The Public Education Foundation’s Aboriginal Education Council Scholarship supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in NSW public high schools to complete their senior years of education. This scholarship is proudly supported by the Aboriginal Education Council (AEC) – a charity established in 1963 that champions innovative education programs and government support to improve outcomes for Aboriginal students.
| Student Benefits |
Each recipient will receive:
- $1,000 per year in both Year 11 and Year 12 (total of $2,000)
- Funds can be used for educational expenses like:
- Laptop, iPad or similar device
- Software and online tools
- Uniforms, shoes, textbooks, stationery
- Printer and internet access
- Excursions, camps, tutoring and study furniture
- Work experience-related costs (VET subjects)
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| Expected Outcomes |
This scholarship aims to:
- Remove barriers to education
- Support students to complete their HSC
- Encourage transition into tertiary or vocational study
- Build stronger links with community and cultural identity
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| Financial Support |
- Total value: $2,000 per student
- Payment period: Over two years – $1,000 in Year 11 and $1,000 in Year 12
- Usage: Funds must be used for approved educational purposes (full list to be provided, if successful)
- Note: If a student leaves public school or NSW, or attendance drops significantly, the scholarship may be withdrawn
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| Eligibility Criteria |
To apply, you must:
- Be enrolled in a NSW public high school
- Be in Year 10 in 2025
- Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- Be an Australian citizen (a person who holds Australian citizenship as recognised by the Australian Government and can provide valid proof such as a citizenship certificate, Australian passport, or eligible birth certificate) or permanent resident (a non-citizen who holds a valid permanent residency visa issued by the Department of Home Affairs, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely)
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| Selection Criteria |
The selection panel will look for students who:
- Show potential to do well at school
- Have a positive attitude and good attendance
- Plan to complete their HSC and pursue further education or training
- Are experiencing personal or financial disadvantage
- Actively participate in school life and community
- Have Indigenous community links and involvement
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| Selection Process |
- Applications are reviewed by a panel from the Public Education Foundation, Aboriginal Education Council, and independent experts
- Successful students will be notified in December 2025
- Schools will also be informed if their student is successful
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| How to Apply |
Applications must be submitted via our online portal. You’ll need to create a PEF-Apply account.
You must complete all sections including:
- Student and family background information
- Personal statement (up to 400 words) addressing why you’re a strong candidate
- Future plans (up to 150 words)
- Subject choices and goals (up to 250 words)
- How the scholarship will help you (up to 150 words)
- Recent school report (to be uploaded)
- Personal reference from an Aboriginal community member (PDF or Word, up to 400 words)
- Principal’s statement (requested through the portal)
Optional: If needed, a paper version of the application form can be requested for preparation, but the final application must be submitted online. Scanned handwritten community references and signed terms are accepted, if clear and legible.
- Generic references will disadvantage your application
- Ask your referee and principal to provide specific, thoughtful statements
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| Closing Date |
Friday, 19 September 2025 at 5:00pm |
| Need Help? |
Phone: (02) 7814 2806
Email: info@publiceducationfoundation.org.au |
