The pursuit of a teaching career in Australia for 2026 is supported by an unprecedented level of financial investment from both federal and state governments. As the nation faces a critical need for high-quality educators, the barrier to entry has been significantly lowered through substantial “Get Paid to Study” initiatives. These programs are designed not only to attract the next generation of classroom leaders but also to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent passionate individuals particularly those from regional areas, First Nations backgrounds, or lower socioeconomic statuses from completing their Initial Teacher Education.
At the heart of this support system is a shift toward a “service-for-support” model, where the government covers a significant portion of tuition and living expenses in exchange for a commitment to work in public schools. This reciprocal arrangement provides students with immediate financial security during their undergraduate or postgraduate years while simultaneously guaranteeing them a stable and impactful career path upon graduation. By targeting high-achieving school leavers and skilled professionals looking to transition from other industries, these scholarships aim to infuse the Australian education system with diverse expertise and renewed energy.
Furthermore, as mentioned below, the updated teaching scholarships in Australia for the 2026 landscape of teaching incentives are highly localized, with individual states and territories offering bespoke packages to fill specific gaps in the workforce. From massive grants for those specializing in STEM and inclusive education to comprehensive relocation packages for rural postings, the financial assistance is more specialized than ever before. This tiered approach ensures that whether a student is entering a metropolitan primary school or a remote secondary college, they are equipped with the resources necessary to succeed without the burden of excessive student debt.
Aspiring educators in Australia for the 2026 academic year have access to a robust suite of financial incentives designed to address teacher shortages and diversify the workforce. These programs range from high-value federal scholarships to targeted state-based grants and employment-based “get paid to learn” pathways.
The Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships
The most significant federal initiative is the Commonwealth Teaching Scholarship program, which is currently in its third round of a five-year, $160 million commitment. This program is specifically designed to attract high-achieving school leavers and mid-career professionals into the profession.
For students commencing an accredited initial teacher education (ITE) degree in 2026, the scholarship provides substantial financial relief. Undergraduate students are eligible for up to $40,000, distributed as $10,000 per year over a four-year degree. Postgraduate students, such as those undertaking a Master of Teaching, can receive up to $20,000, distributed as $10,000 per year over two years.
Eligibility is focused on Australian citizens, permanent residents, permanent humanitarian visa holders, and New Zealand citizens living in Australia. The selection process prioritizes individuals from underrepresented or high-need backgrounds, including First Nations people, people with a disability, those from regional or remote areas, and individuals for whom English is an additional language or dialect. A critical component of this scholarship is the “commitment to teach” requirement. Recipients must agree to teach in a government-run school or early learning setting for a period equivalent to their study duration—four years for undergraduate recipients and two years for postgraduate recipients.
New South Wales Teaching Incentives
New South Wales offers some of the most comprehensive state-based support through the Department of Education’s “Teach NSW” programs. The Teacher Education Scholarship is a flagship offering that provides $7,500 per year during full-time study, along with a $6,000 appointment allowance upon graduation. This scholarship also guarantees a permanent teaching position in a NSW public school in a high-demand subject area or location.
For those willing to work in regional areas, the Teach.Rural Scholarship provides similar financial benefits but includes an additional $500 per week during rural placements. This program is tailored for students who are passionate about making an impact in country communities and offers a guaranteed permanent job in a rural or remote NSW public school.
The Transition to Teaching Scholarship is specifically designed for career changers and “degree changers” who already hold a degree in a high-demand field such as Mathematics, Science (Chemistry or Physics), or Technological and Applied Studies. This scholarship supports students through a Master of Teaching, requiring a commitment to teach in a NSW public school for at least two years.
Victorian Teaching Support
In Victoria, the Secondary Ticketing Scholarship (STS) program has been a major draw for students. For the 2026 intake, the Victorian Government has indicated a continued focus on secondary teaching degrees in in-demand specialisms. Under current frameworks, eligible undergraduate students can receive approximately $9,600 during their studies, with an additional $8,400 paid out during their first two years of teaching in a Victorian government secondary or specialist school, bringing the total value to $18,000.
Victoria also offers specific incentives for early childhood educators. The Targeted Educator Incentives Program provides up to $9,000 for eligible educators to take up roles in funded kindergarten programs, with additional relocation supplements of up to $8,000 available for those moving significant distances (over 500km or from overseas) to take up a position.
Queensland and Western Australia
Queensland’s “Teach Queensland” initiative provides the Beginning Teacher Support payment, which can reach up to $20,000 over four years for those commencing employment in specific regions like Far North Queensland, North Queensland, and Central Queensland. There are also one-off “Beginning Teacher” payments ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the school’s transfer rating. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, the Pearl Duncan Scholarship remains a vital pathway, providing financial assistance and professional support to help Indigenous educators complete their teaching qualifications.
In Western Australia, the Regional Attraction and Retention Incentive (ARI) has been extended for the 2026 school year. This program offers up to $7,000 for eligible teachers and school administrators working in over 60 designated rural and remote public schools. The payment is split, with a portion paid at the start of the year and the remainder paid to those who complete the school year in that location. WA also offers the Bob Hawke Aboriginal Teacher Scholarship for aspiring Indigenous secondary teachers.
Key Application Requirements and Deadlines
For 2026 entry, most major scholarship applications close in early January 2026. Specifically, the Commonwealth Teaching Scholarship Round 3 closed on January 12, 2026. Applicants generally need to provide academic evidence, such as an ATAR of 80 or above for undergraduate entries, or a high Grade Point Average (GPA) for postgraduate entries.
Documentation typically required includes:
- Proof of citizenship or residency (Passport, Birth Certificate, or Citizenship Certificate).
- Academic transcripts or ATAR statements.
- A “Commitment to Teach” agreement for government-funded programs.
- Specific evidence for equity categories (e.g., proof of address for regional applicants or medical documentation for disability status).
