The Australian Education Union (Federal) supports refugee background students from Australian public schools to take the next step into tertiary study. One scholarship is offered each year, for a student completing Year 12 in 2026 and commencing full-time study at university or TAFE in 2027 – reflecting the AEU’s ongoing commitment to equity in public education.
Purpose
Finishing Year 12 is a significant achievement. Making the move into university or TAFE is another step again, and for students who arrived in Australia as refugees it can come with costs and pressures that others don’t face. This scholarship is designed to ease that transition and to help a student stay in study once they’ve started – covering the practical things that so often stand in the way, from course fees to a laptop to getting to campus. Priority is given to students who have not previously undertaken tertiary study.
Who can apply
The scholarship is open to students who:
- Arrived in Australia as a refugee at some point in their lifetime
- Are an Australian citizen or hold Australian permanent resident status
- Have attended a public school in Australia
- Are currently in Year 12 at a public school and enrolling in full-time tertiary study the following year
- Are enrolling, or planning to enrol, full-time in a course of one or more academic years at an approved Australian university or TAFE
- Have sufficient English proficiency to meet the IELTS requirements for university or TAFE entry
Face-to-face, online and blended courses are all eligible.
What the scholarship provides
The scholarship is worth $3,000 per year over three years – $9,000 in total. Payments are made by electronic transfer into the scholar’s bank account in full-year instalments, subject to full-time enrolment for that year. A relocation fee may also be available for students moving away from their home town to study, subject to eligibility.
Funds are there to support the costs of tertiary study, including:
- Tuition and course fees
- Textbooks and learning materials
- A laptop or device for study
- Internet access
- Travel and accommodation linked to study requirements
How applications are assessed
Applications are reviewed by an independent Public Education Foundation selection panel, which may include a representative of the AEU. The panel looks at academic record and capacity to complete the nominated course, how current study or work experience connects to that course, evidence of hardship that could stand in the way of a successful transition to further study, attitude towards schooling and participation in school life, and contribution to community or extracurricular activities.
Applications are assessed between September and November, the PEF Board approves the final list of scholars by the end of November, and applicants are notified in December.
How to apply
Applications open in June and close in September each year.
Not sure which scholarships you’re eligible for? Complete the Eligibility Quiz to see everything that may apply to you, then apply online via PEF-Apply. You’ll need to sign up before you can access the application form.
You’ll be asked for contact and family details, your refugee background and citizenship or residency status, proof of enrolment or planned enrolment, and information about your circumstances. You’ll also need to provide:
- A statement on why you’re a suitable candidate (max. 400 words)
- A statement on how your current study or work experience supports your goal (max. 250 words)
- An outline of the barriers you see to tertiary study
- Your Year 12 results or most recent academic transcript
- A personal reference (PDF or Word, max. 400 words)
- A supporting statement from your Principal, which needs to address your English language proficiency
All sections must be completed before you submit. If you’re offered the scholarship, you’ll need to provide confirmed evidence of enrolment before payments can be made.
For more information, contact the Public Education Foundation Scholarships team at scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au or 02 7814 2806.
