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, and
- 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
Applications for the 2023 Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarship have now closed.
Subscribe to receive an email alert when applications for the 2024 scholarship program opens.
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.
2023 scholarship recipients
Bella Mahoney, Metropolian
Brianna Knight, North Queensland
Cassandra Von Senden, Central Queensland
Celeste Miller, Far North
Gwendoline Button, Darling Downs-South West
Haylee Cornelius, Darling Downs-South West
Jayden Elder, Metropolian
Jessica Addo, Far North
Kayla Donovan, Central Queensland
Keegan Irelandes, Central Queensland
Kevin O'Brien, Far North
Matthew McLean, Darling Downs-South West
O'Shai Whettam, South East
Piper Timms, Darling Downs-South West
Renee Maris, North Coast
Roman Marshall, Central Queensland
Shiniquia Morris, Far North
Tifinie Dangelmayer, South East
2023 grant recipients
Amber Ah-Quee, North Coast
Elyjah Deshong, North Coast
Jakkiah Colthup, Central Queensland
Kobi Udowika, South East
Wudarabin Snider, Far North