2026 Early Childhood vlog and Care Scholarship Program
Guidelines for the 2026 Early Childhood vlog and Care Scholarship Program.
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About the program
The 2026 Early Childhood vlog and Care (ECEC) Scholarship Program supports the training, attraction and retention of a skilled ECEC workforce. By providing financial support, the program helps aspiring and existing professionals to complete an ECEC qualification, improving completion rates and increasing access for the community of NSW to quality ECEC services.
The program delivers scholarships for aspiring and existing ECEC professionals looking to upskill via qualification attainment, with retention incentives available for those undertaking a qualification to become eligible to work in the sector.
Aspiring ECEC professionals are applicants who have never worked in the ECEC sector as a teacher or educator, including those who have started a Certificate III in ECEC traineeship within the eligible period, and those who hold a primary or secondary teaching qualification.
Existing ECEC professionals are applicants who have previously worked or are currently employed in the ECEC sector as an educator. Applicants who hold a Certificate III in ECEC, whether they have worked in the ECEC sector or not, will also be considered an Existing ECEC professional.
Applications for Round 1 of the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program closed at 10 am on Monday 2 March 2026.
Applicants can view and monitor the progress of their submitted application via their , accessed through Service NSW.
Round 2 of the 2026 ECEC Scholarships Program is expected to launch in late 2026.
Available scholarships
The following scholarships were available under Round 1 of the program (all amounts listed are before tax):
For applicants who are new to the ECEC Sector and have never worked as an educator or teacher (Aspiring ECEC Professionals):
- Up to $5,000 for a Certificate III in Early Childhood vlog and Care (CHC30121* or CHC30125) Scholarship
- Up to $35,000 for an Early Childhood Teaching (ECT) Bachelor’s degree Scholarship
- Up to $25,000 for an ECT Master’s degree Scholarship
For applicants who are new to the ECEC sector and hold a primary or secondary teaching qualification recognised in NSW (Aspiring ECEC Professionals):
- Up to $20,000 for an ECT Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma Scholarship
- Up to $25,000 for an ECT Master’s degree Scholarship
For applicants who have been or are currently employed within the ECEC sector as an educator or who hold a Certificate III in ECEC (Existing ECEC Professionals):
- Up to $6,000 for a Diploma in Early Childhood vlog and Care (CHC50121* or CHC50125) Scholarship
- Up to $20,000 for an ECT Bachelor’s degree Scholarship
Additional financial loadings are available for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander scholars or scholars who reside in regional, rural and remote (RRR) locations.
*Please liaise with your Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to understand completion timeframe conditions for superseded courses and/or options to transition to the new courses. Completion timeframes for superseded courses may be prior to the maximum allowable study completion timelines associated with this scholarship program.
Prioritisation
Applications for the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program will be prioritised.
Priority will be given to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants and applicants that reside in ECEC workforce priority areas across NSW. Prioritisation processes may mean that not all eligible applicants will receive a scholarship offer.
While the department will endeavour to assess all applications received, in case of high application numbers, the department may exercise its discretion and only assess applications submitted by priority cohorts.
Eligibility criteria
Applications will be assessed against the eligibility criteria outlined below.
To be eligible for the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program, applicants must:
- Be enrolled in an eligible ECEC vocational education and training (VET) qualification with a Smart and Skilled Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and intend to commence between 1 January 2026 and 30 April 2026, OR, be enrolled or intend to enrol in an eligible birth to 5 or birth to 8 ECT qualification, and intend to commence between 1 January 2026 and 31 July 2026
- complete studies within the specified maximum study period, studying full time during the first year of study, unless already employed in the NSW ECEC sector or as a primary or secondary teacher in a NSW school
- reside in NSW* and meet one of the below criteria:
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or
- be a permanent Australian resident, or
- be a humanitarian visa holder
- intend to work or continue working in a role that contributes to educator-to-child ratio requirements in one of the following NSW ECEC service types: community preschool, Department of vlog public preschool, mobile preschool, long day care or family day care
- not be in receipt, or have previously received, a NSW Department of vlog scholarship or an Australian Government scholarship for the qualification an applicant is enrolled in or intending to enrol in.
*An exemption from the NSW residency criteria may be provided on a case-by-case basis where an applicant resides in a defined interstate border area (see ), and has an intention to work or continue working in a NSW ECEC service (community preschool, Department of vlog public preschool, mobile preschool, long day care or family day care).
