Record number of ECEC scholarship applications in NSW

A New South Wales Government scholarship program, designed to strengthen the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce has attracted a record number of applications.

“Workforce shortages continue to be a challenge in early childhood education and care, and it is vital the government make support available to encourage educators to continue their careers, and to make it easier for people to enter the sector,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car said.

“These scholarships give people financial support while they are studying, offering them a chance to learn new skills without taking on additional strain during a cost of living crisis.”

The ECEC Scholarships program financially assists people wanting to enter the workforce, and existing staff looking to boost their skills, and was a key election promise of the NSW Government.

The program received a record 2328 applications – exceeding an initial target of 1700 applicants. Of the 2328 applicants, 1875 are early childhood educators looking to upskill, and 453 are looking to enter the ECEC sector.

Up to $29.4 million will be available to support this year’s scholarship program as the NSW Government assigns up to $17.1 million on top of the $12.3 million committed in the 2023-24 budget.

For the first time, those looking to secure Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) qualifications have also been able to apply.

Successful scholars will receive:

• Up to $25,000 for early childhood teaching (ECT) qualifications.
• Up to $5,000 for diploma and certificate III ECEC and OSHC qualifications.

The NSW Department of Education is currently assessing applications. It has already notified some successful scholars and will continue to notify others in the coming months.

Prospective applicants can visit the department’s website for more information.