Scholarships offer educators support to take the next career step

Educators planning further study can apply for support through Round 2 of the NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Scholarship Program. Applications close at 10am on Monday 14 December 2026, with different funding available for existing educators and people entering the profession.

Existing educators can receive up to $6,000 for an eligible diploma or $20,000 for an early childhood teaching bachelor’s degree. For eligible newcomers, scholarships include up to $5,000 for a Certificate III or $35,000 for a teaching bachelor’s degree.

The maximum awards combine payments linked to study, completion and employment, with retention payments applying to some pathways. They are not paid as a single upfront amount, and additional loadings are available for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants and those in regional, rural and remote areas. 

Check study dates before applying

Vocational education and training applicants must be enrolled with an eligible Smart and Skilled registered training organisation, starting their first unit between 1 October 2026 and 31 March 2027. Early childhood teaching applicants can be enrolled or intend to enrol, with their first unit starting between 1 October 2026 and 31 July 2027. 

Applicants generally need to live in NSW and intend to work in an eligible NSW ECEC role that contributes to educator-to-child ratios. Full residency, qualification and evidence requirements are set out in the guidelines.

Applications are submitted through the Scholarship Management System using Service NSW, with outcomes expected from mid-February 2027. Providers can also use the department’s scholarship promotional toolkit, which includes flyers and ready-to-use newsletter, email and social media materials to share with their teams. 

Check eligibility and access the application link here.