Eligible qualifications
The 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program supports scholars to complete a range of ECEC qualifications.
Applicants seeking a scholarship to undertake an ECEC VET qualification must be enrolled with a Smart and Skilled Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in one of the following eligible qualifications:
- Certificate III in Early Childhood vlog and Care (CHC30121* or CHC30125)
- Diploma of Early Childhood vlog and Care (CHC50121* or CHC50125)
A full list of eligible Smart and Skill RTO’s can be found here (PDF 157.9 KB). Any RTO that is not included on this list is an ineligible RTO under the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program.
Applicants seeking a scholarship to undertake a birth to 5 or birth to 8 ECT qualification must be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in a (ACECQA) recognised ECT qualification offered by specified higher education providers.
Any qualifications or providers not included on the list are ineligible qualifications or providers under the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program.
*Please liaise with your RTO to understand completion timeframe conditions for superseded courses and/or options to transition to the new courses. Completion timeframes for superseded courses may be prior to the maximum allowable study completion timelines associated with this scholarship program.
Scholarship payments and loadings
The 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program provides financial support to eligible aspiring and existing ECEC professionals as they progress in their studies and ECEC careers.
The total financial support provided to scholars will be determined based on the information provided as part of their application. In addition to the base scholarship award, some scholars may be eligible to receive a loading.
Base scholarship award values
Base scholarship awards will vary by scholar and consist of multiple payments distributed to scholars as they undertake and complete defined activities. Scholars will be required to provide supporting documentation to demonstrate their eligibility to receive each payment.
Base award payment breakdown
For scholars that are new to the ECEC Sector, who have never worked as an educator or teacher at the time of application (Aspiring ECEC Professionals):
| Qualifications | Base study support payment | Base completion and employment payment | Base retention payment 1 | Base retention payment 2 | Base scholarship award |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate III in ECEC | $1,500 | $1,500 | $2,000 | Not applicable | Up to $5,000 |
| ECT Bachelor | Up to $20,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Up to $35,000 |
| ECT Masters | Up to $10,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Up to $25,000 |
For scholars that are new to the ECEC Sector and already hold a primary or secondary teaching qualification recognised in NSW (Aspiring ECEC Professionals):
| Qualification | Base study support payment | Base completion and employment payment | Base retention payment 1 | Base retention payment 2 | Base scholarship award |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECT Graduate Certificate | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Up to $20,000 |
| ECT Graduate Diploma | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Up to $20,000 |
| ECT Masters | Up to $10,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Up to $25,000 |
For scholars that have been or are currently employed within the ECEC Sector at the time of application; or who hold a Certificate III in ECEC (Existing ECEC Professionals):
| Qualification | Base study support payment | Base completion and employment payment | Base retention payment 1 | Base retention payment 2 | Base scholarship award |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma of ECEC | Up to $3,000 | $3,000 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Up to $6,000 |
| ECT Bachelor | Up to $15,000 | $5,000 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Up to $20,000 |
All amounts listed are before tax and exclude loadings which scholars may be eligible to receive in addition to the base scholarship award value.
Payment types
Study Support Payments (Aspiring and Existing ECEC Professionals)
Annual study support instalment(s) will be made to scholars that demonstrate annual enrolment in study until either, the maximum applicable study support payment is claimed, the maximum time period of study has elapsed or a scholar has completed their qualification. Annual payment amounts vary based on the qualification being undertaken and study load.
Where the maximum study support payment cannot be claimed during study due to course length, a lumpsum payment of any outstanding study support funding will be provided to a scholar where they submit a Completion and Employment request that demonstrates course completion within the maximum time period.
Completion and Employment Payment (Aspiring and Existing ECEC Professionals)
A completion and employment payment will be issued to scholars who demonstrate
- successful qualification completion within the specified maximum study period, and
- employment in a role that contributes to educator-to-child ratio requirements in an approved NSW ECEC Service within three months of the date the qualification is officially awarded (conferral or graduation date).
Retention Payments (Aspiring ECEC Professionals only)
Where applicable, up to two payments will be made to scholars who have maintained continuous employment, in a role that contributes to educator-to-child ratio requirements in an approved NSW ECEC service/s, for two years and up to a total of four years (as applicable).
Retention payments can be claimed at any point throughout the scholarship term provided eligibility criteria for payment is met and payment/s are claimed by the date specific to their qualification.
