This scholarship is open to teachers currently teaching in NSW schools or NSW early childhood education and care services.
The scholarship is for a study of innovative approaches, exemplary practices, evidence-based strategies, and professional development initiatives that promote optimal outcomes for students with disability and additional needs.
It is designed to empower educators to support the learning and wellbeing of students with disability and additional needs, fostering inclusive environments where every student can thrive. Through this scholarship, recipients will have the opportunity to contribute valuable insights and practical solutions that enhance accessibility, engagement, and success for all learners.
Applicants should have a proven track record in creating inclusive learning environments. The proposed research could include methods for supporting students with disabilities, fostering cultural inclusivity, or engaging linguistically diverse students. The plan should also indicate how these strategies could be integrated into various curriculum areas.
The successful applicant should be prepared to develop materials or conduct a workshop to share their findings with the School of Education’s current student body, particularly those enrolled in programs such as the Master of Inclusive Education. This could involve presenting findings through lectures, discussion panels, or hands-on workshops designed to equip future educators with practical, evidence-based strategies for inclusivity.
The Western Sydney University can support the scholarship recipient by:
- arranging, through the School of Education, a one-on-one consultation with an academic staff member specialising in inclusive education to offer the recipient tailored advice on best practices and emerging approaches in inclusive teaching
- providing access to selected materials from the Master of Inclusive Education program, including relevant research articles, case studies, and instructional guides focused on creating inclusive learning environments
- inviting the scholar to share their findings with current students in the School of Education through a presentation, interactive discussion, or brief workshop, allowing the scholar to engage with future educators and pass on practical insights into inclusive practices
- assisting with connections to schools where inclusive education is exemplary.
The successful applicant will undertake a study tour of up to 5 weeks internationally or within Australia. Study tour travel is to be completed in one block between 1 January and 30 June 2026, with follow-up activities and reporting to be completed within 90 days of study tour completion.
Time may involve formal study, for example, undertaking a short course at a respected tertiary institution, or a program of visits to sites, schools and institutions to conduct interviews, observe exemplary practices and collect resources for the preparation of teaching materials related to the specific scholarship category.
The Scholarship Terms and Conditions apply to all NSW Premier's Teacher Scholarships. Applicants should refer to the FAQs for applicants when preparing and submitting an application. As part of the online application, applicants must upload their research and study tour proposal along with the Endorsement of Application form. Researching and writing an application may count as professional development to help maintain your accreditation. For more information, refer to NESA’s professional development requirements for teachers.
One scholarship of $15,000 will be offered for travel during 2026.
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