• Applications open for the 2026 Aspire to Teach program intake on Monday 11 August
• Funded through the federal government’s High Achieving Teacher (HAT) Grant, the program provides $15,000 in scholarships plus $3,200 in placement support over two years
• Designed to assist school support staff in their journey to becoming qualified teachers

Applications are now open for the 2026 intake of the Aspire to Teach program helping school support staff become qualified Primary and Secondary teachers.

Aspire to Teach is designed to upskill school support staff working in Eligible Placement Schools across NSW, the Northern Territory and Tasmania and build teaching capacity in regional, rural and remote communities.

The initiative is funded through the federal government’s High Achieving Teacher (HAT) Grant and Charles Sturt received overwhelming application numbers since launching in 2025. The initiative is helping address the 962 permanent teacher vacancies across NSW public schools as at the start of Term Three, 2025.

Fifty scholarships were awarded in its first year. A further 30 scholarships will be awarded for 2026 and 20 for 2027. The program has a strong regional focus with 80 per cent of successful 2025 applicants based in regional and remote communities.

Program Lead in the Charles Sturt School of Education Mrs Natalie Johnston said successful applicants were deeply committed to their communities and education.

“By supporting them to become qualified teachers, we’re investing in the future of the education workforce in the regions that need it most,” Mrs Johnston said.

Participants receive a $15,000 scholarship distributed over two years, plus $3,200 in placement support, significantly reducing the financial barriers to becoming a teacher. This allows students to fully engage with their studies and in-school placements, while continuing to support their families and communities.

Aspire to Teach provides structured, holistic support with flexible, student-centred learning, consistent outreach and a strong focus on wellbeing.

Initial feedback from participants and school leaders has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the program’s responsive delivery model and targeted support.

“The Aspire to Teach scholarship has been truly life changing,” said Ms Fleur Bamford, a 2025 participant from Wagga Wagga.

“It relieved the financial stress and allowed me to grow into the teacher I’ve always wanted to be. If you’re thinking about a future in education but doubting whether it’s achievable, I encourage you to apply. This could be the start of something truly meaningful.”

Fellow scholarship recipient Ms Janita Stocks, from Woolgoolga, said the scholarship has allowed her to focus on her studies and balance family life.

“I’m truly grateful. It’s contributing to both my academic and career goals,” Ms Stocks said.

Aspire to Teach is directly contributing to workforce development by helping high-potential support staff transition into teaching roles, building long-term capacity in local schools.

Orana Heights Public School in Dubbo currently employs an Aspire to Teach participant in a School Learning and Support Officer role. Principal Ms Annie Munro said the participant has thrived thanks to the university's supportive program.

“It enables them to balance studies with work, applying newfound skills to benefit our students daily and learn watching professionals every day to add to their skills and knowledge,” Ms Munro said.

“The program’s flexibility and practical focus fosters professional growth, enhancing their contribution to our school community.”

Applications for the 2026 intake open Monday 11 August 2025. To be eligible, applicants must be employed in a school support staff role in an Eligible Placement School in NSW, the NT or Tasmania.

Learn more and apply here.