Loadings
Eligible scholars will receive financial loadings if they:
- reside in ARIA+ (2021) Remoteness Classification of Inner Regional location (10% loading)
- reside in ARIA+ (2021) Remoteness Classifications of Outer Regional, Remote or Very Remote location (20% loading)
- are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent* (15% loading)
*Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander scholars who wish to receive an additional financial loading as part of their scholarship must undertake the department’s Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent process after award of their scholarship. Scholars who choose not to undertake this process will retain their scholarship but will be ineligible for loadings. For more information, please refer to the department’s Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Descent policy.
Use of funds
Scholars can decide how best to use the funds to support their studies. This may include, and is not limited to:
- Reducing the costs associated with study, for example course fees or expenses during practicum placements.
- Purchasing items to assist with study, for example technology or textbooks.
- Engaging a service to support study completion, for example tutoring or mentoring.
Repayment of funds
Scholars will be required to fulfil all obligations of the Deed of Agreement.
As a standard practice, the department will take action to recoup some or all funding issued where a scholar:
- withdraws from study
- does not successfully complete an eligible qualification in the maximum time period available
- is found to have provided misleading or false information in their application or payment request.
The department retains full discretion regarding recoupment decisions, particularly where scholars are under 18 years of the age.
Program schedule
Application and outcomes
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications opened | 10 am Monday 16 February 2026 |
| Applications closed | 10 am Monday 2 March 2026 |
| Applicants notified of outcomes | From mid-March 2026 |
| Date by which ECT scholars who are intending to enrol must submit enrolment evidence | 31 July 2026 |
In the event of significant changes to this timeline, the sector and/or applicants will be notified by the department.
Applications that are incomplete or contain illegible documentation will be considered ineligible.
Late application submissions will not be accepted. Scholars must submit their application through the online application form during the specified application period to be considered by the department. Applicants are encouraged to prepare to submit as changes cannot be made once submitted.
Maximum study periods
Scholars are required to complete their qualification within a specified period to avoid returning funds to the department and, to be considered for a remaining study support lump sum payment and a completion and employment payment.
Scholars also have a maximum time period to request their completion and employment and, retention payment/s (where applicable).
For scholars that are new to the ECEC Sector, who have never worked as an educator or teacher at the time of application (Aspiring ECEC Professionals):
| Qualification | Final date to complete qualification | Final date to request completion and employment payments | Final date to request retention payments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate III in ECEC | 31 March 2028 | 30 September 2028 | 30 September 2030 |
| ECT Bachelor | 31 July 2033 | 31 December 2033 | 31 December 2033 |
| ECT Masters | 31 July 2030 | 31 January 2031 | 31 December 2033 |
For scholars that are new to the ECEC Sector and already hold a primary or secondary teaching qualification recognised in NSW (Aspiring ECEC Professionals):
| Qualification | Final date to complete qualification | Final date to request completion and employment payments | Final date to request retention payments |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECT Graduate Certificate | 31 July 2028 | 31 January 2029 | 31 January 2033 |
| ECT Graduate Diploma | 31 July 2028 | 31 January 2029 | 31 January 2033 |
| ECT Masters | 31 July 2030 | 31 January 2031 | 31 December 2033 |
For scholars that have been or are currently employed within the ECEC Sector at the time of application; or who hold a Certificate III in ECEC (Existing ECEC Professionals):
| Qualification | Final date to complete qualification | Final date to request completion and employment payments | Final date to request retention payments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma of ECEC | 31 March 2030 | 30 September 2030 | Not applicable |
| ECT Bachelor | 31 July 2033 | 31 December 2033 | Not applicable |
Application requirements
Evidence of enrolment
As part of the application process, applicants are required to provide information about their qualification enrolment status.
ECEC Vocational vlog and Training (VET) Qualifications
To be eligible to apply for scholarships to undertake an ECEC VET qualification, applicants must be:
- enrolled in an eligible qualification with a Smart and Skilled RTO, and
- intending to commence study between 1 January 2026 and 30 April 2026.
As evidence of enrolment, applicants must submit a Confirmation of Enrolment or a Training Plan, including the following information:
- Applicant’s full name.
- Name of registered training organisation (RTO).
- Course name and/or course code.
Where possible, the enrolment evidence should also include:
- The date of issue.
- A date of enrolment.
Examples of acceptable evidence of enrolment in a VET qualification can be found here.
Please note, where evidence does not include the above dates, the department may refer to enrolment data reported by Smart and Skilled providers or seek further information directly from an applicant’s RTO.
