Tertiary teaching scholarships
Scholarship and Career Pathways to Teaching Program
The ACT Government is investing $4 million in the Scholarship and Career Pathways to Teaching Program to help more people become teachers in ACT public schools. We’re partnering with the University of Canberra (UC) and Australian Catholic University (ACU) to offer supported pathways into teaching.
From 2026 to 2029, up to 30 scholarships each year will support undergraduate and postgraduate Initial Teacher Education (ITE) students.
Scholarships reduce study costs and support your move into early childhood, primary and secondary teaching roles in an ACT public school.
What’s on offer?
- up to $50,000 for undergraduate ITE study
- up to $25,000 for postgraduate ITE study
- includes a $6,000 appointment allowance (paid as $3,000 per year for 2 years) for graduates who take up employment (temporary or permanent) in ACT public schools
- payments during study.
Scholarship streams
The program includes 3 scholarship streams. Each stream supports different starting points and future teaching goals. Choose the one that best fits your situation.
Overview:
A pathway for mid‑career professionals with a degree starting a postgraduate ITE degree who want to transition into teaching.
University:
- University of Canberra (UC)
Degree type:
- Postgraduate education degrees (Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary)
Financial support:
- $9,500 scholarship funding per year for 2 years (total $19,000)
- Plus a $6,000 appointment allowance (paid as $3,000 per year for 2 years) for graduates who take up employment (temporary or permanent) in ACT public schools
- Maximum value: $25,000
Eligibility:
- Domestic students starting a postgraduate ITE program (2026-2029)
- Must already hold an undergraduate degree
- Cannot hold another national or jurisdictional teaching scholarship
Places available:
- 10 per year
Key dates and how to apply:
- 2026 applications are now closed
- 2027 intake application period: August 2026 – January 2027
- Visit University of Canberra to find out more and apply
Overview:
A pathway for current ACT Education Directorate employees to study an undergraduate ITE degree to become qualified teachers.
University:
- University of Canberra (UC)
Degree type:
- Undergraduate education degrees (Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary)
Financial support:
- $11,000 scholarship funding per year for 4 years (total $44,000)
- Plus a $6,000 appointment allowance (paid as $3,000 per year for 2 years) for graduates who take up employment (temporary or permanent) in ACT public schools
- Maximum value: $50,000
Eligibility:
- Permanent or temporary ACT Education Directorate staff with 1+ year of service
- Must commence full‑time undergraduate ITE degree between 2026-2029
- Cannot hold another national or jurisdictional teaching scholarship
Places available:
- 5 scholarships per year
Key dates and how to apply:
- 2026 applications are now closed
- 2027 intake application period: August 2026 – January 2027
- Visit University of Canberra to find out more and apply
Overview:
Supports people starting an undergraduate or postgraduate ITE degree in ACT priority teaching areas: languages, inclusive education and STEM.
University:
- Australian Catholic University (ACU) and University of Canberra (UC)
Degree type:
- Bachelor of Education with priority areas such as languages, inclusive education, and STEM (ACU)
- Master of Teaching with priority areas such as languages, inclusive education, and STEM (ACU & UC)
Financial support:
- Undergraduate (ACU): $11,000 scholarship funding per year for 4 years ($44,000) + a $6,000 appointment allowance (paid as $3,000 per year for 2 years) for graduates who take up employment (temporary or permanent) in ACT public schools
- Postgraduate (UC and ACU): $9,500 scholarship funding per year for 2 years ($19,000) + a $6,000 appointment allowance (paid as $3,000 per year for 2 years) for graduates who take up employment (temporary or permanent) in ACT public schools
- Maximum value: $50,000 (Undergraduate) / $25,000 (Postgraduate)
Eligibility:
- Domestic students starting full‑time ITE in a priority area (2026-2029)
- Cannot hold another national or jurisdictional teaching scholarship
Places available:
- Undergraduate (ACU): 5 scholarships per year
- Postgraduate (ACU & UC): 5 scholarships per year per university
Key dates and how to apply:
- ACU: 2026 applications are now closed.
2027 Application period: August 2026 – March 2027. Visit Australian Catholic University to find out more and apply. - UC: 2026 applications are now closed.
2027 intake application period: August 2026 – January 2027. Visit University of Canberra to find out more and apply.
Other ACT teacher pathways and scholarships
Overview:
Supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying teaching at an ACT university.
What’s offered:
- Up to $40,000 scholarship funding over 4 years
- Up to 5 scholarships each year
- A 12‑month service commitment in an ACT public school after graduation
Key dates:
- Applications open in February each year
How to apply:
- Visit the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education webpage to find out more.
Overview:
Financial support for qualified ACT public school teachers and school leaders to complete further education, training or research aligned to Directorate priorities.
What’s offered:
- Priority Area Scholarships: Up to $10,000 scholarship funding
- Master of Education (University of Canberra): Fully funded
- Master of Education (Teacher Librarianship): Up to $22,000
Who can apply:
- Current ACT public school teachers and school leaders
Key dates and how to apply:
- Application rounds vary each year. Find out more on scholarship opportunities for qualified teachers in the Qualified Teachers section of the Your career with ACT Education webpage.
Overview:
A scholarship program delivered with Yerrabi Yurwang Child & Family Aboriginal Corporation to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators to grow their careers in early childhood education.
What’s offered:
- Financial support to complete a Diploma or Degree in early childhood education
- Paid study leave arrangements
- Wrap‑around support to help you succeed throughout your studies
Key dates and how to apply:
- Email admin@yerrabi.org.au for application details and program information.
Overview:
The Early Childhood Degree Scholarship Program offers scholarships to complete an Early Childhood Degree.
What’s offered:
- Up to $25,000 scholarship funding, for full-time or part-time study
- Up to 16 scholarships each year
- Employer backfill support for study leave
Key dates:
- Applications open in September and close in October each year
How to apply:
- Visit the Scholarships for early childhood qualifications webpage to find out more.
Overview:
A paid, employment‑based pathway for career changers into teaching created by the ACT Education Directorate and the University of Canberra.
What’s offered:
- Study a Master of Primary or Master of Secondary Teaching
- Year 1: Paid part‑time Learning Support Assistant
- Year 2: Teach with a Permit to Teach while finishing your degree
- $20,000 scholarship funding, plus coaching and mentoring
- Supported through the Commonwealth High Achieving Teachers (HAT) Program
Key dates and how to apply:
- Visit UC Step to find out more.