Are you passionate about Food Technology and dreaming of becoming a teacher?

The NSW Cookery Teachers Association Scholarship can help you get there.

What’s on offer

  • Up to three (3) scholarships in 2026
  • Each scholarship is worth up to $9,000 per year, for up to three (3) years (total of $27,000)

Scholarships help cover costs like:

  • Course fees (HECS/HELP)
  • Books, stationery, laptop or other study equipment
  • Tutoring (online or face-to-face)

Successful applicants will also receive an invitation to an annual HEIA NSW Division networking breakfast with fellow scholarship recipients and industry professionals.

First payments are made after you confirm your enrolment at university (after the March census date each year). To keep receiving support, you’ll need to show your academic transcript each year and stay enrolled in your Food Technology teaching degree.

If you stop studying, change courses, or don’t meet the requirements, the scholarship will end.

Who can apply (Eligibility)

You must:

  • Be in Year 12 in 2025 at a public school in NSW and completing the HSC this year
  • Plan to study a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (or equivalent) with a major in Food Technology at university in 2026
  • Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • Be committed to teaching in the NSW public school system once you graduate

Students planning to study at ACU, Charles Sturt University, or any other NSW-based university offering Food Technology are especially encouraged to apply.

What we’re looking for (Selection Criteria)

  • Your potential to succeed at university and how the scholarship will help you
  • A genuine commitment to becoming a Food Technology teacher in NSW public schools
  • Strong support from your school Principal about your ability and dedication

How the selection works

  • A panel (including education experts and PEF staff) will assess all applications
  • Final recommendations are approved by the Public Education Foundation’s Board
  • All applicants are notified by email, and successful students’ Principals will also be informed

How to apply

Applications are online through PEF-Apply. You’ll need to:

  • Create a PEF-Apply account
  • Complete the application form with your details (personal, family, school, and course preferences)

Upload documents, including:

  • Your most recent school report
  • A personal reference (teacher, coach, employer, etc.)
  • A short written statement (max 400 words) on why you’re applying and how you meet the criteria
  • A short outline of how your current studies or work experience support your university goals
  • Request a supporting statement from your Principal (done via PEF-Apply – the system will email them)

Tip for Principals: Your statement is vital as panels rely heavily on your detailed feedback.

Key dates

  • Applications close: 5:00pm, Friday 26 September 2025
  • Late or incomplete applications cannot be accepted

Before you start

Make sure you read the full Scholarship Terms and Conditions on the Public Education Foundation website.

For further information call the Public Education Foundation on 02 7814 2806 or email us at scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au.

If you’re serious about becoming a Food Technology teacher and want financial help, mentoring, and industry connections, this scholarship is designed for you!