Victoria’s Minister for Education Mr Ben Carroll has announced the opening of the Secondary Teaching Scholarships portal, supported by the state government’s $93.2 million investment, which will offer up to 8,000 teaching students the support they need to pursue secondary teaching at university.
Scholarships are available to all Victorian students who enrol in accredited secondary school or dual primary-secondary teaching degrees in 2024 and 2025 and meet study load criteria.
“We are backing incoming university students, as they prepare to educate the next generation, by providing scholarships and financial support throughout their teaching degree and career,” Mr Carroll said.
“The cost of living should not hinder a long and rewarding career in teaching and these scholarships will help our future educators overcome financial barriers so that they can focus on their important work.
“The Secondary Teaching Scholarships is another initiative helping to grow our talented and dedicated teaching workforce in the Education State.”
Graduates are encouraged to work in a Victorian government secondary or specialist school after completing their degree, with further incentives available for two years as they start their teaching career.
The total scholarship amount for students who complete their studies is based on the HELP fees charged by the Commonwealth Government – which can range between $18,000 for a four-year undergraduate degree or $9,000 for a two-year postgraduate degree.
The scholarships program has already led to a significant increase in students interested in teaching courses in 2024.
Secondary Teaching Scholarships form part of a $229.8 million investment by the Victorian state government to attract, retain and support the teacher workforce.
This investment also includes $95.7 million to support more graduate teachers in government schools and $27 million for the Targeted Financial Incentives Program that provides $50,000 to assist teachers from Victoria, interstate and overseas relocate to hard-to-staff positions in government schools.
To learn more and to access the application portal, visit vic.gov.au/scholarships-secondary-teaching-degrees.
More reading: Government announces 5,000 teaching scholarships to tackle workforce challenge
