FAQs
Download: Quick Guide to Applying for a Scholarship (PDF 696 KB).
Get answers to your questions about the application and selection process.
Who is eligible to apply?
How do I know if the university studies I wish to complete will allow me to be employed as a teacher in NSW public schools?
What's the maximum number of years I can study under the scholarship?
How do I apply?
When should I submit my application?
Will late applications be accepted?
How can I be sure my application has been submitted?
What supporting documents will I need to provide as part of my application?
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
I applied for a Teacher Education Scholarship - Aboriginal last year but was unsuccessful. Can I apply again?
What does the selection process involve?
Will successful and unsuccessful applicants be notified of the outcome?
How many Teacher Education Scholarships are awarded each year?
If my application has been unsuccessful, can I be provided with information as to why?
What are the commitments of a scholar?
When do scholars receive their annual training allowance?
What are the taxation implications of this scholarship?
When are scholars appointed to their permanent position?
Do scholars who are appointed to rural or remote areas receive the same benefits and/or incentives that are available to the other teachers in that location?
Where can I find out more?
Who is eligible to apply?
Aboriginal people who meet the eligibility requirements can apply for a Teacher Education Scholarship - Aboriginal. Other opportunities available to future teachers in NSW public schools include Teacher Education Scholarships, teach.Rural Scholarships, Great Teaching, Inspired Learning Internships , Great Teaching, Inspired Learning Cadetships and Incentive Scholarships.
How do I know if the university studies I wish to complete will allow me to be employed as a teacher in NSW public schools?
The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is responsible for accrediting initial teacher education programs in NSW. Refer to the NESA website to make sure that the program you wish to study has been accredited.
If you intend to study/are currently studying a teacher education program in another state, you will also need to make sure that your program is recognised as an appropriate initial teacher education program accredited by NESA.
What's the maximum number of years I can study under the scholarship?
Teacher Education Scholarships can support future teachers for up to a maximum of five years.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted using the online application form. During the application period, an "Apply now" button will be available on the Teacher Education Scholarship - Aboriginal webpage. Outside the application period, you will be able to sign up to an alert to receive an email notification when applications open.
When should I submit my application?
We encourage applicants to commence and submit their applications as early as possible during the application period.
Will late applications be accepted?
No. The deadline for accepting applications is 11.59 pm on the closing date. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
How can I be sure my application has been submitted?
Once you click on the submit button, a confirmation email will automatically be sent to the email address you provided during the application process. The online application system will not allow you to submit your application until all the required fields have been completed. Please keep a copy of that email for your records.
If you did not receive a confirmation email, please email the department's Scholarships Team at scholarships@det.nsw.edu.au.
What supporting documents will I need to provide as part of my application?
You will be required to complete and submit the forms listed below as part of your application for the Teacher Education Scholarship - Aboriginal. To submit the forms, log into your application through I Work for NSW and upload the forms in line with the instructions provided prior to the closing date.
- Principal's recommendation for a Teacher Education Scholarship (PDF 118 KB) (if you are currently completing the HSC) as well as Year 11 and 12 school reports and results to date
- Official evidence verifying completion of undergraduate degree or results of undergraduate degree for each year of study and practicum reports (if applicable) for current university students
- Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check Application and Informed Consent Form (PDF 1.8 MB)
- Declaration for Child-Related Work: Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) (PDF 190 KB)
- Proof of evidence of Australian Citizenship, permanent residence or visa permitting employment in Australia (if not born in Australia)
- Proof of identity (PDF 44 KB).
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
In addition to applying for a Teacher Education Scholarship – Aboriginal you may also be eligible to apply for a Great Teaching, Inspired Learning Cadetship or a Great Teaching, Inspired Learning Internship.
I applied for a Teacher Education Scholarship - Aboriginal last year but was unsuccessful. Can I apply again?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria.
What does the selection process involve?
A selection panel will consider all applications shortly after the closing date. Scholarship applicants who are shortlisted will be required to undertake online assessments to identify their capabilities, key knowledge areas and personal attributes to determine their suitability. Scholarships are offered to successful applicants in December for entry to university/continuation of university studies in Semester 1 the following year.
Scholarship offers are dependent on the applicant:
- being accepted into/enrolled in teacher education studies at a recognised Australian university that will lead to a qualification that meets the department's and NESA’s academic requirements for employment as a teacher.
- satisfying the conditions of a Working With Children Check, which is a prerequisite for anyone undertaking child-related work. The check involves a national criminal history check and a review of findings of workplace misconduct.
- entering into a Deed of Agreement (PDF 198 KB), a legally binding agreement that outlines the responsibilities of both the scholarship applicant and the department. The agreement also states the duration of the scholarship and the service commitment areas that were selected by the applicant during the application process.
Will successful and unsuccessful applicants be notified of the outcome?
Yes. Both successful and unsuccessful applicants are notified of the outcome via email once the selection process is completed.
If you change your contact details after the closing date, please email your updated contact details to the department's Scholarships Team via scholarships@det.nsw.edu.au.
How many Teacher Education Scholarships are awarded each year?
Up to 300 Teacher Education Scholarships are available each year, with 80 of those scholarships exclusively available to Aboriginal people or Torres Strait Islanders.
If my application has been unsuccessful, can I be provided with information as to why?
If you would like feedback on your application, contact the department's Scholarships Team via scholarships@det.nsw.edu.au.
What are the commitments of a scholar?
Successful applicants are required to sign a Deed of Agreement (PDF 198 KB) with the department, committing them to:
- successfully completing teacher education studies at a recognised Australian university that will lead to a qualification that meets the Department's and the NSW Education Standards Authority’s academic requirements for employment as a primary or secondary teacher
- accepting appointment as a permanent full time teacher to a NSW public school in an agreed location on completion of their studies
- remaining in the permanent full time teaching position they are appointed to on completion of their studies for a minimum period of three years.
When do scholars receive their annual training allowance?
Scholars are paid their $5,000 annual training allowance once the Scholarships Team receives confirmation of their enrolment in their teacher education studies. The full $5,000 allowance is paid based on a full time study load of 8 subjects or more per year. Allowances are paid in the form of an electronic funds transfer (EFT) directly into your nominated bank account.
What are the taxation implications of this scholarship?
The $5,000 annual training allowance and $3,000 appointment allowance scholars receive must be declared as assessable income on annual income tax returns. Scholars who do not claim the tax free threshold on the Tax File Number Declaration form submitted to the department will have tax withheld from their annual training allowance and appointment allowance. HECS-HELP repayments may also be withheld.
When are scholars appointed to their permanent position?
On successful completion of their teacher education studies, and subject to meeting all recruitment requirements through the department's Graduate Recruitment Program, scholars are appointed to a full time permanent teaching position in a NSW public school in an agreed location. Scholars are awarded a $3,000 appointment allowance. A scholar may initially be appointed to a NSW public school temporarily as 'above establishment' until a suitable substantive vacancy arises.
Do scholars who are appointed to rural or remote areas receive the same benefits and/or incentives that are available to the other teachers in that location?
Yes. On completion of their teacher education studies and appointment to a permanent position, scholars may be eligible for a wide range of incentives and benefits. The benefits vary from school to school. Use the benefits calculator to find out about the benefits and incentives that are available to teachers at individual schools.
Where can I find out more?
If you can't find answers to your questions in the above FAQs, contact our Scholarships Team via scholarships@det.nsw.edu.au or phone 1300 301 435.