Program Overview
-
Purpose: To attract, train, and retain a skilled early childhood workforce in NSW.
-
Funding Commitment: Up to $27.6 million allocated by the NSW Government.
-
Eligibility: Both aspiring professionals (new entrants) and existing educators.
-
Application Process: Managed via the Scholarship Management System through Service NSW.
Scholarship Categories & Amounts
| Aspiring Professionals | Funding Available |
|---|---|
| Certificate III in ECEC | Up to $5,000 |
| Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Teaching | Up to $35,000 |
| Master’s in Early Childhood Teaching | Up to $25,000 |
| Graduate Certificate/Diploma (for those with primary/secondary teaching qualifications) | Up to $20,000 |
| Existing Professionals | Funding Available |
|---|---|
| Diploma of ECEC | Up to $6,000 |
| Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Teaching | Up to $20,000 |
| Master’s in Early Childhood Teaching | Up to $25,000 |
Additional Loadings: Extra financial support is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholars and those in regional, rural, or remote areas.
Eligibility Snapshot
-
Must be living in NSW or eligible border towns.
-
Must be enrolled or intending to enrol in an approved ECEC qualification.
-
Must commit to working in an NSW ECEC service after completion.
-
Must complete a Child Safety Declaration.
Key Dates
-
Applications Open: Second intake of Round 1 now live.
-
Closing Date: 10am (AEST), Friday, 29 May 2026.
-
Future Rounds: Round 2 expected later in 2026.
Practical Considerations
-
Tax & Centrelink: Scholarship funds may affect obligations or benefits.
-
Study Costs: Some expenses (e.g., textbooks, travel) may not be covered.
Why Educators Should Apply
-
Provides clear career pathways from entry‑level to postgraduate study.
-
Reduces financial barriers to professional growth.
-
Helps address workforce shortages in NSW early childhood services.
For more detailed information and to apply: 2026 Early Childhood Education and Care Scholarship Program Round 1
On Thursday, the 21st of May, it is Outdoor Classroom Day, a global movement to inspire and celebrate outdoor play and learning. The following provides
The 2026–27 Federal Budget continues the government’s push toward universal early childhood education and care, with key measures including a 15% educator pay rise, expansion
Victorian early childhood teachers have won a 32% pay increase over four years, a landmark deal that finally places them on parity with school teachers.
The NSW Government’s 2026 Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Scholarship Program provides up to $35,000 in financial support for aspiring and existing educators to