2026 Early Childhood Education and Care Scholarship Program Round 2
Guidelines for the 2026 Early Childhood Education and Care Scholarship Program Round 2
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About the program
The 2026 Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Scholarship Program is designed to support the attraction and retention of the early learning workforce. By offering financial support to individuals looking to undertake early learning qualifications, the program enables both aspiring and existing early learning professionals to start or advance their careers. This initiative plays a vital role in developing a qualified and sustainable early learning workforce, which is essential to deliver high-quality early learning and is critical to the success of broader early learning reforms.
To be notified when applications open, register via the link below.
Child safety
The department is committed to the highest standards of child safety.
Applicants are required to formally declare that they are fit to receive the scholarship and confirm that they are not, and have not been, subject to any regulatory actions, exclusions or investigations, charged or convicted of child related offences, or matters related to breaches of child safety standards that would make them unsuitable to work in a child-related role.
Program schedule
Applications for Round 2 of the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program will open in early October 2026.
Once the program opens, applications can be submitted via the APPLY NOW link in the 'Submit an application' section below.
Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to read these program guidelines before applying, paying particular attention to the program’s eligibility criteria and application evidence requirements.
Available scholarships
Key definitions
Aspiring ECEC professionals are applicants who have never worked in the ECEC sector as a teacher or educator and do not already hold an ECEC Vocational Education and Training (VET) or Early Childhood Teaching (ECT) qualification. Those who are currently undertaking a Certificate III in ECEC traineeship within the eligible scholarship period and those who hold a primary or secondary teaching qualification recognised in NSW (as defined in these guidelines) are also considered Aspiring ECEC professionals.
Existing ECEC professionals are applicants who have previously worked or are currently employed in the ECEC sector as an educator. Applicants who have previously completed a Certificate III in ECEC, whether they have worked in the ECEC sector or not, are also considered an Existing ECEC professional. Under this program, existing ECEC professionals must not already hold an ECT qualification.
Scholarship types
The following scholarships are available under Round 2 of the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program:
For applicants who are new to the ECEC sector and have never worked as an educator or teacher (aspiring ECEC professionals):
- up to $5,000 for a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC301211 or CHC30125) scholarship
- up to $35,000 for an Early Childhood Teaching (ECT) bachelor’s degree scholarship
- up to $25,000 for an ECT master’s degree scholarship
For applicants who are new to the ECEC sector and hold a primary or secondary teaching qualification recognised in NSW (aspiring ECEC professionals):
- up to $20,000 for an ECT graduate certificate or graduate diploma scholarship
- up to $25,000 for an ECT master’s degree scholarship
For applicants who have been or are currently employed within the ECEC sector as an educator or who hold a Certificate III in ECEC (existing ECEC professionals):
- up to $6,000 for a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC501211 or CHC50125) scholarship
- up to $20,000 for an ECT bachelor’s degree scholarship
Additional financial loadings are also available for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander scholars and scholars who reside in regional, rural and remote (RRR) locations.
1Liaise with your Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to understand completion timeframe conditions for superseded courses and/or options to transition to the new courses. Students in superseded courses may need to complete their studies earlier than the maximum timeframe allowed under the scholarship program (see Maximum timeframes section).
Prioritisation
Applications for the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program will be prioritised.
Priority will initially be given to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants.
When prioritising other applications, the department may consider the applicants place of residence, commencement timeframes and the type of qualification being undertaken. The department retains complete discretion with the regard to prioritisation decisions.
Prioritisation processes may mean that not all eligible applicants will receive a scholarship offer.
While the department aims to assess all applications received, in case of high application numbers, the department may only assess applications submitted by prioritised applicants.
Eligibility criteria
Applications will be assessed against the eligibility criteria outlined below. Assessment will consider application information and any evidence provided as part of the application.
To be eligible for the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program:
VET scholarship applicants must:
- be enrolled in an eligible ECEC VET qualification with a Smart and Skilled Registered Training Organisation (RTO), commencing their first unit of study between 1 October 2026 and 31 March 2027
ECT scholarship applicants must:
- be enrolled or intend to enrol in an eligible birth-to-5 or birth-to-8 ECT qualification, commencing their first unit of study between 1 October 2026 and 31 July 2027
And all applicants must:
- complete studies within the specified maximum study period (see Maximum timeframes section)
- reside in NSW2 and meet one of the below criteria:
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen.
- be a permanent Australian resident.
- be a humanitarian visa holder.
