New scholarships offer early childhood educators up to $25,000 towards teaching degrees

Applications are now open for the ACT Government's 2026 Early Childhood Degree Scholarship Program, which funds eligible early childhood educators to pursue an approved teaching qualification.

Eligible early childhood educators working for approved services across the ACT can apply for scholarships worth up to $25,000 to complete an early childhood teaching degree, with applications closing on 16 November 2026.

The ACT Government opened applications for its 2026 Early Childhood Degree Scholarship Program on 19 October, offering up to 16 scholarships each year.

The scholarships support the Territory's commitment to helping early childhood educators gain qualifications while strengthening the early childhood teaching workforce.

Eligible educators can access funding for course fees, study leave and other expenses, with payments made as reimbursements rather than upfront payments.

Funding available for full-time and part-time study

Up to $25,000 is available per scholarship for eligible expenses, with funding arrangements depending on whether recipients study full-time or part-time.

Full-time students can claim up to $6,250 annually over four consecutive years, while part-time students can claim up to $3,125 annually over eight years.

Eligible expenses include course fees, purchased study leave, compulsory materials, textbooks and learning support, including tutoring. Computers and expenses incurred before the scholarship commencement date are excluded.

The scholarships also provide support for employers, with reimbursement of up to $4,000 available for replacement staffing costs when a scholarship recipient undertakes a practicum at another service, subject to the terms of the scholarship deed.

Scholarships are merit-based, with places expected to be competitive. Applicants may receive less than the maximum funding depending on demand and availability.

Who can apply?

The early childhood degree scholarships are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents employed in approved non-government, non-school early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in the ACT that are required to employ early childhood teachers.

Applicants must be enrolled in, or intend to enrol in, an early childhood teaching degree approved by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).

Both part-time and full-time students can apply, with preference given to qualifications focused on teaching children from birth to five years.

Educators who already hold an approved early childhood teaching qualification are not eligible to use the scholarship for postgraduate study.

One scholarship place is reserved for an applicant from an underrepresented group, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disability.

Applications close 16 November

Applicants must submit proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency, a current CV, evidence of employer support, evidence of enrolment or intended enrolment, and a proposed budget outlining how scholarship funds will be spent.

They must also provide a statement of no more than 300 words explaining how their proposed qualification will contribute to the National Quality Framework.

Applications will be assessed and ranked, with funding not guaranteed for every eligible applicant.

Scholarship recipients must enter into a deed with their employer and the ACT Government, with conditions including employment with an approved non-government provider during the scholarship and for a further two years after completing the degree.

The ACT Government reports that more than 100 scholarships have been awarded since the program began.

Completed applications must be emailed to [email protected] by 16 November 2026, with late applications not considered.

Early childhood educators and employers can access the scholarship program information, 2026 application guidelines and application form through the ACT Government website.