Exciting scholarship opportunities for New South Wales early childhood teachers 

Early childhood teachers (ECTs) in New South Wales are being encouraged to apply for one of several NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarships. 

Open to permanent and temporary teachers in NSW government and non-government schools, on TAFE NSW campuses and across early childhood education and care services, the scholarships offer $15,000 for a 5-week study tour within Australia or abroad, and are awarded in the year prior to the study tour.

The majority of scholarships are for school-based teachers to explore best practice in their chosen focus area, however there are a number of options which are open to ECTs, and one dedicated scholarship which is exclusively for ECTs. 

Premier’s Early Childhood Australia Education Scholarship

The Premier’s Early Childhood Australia Education Scholarship, proudly supported by Early Childhood Australia (NSW), is open to teachers currently teaching in NSW primary schools or NSW early childhood education and care services. The scholarship is for study in any aspect of early childhood education, which may include children up to eight years of age.

The successful ECT applicant will undertake a study tour of up to five weeks internationally or within Australia, with study tour travel to be completed in one block between 1 January and 30 June 2026, with follow-up activities and reporting to be completed within 90 days of study tour completion.

Time may involve formal study, for example, undertaking a short course at a respected tertiary institution, or a program of visits to sites, schools and institutions to conduct interviews, observe exemplary practices and collect resources for the preparation of teaching materials related to the specific scholarship category.

The successful applicant will deliver a follow-up session as part of the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) roadshow program (or equivalent) in 2027, and will present at an online Conversations Evening which Early Childhood Australia NSW will host for members and colleagues.

Other opportunities for ECTs

A number of other scholarships within the program are available both to teachers currently teaching in NSW schools or in NSW early childhood education and care services including:

• Creativity across the curriculum scholarship
• Rural and remote education scholarship
• NESA quality teaching scholarship
• Aboriginal Education scholarship
• STEM and technology scholarship
• Inclusive education scholarship

The Scholarship Terms and Conditions apply to all NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarships. Applicants should refer to the FAQs for applicants when preparing and submitting an application. 

As part of the online application, applicants must upload their research and study tour proposal along with the Endorsement of Application form. Researching and writing an application may count as professional development to help maintain accreditation. For more information, refer to NESA’s professional development requirements for teachers.

The NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarships program is an initiative of the NSW Premier’s Department and is administered by the NSW Department of Education.

Applications close Friday 30 May 2025, 11:59 pm (AEST).

Learn more about the scholarships here.