- intend to work or continue working in a role that contributes to educator-to-child ratio requirements in one of the following NSW ECEC service types: community preschool, Department of Education public preschool, mobile preschool, long day care or family day care
- not be in receipt, or have previously received, payment under a NSW Department of Education scholarship or an Australian Government scholarship for the qualification an applicant is enrolled in or intending to enrol in
2An exemption from the NSW residency criteria may be provided on a case-by-case basis where an applicant resides in a defined interstate border area (see Appendix 2, Smart and Skilled Student Eligibility Policy), and has an intention to work or continue working in a NSW ECEC service (community preschool, Department of Education public preschool, mobile preschool, long day care or family day care).
Eligible qualifications
Eligible ECEC VET qualifications
Applicants seeking a scholarship to undertake an ECEC VET qualification must be enrolled with a Smart and Skilled Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in one of the following eligible qualifications:
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC301211 or CHC30125)
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC501211 or CHC50125)
A full list of eligible Smart and Skilled RTO’s can be found here (PDF 157.9 KB). Any RTO that is not included on this list is not supported under the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program.
1Please liaise with your RTO to understand completion timeframe conditions for superseded courses and/or options to transition to the new courses. Students in superseded courses may need to complete their studies earlier than the maximum timeframe allowed under the scholarship program (see Maximum timeframes section).
Eligible ECT qualifications
Applicants seeking a scholarship to undertake an ECT qualification must be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in a birth-to-5 or a birth-to-8 qualification, recognised by Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
Please note: Birth-to-12 (early childhood/primary) ECT qualifications are not supported under the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program.
A full list of eligible ECT qualifications and higher education providers can be found here (PDF 170 KB). Any qualifications or providers not included on the list are not supported under the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program.
Scholarship payments and loadings
The total financial support provided to scholars will be determined based on information provided by applicants as part of their application.
In addition to the base scholarship award, some scholars may be eligible to receive or apply for additional financial loadings.
Important information to note about scholarship award values
- Irrespective of scholarships award, scholars remain responsible for all costs associated with studying their approved qualification.
- Scholarship award values and payment listed below are before tax amounts.
- Scholarship payments may have tax implications and could impact other Australian or State Government benefits, including those from Centrelink.
- Prospective applicant and scholars are encouraged to seek their own financial advice regarding the tax implications of scholarships award and associated.
Base scholarship award values
Base scholarship awards vary depending on the qualification being undertaken and whether a scholar is an aspiring or existing ECEC professional.
Base scholarship awards are made up of payments that scholars will receive for undertaking specific activities as part of their study and employment journey.
Scholars will be required to provide supporting documentation to demonstrate their eligibility to receive payments.
All amounts listed below exclude loadings which scholars may be eligible to receive in addition to the base scholarship award.
For scholars who are new to the ECEC sector, and have never worked as an educator or teacher at the time of application (aspiring ECEC professionals):
| Qualifications | Base study support payment | Base completion and employment payment | Base retention payment 1 | Base retention payment 2 | Base scholarship award |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Certificate III in ECEC | $1,500 | $1,500 | $2,000 | Not applicable | Up to $5,000 |
ECT bachelor | Up to $20,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Up to $35,000 |
ECT master's degree | Up to $10,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Up to $25,000 |
For scholars who are new to the ECEC sector and already hold a primary or secondary teaching qualification recognised in NSW (aspiring ECEC professionals):
| Qualification | Base study support payment | Base completion and employment payment | Base retention payment 1 | Base retention payment 2 | Base scholarship award |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ECT graduate certificate | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Up to $20,000 |
ECT graduate diploma | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Up to $20,000 |
ECT master's degree | Up to $10,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Up to $25,000 |
For scholars who have been or are currently employed within the ECEC sector at the time of application; or hold a Certificate III in ECEC (existing ECEC professionals):
| Qualification | Base study support payment | Base completion and employment payment | Base retention payment 1 | Base retention payment 2 | Base scholarship award |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Diploma of ECEC | Up to $3,000 | $3,000 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Up to $6,000 |
ECT bachelor | Up to $15,000 | $5,000 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Up to $20,000 |
Payment types
Study support payments (aspiring and existing ECEC professionals)
Study support payment amounts vary based on the qualification being undertaken and a scholar’s study load.
Study support instalment/s will be made, once per calendar year, to scholars that demonstrate annual enrolment in study until either, the maximum applicable study support payment is claimed, the maximum study period has lapsed, or a scholar has completed their qualification.
