The NSW Teachers Federation supports students of refugee background from NSW public schools to continue their education after school. This scholarship supports one student each year to study at TAFE, and is one of four the Federation funds annually under its refugee scholarship program – three places for senior high school students, and one for a TAFE student.
Purpose
For students of refugee background, moving from school into further study can bring costs and pressures that others don’t face. TAFE opens a direct path into a trade, a qualification and work, and this scholarship is designed to make that path easier to take and easier to stay on – covering the practical costs of study so that money isn’t the reason a student stops.
Who can apply
The scholarship is open to students who:
- Are of refugee background
- Attend, or have attended, a NSW public high school
- Are commencing or undertaking study at TAFE
Face-to-face, online and blended courses are all eligible.
What the scholarship provides
The scholarship is worth $4,500 in total, paid across three years of TAFE study. Funds support the costs of 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 NSW Teachers Federation. The panel looks at evidence of hardship that could otherwise stand in the way of a successful move into post-school study or training, how current study, academic record or work experience connects to the nominated TAFE course, 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, proof of enrolment or planned enrolment at TAFE, and information about your circumstances. You’ll also need to provide:
- A statement on why you’re a suitable candidate (max. 400 words)
- An outline of the barriers you see to further study
- Your academic transcript or Year 12 results
- A personal reference (PDF or Word, max. 400 words)
- A supporting statement from your Principal
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.
