NSW opens applications for the 2026 Early Childhood Education and Care Scholarship Program

The NSW Government has opened applications for Round 1 of the 2026 Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Scholarship Program, offering significant financial support to aspiring and existing ECEC professionals across New South Wales. 

Delivered through the NSW Department of Education, the scholarship initiative is part of a broader workforce investment of up to $27 million to strengthen early learning careers and address workforce demand across the state’s communities. 

The 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program provides funding to support learners to complete recognised qualifications in early childhood education and care, from vocational training to early childhood teaching degrees. 

Scholarship amounts and components vary based on qualification and study progress. The program includes:

• Vocational Education and Training support for Certificate III and Diploma qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care delivered by Smart and Skilled Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).
• Higher education scholarship support for early childhood teaching (ECT) qualifications recognised by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), with higher award values available for degree-level study.  

To be eligible for the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program, applicants must:

• be enrolled, or intend to enrol, in an eligible ECEC qualification with an approved provider. 
• meet residency and visa requirements, including living in NSW or certain eligible border towns. 
• intend to work or continue working in an eligible NSW ECEC service upon completion of study. 

Both new entrants to the sector and those currently employed in an ECEC role are encouraged to apply, whether they are completing Certificate III, Diploma or teaching degree pathways. 

Applicants must also complete a Child Safety Declaration, confirming they are fit to work with children and have not been subject to disqualifying regulatory action or child-related offences. 

Applications will be assessed for eligibility and completeness, with outcome notifications expected from mid-March 2026. 

Scholarships like this play a key role in building a sustainable and qualified ECEC workforce by reducing financial barriers to study and creating clear pathways into skilled roles. 

Financial support for ECEC qualifications can help address workforce shortages and support delivery of high-quality early learning experiences for children and families across NSW. 

While scholarship support is significant, recipients are responsible for associated costs not covered by the awards, including some study expenses, and must remain aware of potential tax and Centrelink implications. 

Eligibility conditions can differ for part-time study, traineeships or recognition of prior learning, so applicants are encouraged to consider these factors as part of their planning. 

The 2026 Early Childhood Education and Care Scholarship Program presents a major opportunity for aspirants and existing professionals to progress their qualifications and careers in early learning.

With applications for Round 1 now open, eligible candidates are encouraged to prepare early, review the guidelines carefully and submit before the mid-March outcome notifications. 

For support with the application process or scholarship enquiries, applicants can visit the Service NSW website or contact Services NSW.