Where the maximum study support payment cannot be claimed during study, due to course length, outstanding study support payments can be claimed by submitting a Completion and Employment request that demonstrates course completion within the maximum study period.
Completion and employment payment (aspiring and existing ECEC professionals)
A completion and employment payment will be issued to scholars who demonstrate:
- successful qualification completion within the specified maximum study period, and
- employment in a role that contributes to educator-to-child ratio requirements in an approved NSW ECEC service within three months of the date the qualification is officially awarded (conferral or graduation date)
Retention payments (aspiring ECEC professionals only)
Where applicable, scholars will receive one payment after two years of continuous employment and a second payment after four years of continuous employment. To be considered for a retention payment, scholars must be employed in a role that contributes to educator-to-child ratio requirements in an approved NSW ECEC service/s.
Retention payments can be claimed at any point throughout the scholarship term, so long as the eligibility criteria for payment is met and payment/s are claimed within the timeframe specified for their qualification.
Loadings
Eligible scholars will receive financial loadings if they:
- reside in ARIA+ (2021) Remoteness Classification of Inner Regional location3 (10% loading)
- reside in ARIA+ (2021) Remoteness Classifications of Outer Regional, Remote or Very Remote location3 (20% loading)
- are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent4 (15% loading)
3For more information on ARIA Remoteness Classifications, click here to visit the ABS website.
4Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander scholars who wish to receive an additional financial loading as part of their scholarship must undertake the department’s Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent process after award of their scholarship. Scholars who choose not to undertake this process will retain their scholarship but will be ineligible for loadings. For more information, please refer to the department’s Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent policy.
Use and repayment of scholarship funds
Use of funds
Scholars can decide how best to use the funds to support their studies. This may include, but is not limited to:
- reducing the costs associated with study, for example course fees or expenses during practicum placements
- purchasing items to assist with study, for example technology or textbooks
- engaging a service to support study completion, for example tutoring or mentoring
Repayment of funds
Scholars will be required to fulfil all obligations of the Deed of Agreement.
Apart from scholars who are under 18 years of age, the department will take action to recoup some or all funding issued where a scholar:
- receives funding but fails to commence study in any given year
- has received money for a period in which they were ineligible
- is found to have provided misleading or false information in their application or payment request
The department retains discretion over recoupment decisions.
Maximum timeframes
Scholars have a maximum timeframe to complete their qualification, request their completion and employment, and retention payment/s (where applicable).
For scholars that are new to the ECEC sector, who have never worked as an educator or teacher at the time of application (aspiring ECEC professionals):
| Qualification | Final date to complete qualification | Final date to request completion and employment payment | Final date to request retention payments |
|---|---|---|---|
Certificate III in ECEC (CHC301211 or CHC30125) | 31 March 2029 | 30 September 2029 | 30 September 2031 |
ECT bachelor | 30 June 2034 | 31 December 2034 | 31 December 2034 |
ECT master's degree | 31 July 2031 | 31 January 2032 | 30 June 2034 |
For scholars that are new to the ECEC sector and already hold a primary or secondary teaching qualification recognised in NSW (aspiring ECEC professionals):
| Qualification | Final date to complete qualification | Final date to request completion and employment payment | Final date to request retention payments |
|---|---|---|---|
ECT graduate certificate | 31 July 2029 | 31 January 2030 | 31 January 2034 |
ECT graduate diploma | 31 July 2029 | 31 January 2030 | 31 January 2034 |
ECT master's degree | 31 July 2031 | 31 January 2032 | 30 June 2034 |
For scholars that have been or are currently employed within the ECEC Sector at the time of application; or who hold a Certificate III in ECEC (existing ECEC professionals):
| Qualification | Final date to complete qualification | Final date to request completion and employment payment | Final date to request retention payments |
|---|---|---|---|
Diploma of ECEC (CHC501211 or CHC50125) | 31 March 2031 | 30 September 2031 | Not applicable |
ECT bachelor | 30 June 2034 | 31 December 2034 | Not applicable |
1Liaise with your RTO to understand completion timeframe conditions for superseded courses and/or options to transition to the new courses. Students in superseded courses may need to complete their studies earlier than the maximum timeframe allowed under the scholarship program (see Maximum timeframes section).
Important information for scholars studying part-time:
- Scholars who choose to study part-time are responsible for planning their study and employment arrangements to ensure they can maximise their scholarship award.
- Studying part-time does not extend the time available to complete scholarship activities or request payments.
- Scholars studying part-time may need to undertake at least a portion of their study at a full-time load to complete within the required timeline.
