The ACT Government has started a $4 million Scholarship and Career Pathways to Teaching Program to strengthen the pipeline of future teachers in the ACT.
The program is designed to attract, support and grow the next generation of teachers, including people changing careers into teaching.
Over four years (2026–2029), up to 30 scholarships will be offered annually across three streams, supporting both undergraduate and postgraduate Initial Teacher Education (ITE) pathways. The program provides financial support of up to $50,000 for undergraduate and up to $25,000 for postgraduate study. This includes a $6,000 appointment allowance – paid as $3,000 per year for two years – for graduates who take up temporary or permanent roles in ACT public schools after successfully completing their degree under the program.
Yvette Berry MLA, Minister for Education and Early Childhood, said the investment supports the ACT’s efforts to grow and maintain a high‑quality teaching workforce.
“We understand the importance of continued training and development for our early childhood, primary and secondary teaching workforce,” Ms Berry said. “As we continue to respond to the ongoing national teacher shortage, upskilling our current workforce and offering incentives to attract new teachers are key steps in making ACT public schools an employer of choice for teachers.
“We want our teachers to be the best they can be, and that is why we are proud to fund these scholarships to support our future educators in their careers.”
The program is delivered with the University of Canberra (UC) and Australian Catholic University (ACU).
UC interim executive dean Associate Professor Janet Smith said: “The University of Canberra is proud to continue its partnership with the ACT Government to grow a diverse, highly skilled teaching workforce that truly reflects and supports the ACT community.
“Financial pressures can be a significant barrier for those considering a career change into teaching. With the valuable support of the ACT Government, we are committed to removing these barriers and creating more opportunities for people to enter the profession.”
ACU Canberra campus Professor Dean Darius von Güttner Sporzyński said: “Australian Catholic University is delighted to partner with the ACT Government to address skills shortages in education. These scholarships are a significant boost for the next generation of teachers in the ACT.
“ACU has close partnerships across government and industry, and is uniquely placed to help meet the ACT’s workforce needs.”
These scholarships complement other ACT initiatives, including the ACT Teacher Scholarship Program, the UC STEP employment‑based pathway, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tertiary Scholarship Program, and scholarships supporting early childhood educators.
For more information, visit: Tertiary Scholarship Program – ACT Government.
