Teachers Health supports students from public schools outside New South Wales to begin tertiary study in teaching. The scholarship is named in honour of Helen MacGregor, who served as a Director of Teachers Health for more than 21 years and as Chairperson for 19, and whose own background includes a Diploma of Education and a Master of Education.
Purpose
Teaching starts somewhere, and for a lot of people it starts in a public school classroom. This scholarship backs students who finished Year 12 at a public school outside NSW and are heading into a teaching degree, where cost or circumstance might otherwise get in the way. It supports them through the first years of study, when the practical costs are highest and the decision to keep going is still being made.
Who can apply
The scholarship is open to students who:
- Attended a public secondary school outside New South Wales
- Completed Year 12 in the relevant year
- Are enrolled, or planning to enrol, full-time in a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching at an approved Australian public university
- Can show that their current study, academic record or work experience aligns with an intended career in teaching
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. 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 Teachers Health Group. The panel looks at academic achievement and engagement, motivation to complete tertiary studies in teaching, a clear commitment to a future teaching career, equity or financial disadvantage affecting access to education, and contribution to community, cultural or leadership 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, proof of enrolment or planned enrolment including the institution name, address and contact email, 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 how your current study or work experience supports your goal to become a teacher
- A statement on your career motivation and commitment (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, or from a university course convenor or equity and diversity team member
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.