- Scholars that do not complete study within the maximum timeframe allowed will not be entitled to a Completion and Employment Payment.
- Scholars studying part-time, need to carefully consider when they start working in the sector to avoid missing out on applicable retention payments.
Change of circumstances
Scholars are strongly encouraged to contact the department before making any changes to their study arrangements. This allows the department to explain how the changes may affect their scholarship. If a scholar changes their circumstances without consulting the department, their eligibility will be reviewed. If they are subsequently found to be ineligible, their scholarship will be discontinued, and they may be required to repay some or all scholarship funding.
Application requirements
Evidence of enrolment
Applicants are required to submit evidence of enrolment as part of their application unless they are applying via the ECT 'intend to enrol' pathway.
More than one document can be provided to ensure enrolment evidence requirements can be met.
Where enrolment evidence does not meet requirements or is determined to be illegible, an application may be deemed ineligible.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring:
- that any enrolment evidence submitted as part of their application meets the requirements outlined below
- evidence of enrolment information matches the details provided in the application form, including identity information gathered from Service NSW and the qualification level selected
The department will:
- not contact applicants to clarify their enrolment evidence or seek further supporting evidence from applicant as part of assessment
- not accept additional evidence to support assessment once an application has been submitted
- not accept evidence in the form of statements of accounts, invoices or letters of offer
Scholarships for VET qualifications
To be eligible to apply for scholarships to undertake an ECEC VET qualification, applicants must be:
- enrolled in an eligible qualification with a Smart and Skilled RTO, and
- intending to commence their first unit of study between 1 October 2026 and 31 March 2027.
VET evidence requirements
As evidence of enrolment, applicants must submit a Confirmation of Enrolment or a Training Plan, including the following information:
- applicant’s full name
- name of registered training organisation (RTO)
- course name and/or course code
Where possible, the enrolment evidence should also include:
- the date of issue
- a date of enrolment
Examples of acceptable evidence of enrolment in a VET qualification can be found here.
Scholarships for ECT qualifications
To be eligible to apply for scholarships to undertake an Early Childhood Teaching qualification, applicants must be:
- enrolled or intend to enrol in an eligible ECT qualification
- commencing their first unit of study between 1 October 2026 and 31 July 2027
Key definitions
Applicants who are enrolled in an eligible course at the time of application, must submit evidence of enrolment as part of their application. If an applicant is waiting on enrolment evidence documentation that meets the requirements outlined in these guidelines, they should apply under the intend to enrol pathway.
Applicants who intend to enrol are required to provide enrolment evidence that meets requirements by 5pm 2 August 2027 for their scholarship offer to remain valid. Where an ECT applicant has applied via the 'intend to enrol' pathway and their enrolment evidence does not meet requirements, their offer will be discontinued.
ECT evidence requirements
Evidence of enrolment must be in the form of a Statement of Enrolment, Confirmation of Enrolment or Transcript, and include the following information:
- applicant’s full name
- name of higher education provider
- course name and/or course code
- course commencement date and/or enrolment period
- document date
Examples of acceptable evidence of enrolment in an ECT qualification can be found here.
Additional requirement for applicants who are applying for a ECT graduate diploma, graduate certificate or a master's degree
Applicants applying for ECT graduate diploma, graduate certificate or master's degree must provide a copy of their primary or secondary teaching qualification.
An applicant will be considered to hold a primary or secondary teaching qualification that is recognised in NSW where:
- the primary or secondary teaching qualification named in the evidence included is part of NESA’s accredited teaching degrees list; and/or
- the applicant has an active NESA accreditation number
Visa type and Child Safety Declarations
Visa type
Where an applicant is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen, they will need to select information related to their visa type as part of their application. Visa types included for selection, align with 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program residency requirements. If a visa type is not available to select, it is not an eligible visa under the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program.
Child Safety Declaration
Applicants are required to formally declare that they are fit to receive the scholarship and confirm that they are not, and have not been, subject to any regulatory actions, exclusions or investigations, charged or convicted of child related offences, or matters related to breaches of child safety standards that would make them unsuitable to work in a child-related role.
Prepare to submit
Applicants should thoroughly review the program guidelines to ensure they understand the eligibility criteria and evidence of enrolment documentation requirements.
Log in or create a MyServiceNSW account and review their MyServiceNSW profile to ensure information is up to date.
Prospective applicants should note:
- While the department supports a scholar’s journey, it does not guarantee employment within the early childhood sector.
