About the scholarship
The Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarship provides support to aspiring teachers from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, while they complete a teaching degree, also known as an
initial teacher education (ITE) program.
Up to 30 Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarships are awarded each year.
This 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.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply, you must:
- have a genuine interest in becoming a teacher in Queensland state schools
- be able to provide written evidence of recognition as a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community
- be seeking enrolment or continuing enrolment in an approved undergraduate or postgraduate level initial teacher education course
- meet the requirements of one of the following scholarship categories.
Secondary (high) school graduates
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School leavers commencing or continuing an undergraduate ITE program, such as a Bachelor of Education, in the semester after you have graduated Year 12.
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Postgraduate students
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Individuals with a degree in a relevant non-education field, commencing or continuing a postgraduate ITE program, such as a Master of Teaching.
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Department of Education employees
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School and corporate employees (non-teaching) commencing or continuing an undergraduate or postgraduate ITE program, such as a Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching.
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Post-school studies
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Individuals such as mature age students and career changers who do not meet the eligibility criteria for any of the above categories, and are commencing or continuing an undergraduate or postgraduate ITE program.
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Benefits of the scholarship
Scholarship recipients receive financial assistance, the opportunity for permanent employment and a supported transition into the teaching profession including:
- up to $40,000 (before tax) to assist with study and other expenses during the study period
- the opportunity to secure permanent employment as a teacher in a Queensland state school immediately after course completion
- assistance in securing professional experience placements in Queensland state schools
- opportunities to engage with other scholarship recipients
- access to a range of departmental resources, professional networks and support.
Financial support you can receive
Secondary (high) school graduates
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4 years
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up to $40,000
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Postgraduate students
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2 years
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up to $20,000
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Department of Education employees
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2 years (postgraduates)
4 years (undergraduates)
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up to $20,000 (postgraduates)
up to $40,000 (undergraduates)
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Post-school studies
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2 years (postgraduates)
4 years (undergraduates)
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up to $20,000 (postgraduates)
up to $40,000 (undergraduates)
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1Please note that all values are before tax.
Scholarship funds are paid in $5,000 instalments after successful completion of each full-time semester of study.
How to apply
To apply for a Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarship you will need to submit your application and supporting documents via our online application process.
This includes:
- evidence of application for entry or continuing enrolment in an
approved undergraduate or postgraduate ITE program at a Queensland Higher Education Institution
- documentation supporting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage
- academic transcripts for most recent secondary school or tertiary studies (where available)
- two character references, including one from a person who can speak with authority on your achievements and suitability to become a teacher.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this scholarship, please contact our Scholarships and Grants team by email at
scholarships@qed.qld.gov.au or phone (07) 3055 2991.