NSW Government awards record number of early childhood scholarships

More than 2000 scholarships have been offered to successful applicants for the 2023-24 Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Scholarships program-  double the number of recipients since last financial year, when the program was expanded to meet increased demand.

The scholarships support aspiring and current early childhood teachers and educators looking to upskill and grow their careers. The NSW Government has awarded 1208 Vocational Education and Training and 837 early childhood teacher scholarships, and to date has made around $2million in payments to early childhood education and care VET scholarship recipients.

“After record demand for our scholarship program, we have made an additional $17.1 million available, in addition to the $12.3 million already committed,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said.

“This program gives financial support to early childhood workers, and those wanting to join the workforce, while they undertake relevant tertiary training – which is vital for those wanting to upskill during a cost-of-living crisis.”

“Support of this kind is essential, so we can support early childhood services around the state and ensure our youngest learners are given the best start in life.”

Around one quarter of successful scholars are from regional and remote areas, while the rest have been awarded to people living in metro cities.unprecedented demand for support.

As well as supporting the goals of ECEC professionals, the program aims to create a reliable pipeline of educators for NSW’s youngest learners by financially assisting people wanting to enter the workforce and existing staff looking to boost their skills.

The program will see up to $25,000 awarded to people wanting to become early childhood teachers, while early childhood education and care staff seeking a diploma and certificate III qualifications will be granted up to $5000.

For the first time, those looking to secure Outside School Hours Care qualifications have also been awarded scholarships in this cohort. Applications are still being assessed, with payments continuing to be processed by the NSW Department of Education.

For information and updates, please see the department’s dedicated Early Childhood Careers Section here.