- The NSW Teacher Accreditation Manual outlines the requirements, conditions and criteria for teacher accreditation in NSW and scholars remain responsible for meeting any applicable conditions.
- Information collected as part of the application process will be managed in accordance with the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program Privacy Notice.
Submit an application
Applications for Round 2 of the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program will open early October 2026.
Applications should be submitted via the Scholarship Management System, accessed via Service NSW.
When the program opens, the Scholarship Management System home page will be updated with a link to the application form.
Outcome timeline and appeals processes
Applicants will be notified of assessment outcomes from mid-February 2027. Should this timeline change, applicants will be notified by the department.
Outcome appeals
Outcome appeals will be considered where an applicant identifies there may have been an error in the assessment process or if they have concerns about how the program guidelines were applied during assessment.
Appeals must be submitted to the department in writing via the 'Ask for Help' function in the Scholarship Management System.
Contact us
Applicants who have logged into the Scholarship Management System should use the 'Ask for Help' function to seek assistance.
For general program enquiries please contact ecec.scholarships@det.nsw.edu.au.
The Early Childhood Education Scholarship team can also be contacted via the department’s information and enquiries team on 1800 619 113.
Interpreter services can be accessed via the Australian Government Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
Auslan translation can be accessed via https://deafconnect.org.au/services/interpreting.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants wishing to speak with an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander scholarship team member can request this by phoning 1800 619 113.
Guidelines changes
Guidelines are subject to change and can be amended and updated by the department at any point in time and at its discretion.
Where changes are deemed to be significant, scholars will be notified of the change in writing.
Frequently asked questions
About the program
Who should I contact if I have questions about creating or logging in to my Service NSW account?
Visit the Service NSW website for account creation 'how to' support or to contact Service NSW.
Can I study part-time?
Yes, you can choose to study part-time, noting that you will still need to complete your qualification within the maximum study period specified to maximise your scholarship award.
If you are studying part-time, your study support payments will be adjusted to the part-time rate. Please refer to your Deed of Agreement for information about the part-time rate for your qualification.
When submitting your annual study support payment, you will also be asked to indicate your intended study load for the year.
If you change your study load from part-time to full-time within a year and wish to be considered for a second part-time payment in the same year, you should let the scholarship program team know by raising an ask for help case.
Please note: if you choose to study part-time, you are responsible for ensuring that you can meet all scholarship payment requirements and applicable payment request deadlines, including the requirements for Completion and Employment; and Retention Payments (where applicable), as these dates will not be extended.
Do I need to be employed in the ECEC sector?
No, some scholarships are for those aspiring to become ECEC professionals, while others are for people already working in the ECEC sector or have worked in the ECEC sector previously.
What kind of work do I need to do to be eligible for this scholarship?
As an eligibility condition of the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program, you must intend to work or continue working in an eligible NSW ECEC service.
For scholars to be considered for their Completion and Employment payment and Retention payment/s (where applicable), they must be employed in a role that contributes to educator-to-child ratio requirements in an approved NSW ECEC service.
I am completing my ECEC VET qualification via a traineeship pathway. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, applicants completing a Certificate III in ECEC or Diploma of ECEC are eligible to apply, provided commencement occurs during the applicable period.
I am receiving a scholarship to undertake my qualification from my university, am I still able to apply for Round 2 of the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program?
Yes, applicants that are receiving a scholarship through their university are eligible to apply.
Applicants will be deemed ineligible if they are currently receiving, or have previously received, a NSW Department of Education scholarship, or an Australian Government scholarship, for the qualification being undertaken.
What does 'qualification level' mean?
Qualification level refers to the level of study being undertaken. For example, ECT qualifications can be studied at a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's degree and bachelor level.
For further information, please see the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Application process
When can I apply?
Applications for Round 2 of the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program will open in early October 2026.
When will I know the outcome of my application?
Submitted applications will be checked for eligibility and completeness. You will be notified of your application outcome from mid-February 2027.
The department will communicate with applicants in the event of significant changes to this timeline.
Can I edit my application once submitted?
Submitted applications are final and cannot be updated, changed or added to once submitted.
Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review their application before submitting, to ensure that their supporting evidence matches the information in their application and meet the requirements outlined in these guidelines.
As an ECEC VET student, do I automatically receive a Smart and Skilled NSW Fee Free training place if I get a scholarship?
No, a scholarship does not guarantee a NSW Fee Free training place. Please visit Skills NSW or talk to your prospective RTO for information about if NSW Fee Free training available.
