The state government is providing free degrees for student teachers to try and boost workforce numbers across Victoria, with round two of teaching scholarships now open.
Scholarships covering the cost of degrees are available for all Victorians studying secondary school teaching degrees in 2024 and 2025, relieving cost-of-living pressures for students and giving them the best start in their career in education.
Students who need support to return to their teaching study are also eligible, with scholarships available to those who may have started prior to 2022 and returned in 2024 or 2025. Students commencing their studies in semester two this year are eligible to apply for the round two scholarships.
More than 1,700 students have benefitted from the scholarships so far, helping them with their costs of studying and living, reducing the financial barriers for people who want to study teaching.
This year Victoria has seen a 23 per cent increase in student teachers enrolling in secondary undergraduate education courses through VTAC compared to 2023, showing that the scholarships are increasing the number of people studying to become teachers.
The total scholarship for students who complete their studies and then choose to work in government secondary schools will match the HELP fees charged by the Commonwealth Government for Commonwealth Supported Places – $18,000 for a four-year undergraduate program or $9,000 for two years of postgraduate study.
“It’s not by chance that the number of teachers in Victoria is increasing at the fastest rate in the nation – we’re making sure there is no barrier for Victorians to take up a career in teaching and change young people’s lives forever,” said Education Minister Ben Carroll.
“We’re supporting students studying to become secondary school teachers with the costs of living and studying, making it easier for more people to become the next generation of teachers.”
The scholarships are part of the government’s $229.8 million investment to support the teaching workforce in Victoria, which includes development for early years teachers and career support for more experienced staff.
