At the heart of the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector are the skilled and dedicated teachers and educators that make all the difference for children, families, and communities.

The NSW Department of Education is committed to developing a highly qualified and sustainable ECEC workforce. The NSW Government has invested over $12 million in the 2023-24 scholarships program, to help reduce the financial burden of study for a wide range of early learning and outside of school hours care professionals.

Whether you’re just starting out in the sector or have been a part of it for years, we aim to support you on every step of your career journey.

This page is a home for new scholarship announcements, as well as information and guidelines for past scholarship programs.

Register your interest in ECEC scholarships

There are no ECEC scholarships currently open for application. If you would like to be notified about future scholarship opportunities, please register your interest below.

ECEC Vocational Education and Training Scholarships

This includes eligible ECEC and Outside School Hours Care qualifications.

Early Childhood Teaching Scholarships

This includes scholarship opportunities for eligible Bachelor, Masters, Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma qualifications.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ECEC Scholarships

Inclusive Education Scholarships

Rural and Remote Scholarships

NSW Premier's Teacher Scholarships

If you’re looking for an opportunity to take your teaching career to the next level, applications for the 2025 NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarships are now open to permanent and temporary teachers in schools and early childhood centres. Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to undertake a 5-week study tour, internationally or within Australia, to explore best practice in their chosen focus area.

Degree-qualified early childhood teachers are eligible to apply for several categories. Please visit the Premier's Teacher Scholarhips webpages to find out more information about opening dates and how to apply.

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