NSW Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Veterans David Harris today announced Greece and Crete as destinations for the 2026 Premier's Anzac Memorial Scholarship school study tour exploring Australia's military history of the Second World War.
The announcement comes a week after students from schools across NSW returned from the 2025 study tour to the Republic of Korea and Singapore.
The students visited the site of the Battle of Kapyong, the Demilitarised Zone and the UN First Battle Memorial in the Republic of Korea. In Singapore, the tour included visits to the Kranji War Memorial, Changi Prison Chapel and Museum, and the Fort Siloso and Surrender Chambers.
Sixteen students from across NSW will be selected to participate in next year's study tour to Greece and Crete, with 2026 marking the 85th anniversary of the Greek and Crete campaigns of 1941.
Key locations on the tour include Athens, war cemeteries at Phaleron and Suda Bay, and the historic site of the Battle of Rethymno, where Australian and Greek troops faced a fierce German paratrooper assault. Of the more than 17,000 Australians who served in the campaigns, nearly 600 died and over 1,000 were wounded. Each site holds deep significance in the nation's involvement in the Second World War.
Applications opened today for Accompanying Teachers for the 2026 tour that will take place in the Term 3 school holidays.
NSW teachers of Stage 5 History and/or Stage 6 Modern History are encouraged to apply for this unique professional development opportunity to enrich their understanding and teaching of Australian war time history.
Student applications will open in early 2026.
Applications for the role of Accompanying Teacher for the 2026 tour close at 11:59pm on 26 November 2025. Eligible teachers can apply here: https://veteransaffairs.smartygrants.com.au/PAMS2026Teachers.
Students who will be in Year 10 or 11 in 2026 are encouraged to register their interest.
More information is available here: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/education/premiers-anzac-memorial-scholarship/
NSW Premier Chris Minns said:
"The Premier's Anzac Memorial Scholarship is a wonderful opportunity for high school History students to further develop their understanding of the history of Australians at war.
"The 85th anniversary of the Greek and Crete campaigns of 1941 provides a unique opportunity to offer NSW high school students passionate about history a chance to commemorate and better understand the experience of Australian men and women who served in this important theatre of the Second World War."
Minister for Veterans David Harris said:
"The PAMS tour presents a unique opportunity for teachers and students from all over New South Wales, and I highly recommend that history teachers consider applying.
"The 2026 tour will explore Australia's military history during the Second World War, visiting locations that experienced the war's impact firsthand. Students and teachers will hear the stories of those who served and sacrificed their lives in these campaigns that defined our nation's involvement in the Second World War.
"The study tour is an important initiative in ensuring the legacy of our Second World War veterans is preserved. By connecting young Australians with the places where our veterans served, we honour their courage, service and sacrifice, while strengthening our commitment to remembrance."
Elizabeth Farmer, Nowra High School teacher and 2025 PAMS accompanying teacher said:
"The Premiers' Anzac Memorial Scholarship experience is more incredible than can be believed. From gaining experiential learning ideas on the ground where Australians have fought to deepening your understanding of syllabus content, the study tour was an outstanding opportunity to further my knowledge of HSIE content, but to also link my family history and service to locations vital to Australian history.
"The Scholarship offers more than a chance to walk in the footsteps of our past servicemen and servicewomen, it offers the chance to help shape the way future generations interact with our shared history and our past, present and future veterans."
Christian Bell, Christian Brothers' High School Lewisham teacher and 2025 PAMS accompanying teacher said:
"The Premiers' Anzac Memorial Scholarship tour is one of the most rewarding professional development experiences a History teacher can undertake. It offers the rare chance to explore overseas sites of Australian service, memorials including museums, and battlefields, alongside expert historians, whose knowledge and storytelling bring history vividly to life.
"Equally inspiring is working with the students. A group of curious, respectful, and deeply engaged young people whose enthusiasm for learning about Australia's military past makes every moment on tour meaningful. I strongly encourage teachers to apply."
Biana Nguyen, 2025 PAMS Scholar, St George Girls High School:
"The Premier's Anzac Memorial Scholarship tour to Korea and Singapore was a powerful experience that reshaped how I see history.
"Visiting sites of remembrance and learning about the impacts of war in both countries made the past feel real and immediate.
"Standing in places where Australians once served and hearing stories of resilience, loss and recovery gave me a deeper understanding of the legacy of military service."
Liam Harrison, 2025 PAMS Scholar, Mereweather High School said:
"Participating in the PAMS tour was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of history far beyond the classroom. Through immersive visits to significant sites and memorials, gained a significant appreciation for the complexities of war and the enduring legacy of those who served.
"I very much encourage other students to apply for the scholarship. It's more than a tour, it's an opportunity to grow, connect, and carry forward the memory of our shared past."
