If you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and are studying or intend to study an undergraduate or postgraduate teacher qualification, our Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarship might be right for you.
So we can encourage and support our aspiring teachers, this scholarship provides generous financial benefits and the opportunity to gain valuable experience and skills teaching in a supportive environment while you study (on a full-time basis) and after graduation.
The scholarship is named in honour of Dr Pearl Duncan, an Aboriginal teacher who dedicated her life to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in education. Pearl was an accomplished individual with a long history in the education sector. She taught students from primary school to university and contributed to research work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies.
Pearl had the honour of being the first Aboriginal school teacher in Australia who was trained at a tertiary institution and held a PhD in Aboriginal Cultural Studies, a Master of Education, a Bachelor of Letters Anthropology (Honours) and a NSW Teacher's Certificate. Her many accolades included being named Senior Australian of the Year (Queensland) in 2004 and being awarded the Centenary of Federation Medal for increasing Aboriginal participation in education.
Why you should apply
As a Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarship recipient, you could receive:
- up to $40,000 (before tax) to help you with study and related expenses
- permanent employment as a teacher in a Queensland state school when you graduate.
Who the scholarship is for
This scholarship offers support to aspiring teachers in the following categories.
Secondary (high) school graduates
(up to $40,000 before tax over 4 years)
You must complete Year 12 this year and be commencing or continuing an undergraduate Initial Teacher Education (ITE) program, such as a Bachelor of Education, in the first semester of the year after you graduated Year 12.
Postgraduate students
(up to $20,000 before tax over 2 years)
You must already hold a degree in a relevant field and be commencing or continuing a postgraduate Initial Teacher Education program, such as a Master of Teaching.
Department of Education employees
(up to $40,000 before tax over 4 years)
You must be employed in a non-teaching role with the Department of Education (at the time of application) and be commencing or continuing an undergraduate or postgraduate Initial Teacher Education program, such as a Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching.
Post-school studies
(up to $40,000 before tax over 4 years)
You must be commencing or continuing an undergraduate or postgraduate Initial Teacher Education program, such as a Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching, and do not meet the eligibility criteria for any of the other categories—for example career changers or mature age students.
How to apply
Apply now for the 2025 Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarship.
Applications close at midnight on Friday 13 December 2024.
Step 1: Gather supporting documents
The following documents are required for your online application.
- Proof of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
- Academic transcripts of any tertiary study or school results for Years 11 and 12 (2024 school leavers)
- Tertiary Entrance evidence (application confirmation for entry or confirmation of place where an early offer has been made)
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- References
Step 2: Apply online
Submit your online application and attachments via the Smart Jobs 'Apply now' button below.
Apply now
Enquiries
If you have any questions about this scholarship, contact our Scholarships and Grants team by email at
scholarships@qed.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3055 2991.
2024 scholarship recipients
Abigail Lui, Far North
Alexandra Hay, Metropolitan South
Annie Baragud, Far North
Ashley Assan, Far North
Belinda Sutton, North Coast
Dennis Arthur, South East
Emma Shaw, Metropolitan North
Florence Murgha, Far North
Gaiba Noah, Far North
Hamish Chalmers, Metropolitan North
Jackson Armstrong, Metropolitan South
Jarom Mairu, Far North
Jarrason Purcell, Metropolitan North
Kaitlyn Dodds, Central Queensland
Karla Stanton, Metropolitan South
Keili Eggmolesse, North Queensland
Matika Frid, Central Queensland
Matthew Smith, North Coast
Maximillian Palise, South East
Misha Narayan, Metropolitan North
Nadia Fogarty, North Coast
Portia Rennie, Metropolitan North
Ryan Watson-Cunningham, Metropolitan North
Samantha Kris, Far North
Soraya Barba, Far North
Tayla Davis, Metropolitan North
Tyeka Close, Metropolitan South
Wudarabin Snider, Far North
2024 grant recipients
Ashleigh Burton, Far North
Dorothy Asai, Far North