The Australian Government has announced Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships have been awarded to the first round of teaching students located across Australia. These scholarships have been awarded to both recent school graduates and professionals moving into teaching from other careers.
From this first round of scholarships awarded, almost 30% of the recipients are from regional, rural, or remote areas in Australia. 30% are mid-career professionals who have chosen to make the switch into a teaching career.
The successful recipients will receive a scholarship of up to $40,000 for undergraduate teaching degrees and up to $20,000 for postgraduate teaching degrees.
The Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships program is set to award up to 1000 scholarships annually over five years from 2024 to 2028, as an integral part of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan. The aim of the scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching students. In return, recipients are required to work as teachers in government schools or government-run early learning settings on completion of their teaching degree.
More than 3000 applications were received for the first round of scholarships, with interest in the program continuing to grow. The next round of scholarships will open later this year for teaching students commencing their studies in 2025.
To find out more go to Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships or email TeachingScholarships@education.gov.au.