PEF National Secondary Scholarship

PEF National Secondary Scholarships

The Public Education Foundation’s National Secondary Scholarships support two Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students, two refugee students and two students currently experiencing financial hardship that may prevent them from continuing their senior years of education in a public school. Note – a student may only apply for one PEF National Secondary scholarship.

Six scholarships are available in 2025. Each scholarship provides $1,500 per year in Years 10, 11 and 12 (total value: $4,500 per student).

Eligible Expenses Include:

Incidental fees (e.g. textbook hiring, subject-related costs)
Uniforms and school shoes (including sports gear)
Stationery and general office supplies
Textbooks
Laptop, iPad or similar device
Study-related software
Printer
Home internet connection
School excursions and camps
Work experience costs linked to VET
Study furniture (desk, chair, lamp, etc.)
Face-to-face or online tutoring

If a student leaves public school before finishing Year 12, the scholarship will lapse. Note: The scholarship may be withdrawn if attendance drops below an acceptable level at any time. Any unspent funds must be returned to the Public Education Foundation.

Read the scholarship terms and conditions before applying.

Basic Eligibility

Enrolled in an Australian public high school
Currently in Year 9 (in 2025)
Must meet ONE of the following:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- A refugee
- Experiencing financial hardship
Australian citizen or permanent resident

Selection Criteria

Academic potential
Positive school attitude and high attendance
Intent to complete HSC/NTCE/QCE/SACE/TCE/VCE/WACE and continue to tertiary or vocational study
Current disadvantage affecting educational progress
Active participation in school life
Community and/or extracurricular involvement

Selection Process

A panel including Public Education Foundation staff, AEC representatives and independent experts will assess applications against the selection criteria. Recommendations will be submitted to the Foundation’s Board. Applicants and school principals will be notified of outcomes in December 2025.

How to Apply

Apply via our online portal: PEF-Apply. All sections must be completed, including the Principal’s Supporting Statement, before submission.

Select ONE category only: FINANCIAL NEED, INDIGENOUS or REFUGEE.

Information Required:

Applicant details (name, DOB, contact info, email)
Residency status
Parent/guardian details (name, relationship, contact info)
School details (school name, address, principal name and email)
School point of contact for correspondence
Background info:
- Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander or Pacific heritage
- Language group, cultural background
- Languages spoken at home
- Household and caregiver info
- Parental education level
- Disability or out-of-home care status
- Socio-economic background
- How you heard about the scholarship
Personal statement (max 400 words) addressing selection criteria
Future plans after completing HSC/NTCE/QCE/SACE/TCE/VCE/WACE (max 150 words)
Statement on scholarship fund usage (max 150 words)
Most recent school report (PDF or Word)
Reference:
- General applicants: teacher/counsellor/wellbeing officer
- Indigenous applicants: Aboriginal community member
References must be detailed. Generic responses may disadvantage the applicant.
Principal’s supporting statement (must be submitted online via the application form)