Teaching Guide.