Scholarship payments
What are the taxation implications of this scholarship?
Scholarship amounts listed in the program guidelines are before tax. Applicants and Scholars are encouraged to seek independent advice to understand how receiving a scholarship may affect their personal financial circumstances.
Further information can be found on the Australian Taxation Office’s Scholarships webpage.
How can I use my scholarship funding?
Scholars can choose to spend their funding in the way that best supports their study journey.
Refer to the Use of funds section in the program guidelines for more information.
What happens if I don’t claim all my annual study support payments before completing my qualification?
In some cases, those receiving an Early Childhood Teaching scholarship may complete their qualification before they have had the opportunity to claim all study payments, e.g., those in the Early Learning Diploma to Degree program will complete their study within two years, meaning they will only be able to claim 2 out of the 4 full-time study support payments.
In instances where the total possible study support payments can’t be claimed during study, outstanding study support payments can be claimed by submitting a Completion and Employment request that demonstrates course completion with the maximum study period.
Am I eligible for a retention payment?
If you were an aspiring ECEC professional at the time of application, i.e., you were not working or had never previously worked in the ECEC sector as a teacher or educator, you may be eligible to receive up to two retention payments.
Please note:
- Scholars determined to be existing ECEC professionals at the time of application are not eligible for retention payments.
- Aspiring ECEC professional scholars awarded a Certificate III in ECEC scholarship are only eligible for Retention Payment 1.
- Scholars are responsible for ensuring that their study and employment activities are completed in time to allow all payments available under their scholarship to be claimed.
Change of circumstance
Can I change my education provider and retain my scholarship?
Requests to change education providers must be made and approved by the department in writing via the Scholarship Management System (SMS) 'Ask for help' function. Changes will be considered with reference to the program guidelines, and, where changes do not align, will not be approved. The department has complete discretion regarding requests to change education providers and will communicate the result of requests in writing via the SMS.
Failure to notify the department of changes in your study could result in a request to repay scholarship funding and/or scholarship termination. To ensure that you remain eligible for a scholarship, you are strongly encouraged to contact the department before making any changes to your education provider to understand how your scholarship could be affected.
Can I change my qualification level and retain my scholarships?
No. You cannot change the level of your qualification that you are studying and retain your scholarship. For example, if you had applied and were awarded for a ECT Graduate Diploma scholarship, you cannot change your scholarship to an ECT bachelor’s degree.
Failure to notify the department of changes in your qualification level could result in a request to repay scholarship funding and/or scholarship termination.
I failed a subject, what do I need to do?
Scholars are required to complete their qualifications within the relevant maximum study period. Provided this occurs, scholars can repeat failed subjects as required.
Can I defer my studies once I’ve been awarded a scholarship?
Only under specific circumstances. To be eligible for a deferral, scholars must have commenced their first unit of study. Once study has been commenced, scholars can defer units at their discretion, noting it is the scholar’s responsibility to make sure they complete their qualification within the maximum study period.
Scholars that are enrolled in their qualification, but have not yet commenced study, are not eligible to defer. This is because the program eligibility criteria require scholars to commence their first unit of study during a specific period. Deferral of units will not extend the scholarship’s maximum study period.
What happens if I can’t finish my qualification?
If you withdraw from studies, or do not complete your qualification within the maximum study period, you will not be eligible to apply for a completion and employment Payment.
Even if you don’t complete within the maximum study period you may still be eligible for the retention payment/s (if applicable).
Does the scholarship guarantee me a job?
No, the scholarship program does not guarantee employment within the ECEC sector. Scholars are encouraged to seek their own employment opportunities to meet completion, employment and retention payment eligibility criteria (if applicable).
'How-to' guides
Scholarship Management System (SMS) 'how-to' guides (desktop version):
- How to nominate witnesses in SMS (desktop version) (405 KB)
- How to provide enrolment evidence to support a conditional offer (desktop version) (452 KB)
- How to nominate a bank account (desktop version) (336 KB)
- How to access your profile and update your details (desktop version) (347 KB)
- How to request help and track your case (desktop version) (554 KB)
Scholarship Management System 'how-to' guides (mobile version):
- How to nominate witnesses in SMS (mobile version) (375 KB)
- How to provide enrolment evidence to support a conditional offer (mobile version) (551 KB)
- How to nominate a bank account (mobile version) (269 KB)
- How to access your profile and update your details (mobile version) (347 KB)
- How to request help and track your case (mobile version) (482 KB)