Australia has just sent out one of the strongest signals yet to future educators — and it comes with real money, real support, and a real career pathway. The Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships 2026 are officially open, and for aspiring teachers, this isn’t just another scholarship announcement — it’s a career-defining opportunity backed by up to $40,000 in direct financial support.
At a time when teacher shortages are reshaping education systems across Australia, this program is stepping in with something powerful: free education relief + guaranteed career direction. Whether you’re starting an undergraduate teaching degree or entering postgraduate teacher education, this scholarship doesn’t just help you study — it helps you step confidently into the profession with financial security and purpose.
What This Scholarship Really Offers?
The Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships Program is designed to remove the biggest barrier to becoming a teacher: financial pressure. Selected recipients can receive up to $40,000 for undergraduate study or up to $20,000 for postgraduate teacher education, paid across the duration of their degree to support tuition, living costs, and essential study expenses. Beyond the money, the scholarship connects your education to a guaranteed mission — teaching in government schools or government-run early learning settings — turning your degree into a direct pathway to impact, stability, and long-term career growth in Australia’s education system.
Who Can Apply?
If you’re serious about building a teaching career in Australia, this scholarship is built for you. Here’s who the program is looking for:
- You must be living in Australia and be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, permanent humanitarian visa holder, or New Zealand citizen
- You must be commencing an Australian-accredited teaching degree
- You must start your degree in the first study period of the year
- You must study full-time for the duration of the scholarship
- You must be willing to teach in a government school or government-run early learning setting after graduation
Priority is given to high-achieving and diverse candidates, including applicants from regional areas, First Nations communities, low socio-economic backgrounds, people with disability, mid-career professionals, and students for whom English is an additional language or dialect — but you can still apply even if you don’t fall into a target cohort.
Apply: https://www.education.gov.au/teaching-scholarships/eligibility-and-applying
When Is the Last Date to Apply?
Applications for Round 3 of the Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships 2026 are now open, and the final deadline is Monday, 12 January 2026 at 5:00pm AEDT.