Excellence in Initial Teacher Education Scholarship

Excellence in Initial Teacher Education Scholarship

Excellence in Initial Teacher Education Scholarship

Applications close: Monday, 1 September 2025
Scholarship start date: Semester One, 2026

Welcome to the Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) Scholarship Program, where we cultivate the next generation of Catholic educators. Designed for school leavers and aspiring teachers, our scholarships embody our commitment to fostering curiosity and truth in education.

The mission of schools is to develop a sense of truth, of what is good and beautiful. And this occurs through a rich path made up of many ingredients.
- Pope Francis

This Scholarship program supports high performing Initial Teacher Education (ITE) students currently enrolled in a Master of Teaching or their third or fourth year of an Undergraduate Teaching Program at an Australian University, in Primary or Secondary Education.

All candidates are encouraged to apply, particularly those wanting to specialise in:

• Religious Education
• Mathematics
• Science
• Technology
• Literacy and Numeracy.

With SCS you will receive:

• reimbursement of 75% of tuition fees incurred during the scholarship period
• final year mentoring support provided by an experienced teacher at your school
• professional Learning and peer support within SCS’s Future Teacher Community of Practice
• support to secure employment with SCS, part time or casual whilst studying
• 3 years indentured full-time employment with SCS upon completion of study, subject to achieving Accreditations.

Essential Criteria

• currently enrolled in 2nd year in a Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching program
• a clear Academic Record
• pass in both elements of LANTITE
• successful Professional Experience Placement reports (where relevant)
• details of two referees including your employer and Professional Experience Placement Supervising Teacher (if relevant).

Continued Eligibility

To continue in the scholarship throughout your degree, you will need to pass all of your units, including satisfactory grades in all Professional Experience Placements.

SCS recognises the value of including individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering an environment of cultural richness and understanding. Students who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander are encouraged to apply for this scholarship.

How to Apply

To apply, please include in your application:

• current Curriculum Vitae (Resume/CV)
• academic transcript
• covering letter addressing the following questions

1. Outline why you are applying for this scholarship.
2. What makes you think you would be suited to teaching? For example, successful prior experience or relevant personal qualities.
3. Scholarship recipients will be expected to work in a SCS during and following their studies. What appeals to you about working in a Catholic school?

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to prepare and submit a short video responding to a few
questions (instructions will be provided).

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. However, you will be able to save your application and return later to complete it.

About Sydney Catholic Schools

In joining SCS, you will be part of the largest Catholic education community in NSW, with a unified vision and shared resources, encompassing over 145 schools and over 74,000 students. We enable job mobility across the system, diverse career opportunities and an extensive suite of professional development programs.

SCS is renowned for excellence, with six schools in the top 100 and 13 in the top 150 of the 2024 HSC rankings. Over 51% of results were Band 5 or 6, and our students achieved 2,819 Distinguished Achiever mentions.

Statement of Commitment to Child Safety
Click here to access SCS' Statement of Commitment to Child Safety and join us in creating a culture of child safety and wellbeing.

Working With Children Check (WWCC)
This role is classified as child-related work and therefore requires a WWCC clearance prior to commencement of employment.

SCS welcomes and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and candidates with diverse backgrounds.

Apply Now