Early Childhood Teaching (ECT) Qualifications:
To be eligible to apply for scholarships to undertake an Early Childhood Teaching qualification, applicants must be
- enrolled or intend to enrol in an eligible ECT qualification
- commencing between 1 January 2026 and 31 July 2026.
Evidence of enrolment must be in the form of a Statement of Enrolment, Confirmation of Enrolment or Transcript, and include the following information:
- Applicant’s full name.
- Name of higher education provider.
- Course name and/or course code.
- Enrolment period.
- Document date.
Examples of acceptable evidence of enrolment in an ECT qualification can be found here.
Applicants who are enrolled in an eligible course at the time of application, must submit confirmation of enrolment as part of their application.
Applicants who intend to enrol, must submit confirmation of their enrolment and commencement in an eligible course by 31 July 2026 for their scholarship offer to remain valid.
Please Note:
- Applicants who commenced their qualification prior to the dates outlined above are ineligible for the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program.
- The information on the evidence of enrolment documentation (e.g., name, higher education provider, etc) must match the details provided as part of the application process, including identity information gathered from Service NSW.
Visa Information (where applicable)
Where an applicant is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen, they will need to select information related to their visa type as part of their application. Visa types included for selection, align with 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program residency requirements. If a visa type is not available to select, it is not an eligible visa under the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program.
Child Safety Declaration
The department is unwavering in its commitment to the highest standards of child safety.
Applicants are required to formally declare that they are fit to receive the scholarship and confirm that they are not, and have not been, subject to any regulatory actions, exclusions or investigations, charged or convicted of child related offences, or matters related to breaches of child safety standards that would make them unsuitable to work in a child-related role.
Preparing to submit
As part of the application process, applicants will be directed to their MyServiceNSW account to log in and verify their identify.
Prior to commencing a scholarship application, applicants are encouraged to log in to their MyServiceNSW account and confirm that their profile information is up to date.
Applicants that do not have a MyServiceNSW account can and should if assistance is required.
If you are an Australian Citizen, please ensure that one of the identity documents you use for identity verification through Service NSW is either an Australian passport, Australian birth certificate, Australian citizenship certificate or equivalent.
We strongly suggest that applicants read these guidelines in their entirety before applying and encourage scholars to consider and note the following:
- Scholars remain responsible for all costs associated with their approved course.
- Scholarship amounts listed in the program guidelines are before tax and payments may affect taxes and other Australian or State Government benefits, including those from Centrelink.
- While the department supports a scholar’s journey, it does not guarantee employment within the early childhood sector.
- The NSW Teacher Accreditation Manual outlines the requirements, conditions and criteria for teacher accreditation in NSW and scholars remain responsible for meeting any applicable conditions.
- Information collected as part of the application process will be managed in accordance with the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program Privacy Notice.
Contact us
Please use the “Ask for help” link on the homepage of your or contact the department on 1800 619 113.
Interpreter services can be accessed via the Australian Government Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
Auslan translation can be accessed via .
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants wishing to speak with an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander scholarship team member can request this by phoning 1800 619 113.
Frequently asked questions
About the program
Who should I contact if I have questions about creating or logging in to my Service NSW account?
Visit the for or to
Can I study part time?
To be eligible for the scholarship you are required to study full time in your first year of study, unless you are already employed in the ECEC sector or employed as a primary/secondary teacher in NSW.
After your first year, you can choose to study part time regardless of your employment status. You’ll need to complete your qualification within the maximum study period specified to ensure you receive the maximum scholarship award value.
If you are studying part time, your study support payments will be adjusted accordingly. You must let us know if there are any changes to your study load, including switching between full-time and part-time study when you submit a payment request. Failure to notify the department of changes in your study arrangements could result in a request to repay scholarship funding and/or scholarship termination.
Do I need to be employed in the ECEC sector?
No, some scholarships are for new entrants aspiring to become ECEC professionals, while others are for people already working in the ECEC sector or that have worked in the ECEC sector previously.
What kind of work do I need to do to be eligible for this scholarship?
As an eligibility condition of the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program, you must intend to work or continue working in an eligible NSW ECEC service.
For scholars to be considered for their Completion and Employment payment and Retention payment/s (where applicable), they must be employed in a role that contributes to educator-to-child ratio requirements in an approved NSW ECEC service.
