Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in New South Wales towards university

Overview of Scholarship

The Andrew Casey Indigenous Scholarship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in New South Wales government high schools to do well academically and to move on to university. It was established through a bequest to the Public Education Foundation and is awarded to students who are facing hardship and who have the ability and the determination to go further.

Is this scholarship for you? It is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students attending a New South Wales government high school who are working towards Year 12 and university study, and who are facing barriers that could limit their opportunities without support. You do not apply for it directly. Complete the Eligibility Quiz on PEF-Apply, apply for the Indigenous scholarship that suits you, and the panel will consider you for this one as part of the same process.

About Andrew Casey

This scholarship was established through a bequest in the will of Andrew Stephen Casey, who died in February 2018. Andrew left four gifts to the Public Education Foundation, each one directed at students who face barriers to a good public education. His estate also supported journalism and the union movement.

Andrew asked that this fund assist Australian Indigenous students attending New South Wales high schools to support quality academic education and to help them progress into university-based careers. The scholarship follows those words closely and carries his name in recognition of the gift.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, students should be:

  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
  • Currently attending a New South Wales government high school
  • Enrolled in Years 8 to 12 in 2027
  • An Australian citizen or holder of Australian permanent resident status
  • Working towards completing Year 12 with the intention of continuing to university
  • Facing financial, social, geographic or systemic barriers that could limit access to opportunity without support
  • Supported by their school as a student who will engage positively with the scholarship
  • Not already holding a Public Education Foundation scholarship, as a scholar may hold only one at a time

Selection Process

Applications are made through the Public Education Foundation’s Indigenous scholarship programs and are reviewed by an independent panel of reviewers. Each year the panel assesses every eligible application against the selection criteria and shortlists the strongest candidates.

Demand for these scholarships consistently exceeds the number available. The Andrew Casey Indigenous Scholarship gives PEF the capacity to extend support beyond that number. Where the panel identifies a shortlisted student it considers highly deserving but is unable to support through another program in that round, PEF may award an Andrew Casey Indigenous Scholarship instead. Students do not need to nominate this scholarship separately, and there is no separate application.

Panels meet between September and November. The panel’s recommendations go to the PEF Board, which approves the final list of scholars by the end of November, and applicants are notified in December. Successful students are then onboarded, a code of conduct is agreed, and funds are distributed.

Funding/Assistance

  • A minimum of $1,000, awarded over one year
  • The amount offered may be higher, depending on the student’s circumstances and the funds available in that round
  • The scholarship is funded from a bequest, so the number awarded varies from year to year
  • Funds are paid at the start of the school year, following confirmation of enrolment
  • Any unspent funds do not roll over to the next school year

Acceptable Use of Scholarship Funds

Approved expenses must support the student’s education, learning experience, wellbeing or access to enrichment opportunities. Acceptable uses include:

  • Digital learning and equipment – laptops, tablets, software, internet access
  • Compulsory school expenses – subject fees, textbooks, study materials, uniforms
  • Enrichment – camps, excursions, workshops, conferences, competitions
  • Learning environment – desk, chair, lighting, headphones
  • Tuition support – tutoring, specialist learning support

PEF Scholarship Funds Usage Guidelines will be provided to each scholarship recipient and their school.

Application Form

As part of the application and induction process, the following are typically confirmed:

  • Confirmation of current enrolment at a New South Wales government high school
  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identification, and the student’s mob, family, traditional owner or language group
  • Citizenship or permanent residency status
  • Evidence of the barriers or hardship affecting the student’s progress through school
  • School support and endorsement of the student’s engagement and involvement
  • A supporting statement from the Principal addressing the selection criteria
  • Student induction, including agreement to the program code of conduct

How to Apply

Not sure which scholarships you’re eligible for? Complete the Eligibility Quiz to see all scholarships that may apply to you. Apply online via PEF-Apply. You will need to sign up before you can access the application form. Apply for the Indigenous scholarship that best suits you, and you will be considered for the Andrew Casey Indigenous Scholarship as part of the same panel process. Make sure all sections are complete, including the Principal’s supporting statement, before you submit.

Submitting Your Application

  • Applications open: June 2026
  • Applications close: September 2026

You can save your application in progress and return to it at any time before the closing date. Once you click Submit, your application is sent to the Public Education Foundation and will be reviewed during the Panel assessment period. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in December.

Further Information and Contact Details

For further information, please contact the Public Education Foundation Scholarships team:

Create a PEF-Apply Account

Complete the Eligibility Quiz first to access scholarships that are right for you.

You can save your progress and return where you left off.

Secondary Indigenous Scholarship

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in NSW public schools.

Download a PDF copy of the above information.