The Minns Labor Government is committing $27 million to unlock 2,000 new early childhood education and care scholarships in a major boost to this essential workforce.
The investment doubles the number of scholarships available to aspiring and current early childhood teachers and educators to help them achieve higher qualifications and lift quality across the sector.
Successful applicants will be eligible for grants of up to $35,000 for early childhood teaching qualifications and $6,000 for ECEC (early childhood education and care) vocational and education training (VET) qualifications.
Applications for the scholarships are now open via the Department of Education website.
Since the 2023 election the Minns Labor Government has delivered more than $13.5 million in scholarship payments, with 1,226 VET and 860 early childhood teacher scholarships awarded. More than half of these recipients have now completed their qualifications.
To support workforce supply and quality in the early learning sector the Minns Labor Government is also investing:
- $7 million to help more than 400 early childhood educators turn their diplomas into degrees with university partners delivering the Early Learning Diploma to Degree program.
- $10 million to provide fee-free professional learning courses for more than 4000 ECEC professionals, in partnership with TAFE NSW.
The ECEC scholarship program is designed to build a strong, reliable, highly-qualified pipeline of early learning teachers and educators and future-proof the sector.
Scholarships can be used to reduce study costs and support existing staff who wish to boost their skills. Additional financial assistance is available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people living in regional, rural or remote areas.
To apply for an ECEC scholarship or find out more about careers in early learning, including support for current and prospective teachers and educators, visit the NSW Department of Education website.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
"This expanded scholarship program is a vital investment by the Minns Labor Government in the future of early childhood education across NSW.
"By supporting both new and existing educators, we're ensuring more children can access high-quality early learning from a skilled and dedicated ECEC professional.
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to growing a strong and highly-qualified early learning workforce. These scholarships make it more affordable for current and aspiring teachers and educators to gain qualifications and build fulfilling careers."