I am completing my ECEC VET qualification via a traineeship pathway. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, applicants completing a Certificate III in ECEC or Diploma of ECEC are eligible to complete their studies via a qualification or traineeship pathway, provided commencement occurs during the applicable period.
I am receiving a scholarship to undertake this qualification from my university, am I able to apply for the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program?
Yes. Only applicants that are currently receiving, or have previously received, a NSW Department of vlog scholarship, or an Australian Government scholarship, for the qualification being undertaken, are ineligible under the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program.
Application process
When can I apply?
Applications for Round 1 of the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program closed at 10am Monday 2 March 2026.
Applications for Round 2 of the 2026 ECEC Scholarship Program will launch in late 2026.
When will I know the outcome of my application?
Submitted applications will be checked for eligibility and completeness. You will be notified of your application outcome from mid-March 2026.
The department will communicate with applicants in the event of significant changes to this timeline.
How can I check the progress of my submitted application?
Applicants can view and monitor the progress of their submitted application via their , accessed through Service NSW.
Can I edit my application once submitted?
No, you can only submit one application, and it cannot be reopened once submitted.
Please check your information and responses before submitting your application.
Before commencing the application process, applicants must ensure the information they intend to provide as part of the application process is consistent.
Applicants will also need to verify their identify via Service NSW. More information on creating an account can be found on the Service NSW .
As a ECEC VET student, do I automatically receive a Smart and Skilled NSW Fee Free training place if I get a scholarship?
No, a scholarship does not guarantee a NSW Fee Free training place. Please visit for information and eligibility on NSW Fee Free training available.
Scholarship payments
What are the taxation implications of this scholarship?
Scholarship amounts listed in the program guidelines are before tax. Applicants and Scholars are encouraged to seek independent advice to understand how receiving a scholarship may affect their personal financial circumstances.
Further information can be found on the Australian Taxation Office’s
How can I use my scholarship funding?
Scholars can choose to spend their funding in the way that best supports their study journey.
Refer to the use of funds section in the program guidelines for more information.
What happens if I don’t claim all my annual study support payments before completing my qualification?
In some cases, those receiving an Early Childhood Teaching scholarship may complete their qualification before they have had the opportunity to claim all study payments, e.g., those in the Early Learning Diploma to Degree program will complete their study within two years, meaning they will only be able to claim 2 out of the 4 full-time study support payments.
In instances where the total possible study support payments can’t be claimed during study, remaining payments will be paid as a lumpsum once the qualification completion and employment payment has been requested and assessed.
Am I eligible for a retention payment?
If you were an aspiring ECEC professional at the time of application, i.e., you were not working or had never previously worked in the ECEC sector as a teacher or educator, you may be eligible to receive up to two retention payments.
Please note:
- Scholars determined to be existing ECEC professionals at the time of application are not eligible for retention payments.
- Aspiring ECEC professional scholars who completed a Certificate III in ECEC are only eligible for Retention Payment 1.
Change of circumstance
Can I change my education provider and retain my scholarship?
Requests to change education providers must be made and approved by the department in writing. The department has complete discretion whether to approve changes. Changes will be considered with reference to the program guidelines, and, where changes do not align, will not be approved. Failure to notify the department of changes in your study arrangements could result in a request to repay scholarship funding and/or scholarship termination.
Can I change my qualification and retain my scholarships?
Requests to change qualifications must be made and approved by the department in writing. The department has complete discretion whether to approve the change. Changes will be considered with reference to the program guidelines and, where changes do not align, will not be approved. Failure to notify the department of changes in your study arrangements could result in a request to repay scholarship funding and/or scholarship termination.
I failed a subject, what do I need to do?
Scholars are required to complete their qualifications within the relevant maximum study period. Provided this occurs, scholars can repeat failed subjects as required. Should a scholar not complete their qualification within the required time due to failure of subjects, repayment of some or all scholarship funding may be required.
Can I defer my studies once I’ve been awarded a scholarship?
Yes, scholars can defer units at their discretion provided they still complete their qualification within the maximum study period. Deferral of units will not extend the scholarship’s maximum study period.
What happens if I can’t finish my qualification?
If you withdraw from studies or do not complete your qualification within the maximum study period, you may be required to pay some or all of the scholarship funding issued to you.
Does the scholarship guarantee me a job?
No, the scholarship program does not guarantee employment within the ECEC sector. Scholars are encouraged to seek their own employment opportunities to meet completion, employment and retention payment eligibility criteria (if applicable).