In order to apply for a NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarship, applicants must meet the below eligibility criteria outlined in the Scholarship Terms and Conditions:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• be permanently (full time or part time) employed or on a temporary contract in a NSW school, early childhood centre or TAFE NSW campus unless otherwise stated in the scholarship
• have a minimum of 2 years of teaching experience
• be qualified to teach or have particular experience in the category applicable to the scholarship
• meet any additional criteria if noted in the individual scholarship description.

For information on the terms and conditions of the scholarship, please visit the Scholarship Terms and Conditions webpage.

Applications can be submitted online by clicking the 'Apply Now' button on any individual scholarship page.

Applicants should ensure the application is unique and relevant for each scholarship (if applying for more than one).

Applicants must upload the following supporting documents as part of their online application (in PDF format):

• Research and study tour proposal template: use this to outline research plans and study tour locations.
  
• Endorsement of application form completed by the applicant's principal or manager. Scholarship applications will not be considered if this form is not submitted.
• Curriculum vivitae/resume (maximum of 2 pages). The selection panel might refer to this for additional information regarding qualifications and experiences that might not be evident in the scholarship application.

Each application will be assessed on how well it meets the objectives of the scholarship program. Throughout the application, applicants will need to ensure that they are making explicit links across the research, rationale, curriculum/syllabus and itinerary. Ensure that the proposal shows how the research will:

• enrich the body of professional knowledge
• contribute to the learning outcomes of students
• contribute to the recipient's professional learning
• impact on learning and teaching beyond an individual recipient/school/campus.

The selected research topic must align with the scholarship focus and be an area of current or future demand, in addition to holding personal interest for the applicant. Keep in mind that selection panels will look for unique and relevant proposals that aim to provide maximum impact to students. Applicants should consider these steps when choosing a topic:

• Brainstorm: generate ideas of interest both personally and professionally.
• Read: access information from professional associations, previous scholar reports, colleagues or networks to help understand what information exists and how an idea could build upon existing knowledge.
• Focus: organise ideas into topics. If a topic is too broad it may be hard to find information that is focused and relevant, if the topic is too narrow it may be hard to find any information at all. Consider if it is a new idea or perspective? How does it align with the syllabus or curriculum?
• Discuss: if possible, applicants are encourage to engage with their principal, manager, colleagues and networks to discuss their potential research topic. This can help applicants to see their topic more clearly and a third party can ask questions from a different perspective.
• Define: focus the topic into a research question. With the direction of the research now clear, the next step would be to begin locating material on the topic.

The following areas reflect the required sections in the research and study tour proposal template (uploaded as part of the online application form).

Title: Applicants should choose a title that will engage the selection panel and raise interest in their application. This will become the title of the applicant's research proposal (it can be updated later) and used on their research report submitted after their study tour.

Inspiration statement (100 word limit): This statement should identify the purpose, cause or belief that inspired an applicant to research this particular topic. Craft this statement carefully and intentionally, it should highlight an applicant's passion and motivation for the topic and provide insight into why they have selected this research area.

Rationale proposal and justification (400 word limit): Applicants are to 1) provide a summary of their proposed research idea, and 2) share the purpose of/justification for choosing this topic, providing context of both existing evidence (and theory) and practical applications. This may include referencing a 'gap' in current research, the need to research existing information or ideas in a new context, or the need to conduct research to solve a specific problem. Show explicit links to current research and practice.

Links to teaching and learning (300 word limit): An applicant should demonstrate how their research topic directly links to the overall teaching and learning framework (NSW curriculum/Early Years Learning Framework) and if relevant, to a particular syllabus or key learning area. What is the connection to current and future trends in the focus area?

Outcomes and benefits (300 word limit): An applicant should use this section to summarise what they are hoping to learn/prove/disprove. Include how the proposed study tour research might impact on the NSW Premier's Teacher Scholarship objectives: a) enrich the body of professional knowledge b) contribute to the learning outcomes of students c) contribute to your own professional learning, and d) impact upon learning and teaching beyond an individual recipient/school/campus.

Proposed study tour details: This is a high-level proposal only to demonstrate that an applicant has seriously considered what they want to achieve during a 5-week study tour, including the sequence of visits, and what is financially feasible. Applicants are not required to contact individuals or organisations to confirm meetings or activities (if an applicant is awarded a scholarship, they will finalise their study tour plan at that time).

Applicants must complete a table with the following information for each of their proposed activities:

• Activity/location: List the proposed activity details and locations. Consider a mix of international and domestic visits, and a variety of experiences (e.g. conferences, university visits, museums, cultural experiences).
• Anticipated dates/timeline: List the proposed dates (or length of time) to conduct each activity. This is an estimate (if successful, actual dates can be confirmed later. Note: funded study tour activities must be completed in one 35-day block which includes activities during weekends and school holidays).
• Benefits: Indicate how the activity is relevant to the study tour proposal. What benefit will this activity add to the topic? What can be learnt by undertaking this activity or visiting this person/organisation? How will this activity help to tie the research to the NSW curriculum/syllabus?

Additional personal or holiday leave cannot be added to the 5-week study tour.

Dissemination and sharing (300 word limit): An applicant should use this section to describe how they will share their final research information and knowledge once the funded study tour is complete. Think about reaching as many people or organisations across sectors, mediums, and local, regional and state levels. Specifically name and briefly describe the dissemination methods that might be used (for example, 'develop a workshop session that can be delivered at the History Teachers' Association state conference'). Where appropriate, incorporate professional associations and the scholarship sponsor as a means of dissemination. Note: some scholarships require that specific presentations will occur for their organisation.

Some ideas from past scholars and sponsors include:

Local

• Share findings with home school/institute colleagues (present at staff meetings, publish in school newsletter or on school website)
• Involve/interact with local community groups
• Coaching/mentoring other staff
• Presentation to sponsor

Regional

• Network/district meetings
• Involvement with professional associations (present or provide information)
• Present at staff development days across networks/districts

State

• Involvement with professional associations (present or provide informatio)n. Create online materials (e.g. blog, webpage, webinars, podcast, social media - Facebook/Instagram/Twitter)
• Present at national conference/professional association conference
• Educational review papers
• Submit an article to a journal
• Create resources that are available for use by other teachers
• Interviews - radio/TV/newspaper
• Produce/collaborate on a book/textbook

Applications for the NSW Premier's Teacher Scholarships close Friday 30 May 2025, 11:59 pm (AEST).

A selection panel is convened for each scholarship, usually made up of 5 representatives from the sponsoring organisation, government and non-government schools, TAFE campuses, preschools, and professional associations (with the composition varying according to the scholarship focus area).

Each panel includes a subject matter expert, who initially shortlists applications that most closely align with the criteria of the scholarship and objectives of the program. The shortlisted applications are forwarded to the selection panel for final review. The selection panel advises the Premier of the successful applicant and a reserve (if appropriate).

Note: The NSW Department of Education’s School Workforce directorate administers the program on behalf of the Premier's Department. It does not play a role in recipient selection.

Successful applicants will be informed of their outcome by phone and follow-up email. They will be invited to a formal reception event (during Term 3 or 4) attended by the Premier.

Applicants not selected for the scholarship will be notified by email and may seek feedback on their application. Further information on this feedback process will be provided to these applicants.

Unsuccessful applicants may choose to apply in the following year.

Applicants are encouraged to review the frequently asked questions for scholarship recipients for more information.