Deadline: 21-Aug-2026
The Quality First Early Years Scholarship provides $5,000 financial support to eligible Northern Territory residents studying Certificate III, Diploma, or Bachelor-level early childhood education qualifications through approved training providers. The scholarship program, delivered by the Department of Education and Training Northern Territory, aims to strengthen the early childhood education workforce by supporting future educators in completing their studies.
About the Quality First Early Years Scholarship Program
The scholarship is part of a broader workforce development initiative led by the Department of Education and Training Northern Territory.
The program focuses on strengthening the early childhood education sector by:
- Encouraging more Northern Territory residents to pursue education careers
- Supporting students completing recognised early childhood qualifications
- Addressing workforce shortages in early learning services
- Developing a skilled and qualified educator workforce
- Improving access to quality early childhood education
Scholarship Benefits and Funding Amount
The Quality First Early Years Scholarship provides financial assistance based on the level of study being undertaken.
Scholarship funding includes:
- Certificate III and Diploma Qualifications: $5,000 scholarship support
- Bachelor-Level Qualifications: $5,000 per year for up to four years, depending on course duration
- Number of Scholarships Available: 25 scholarships offered annually
The funding helps students manage education-related costs while completing their early childhood education studies.
Eligible Qualifications
The scholarship supports students enrolled in approved early childhood education programs.
Eligible study options include:
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Diploma-level early childhood education qualifications
- Bachelor-level early childhood education qualifications
Courses must be delivered through approved training providers or registered training organisations located in the Northern Territory.
Who Is Eligible for the Quality First Early Years Scholarship?
Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements to qualify.
Residency Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be residents of the Northern Territory
- Be studying through an approved Northern Territory education or training provider
Citizenship and Visa Requirements
Applicants must be:
- Australian citizens, or
- New Zealand citizens, or
- Holders of an Australian permanent resident visa, or
- Holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa
Study Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in an eligible early childhood education qualification
- Study through a registered training organisation (RTO) or approved provider in the Northern Territory
Who Is Not Eligible?
Individuals may not be eligible if they are already receiving another scholarship, bursary, stipend, or financial support specifically for their studies.
Applicants must disclose any existing study-related funding when applying.
Some forms of financial assistance may have exceptions depending on program guidelines.
Examples of support that may be considered separately include:
- Australian Government Youth Allowance
- Abstudy
- Austudy
- One-off merit scholarships
- Access and equity grants
- Certain education subsidies not paid directly to the student
Applicants should check the official scholarship guidelines before applying.
Why the Quality First Early Years Scholarship Matters
Early childhood educators play an important role in supporting children’s learning, development, and wellbeing.
The scholarship program helps build a stronger early childhood education workforce by:
- Reducing financial barriers for students
- Encouraging more people to enter the education sector
- Supporting professional development of educators
- Increasing the availability of qualified early childhood professionals
- Improving early learning services across the Northern Territory
By investing in future educators, the program contributes to stronger communities and better outcomes for children.
How to Apply for the Quality First Early Years Scholarship
Applicants can apply through the official online application process.
Step 1: Review Scholarship Guidelines
Before applying, candidates should carefully read the scholarship guidelines to understand:
- Eligibility criteria
- Required documents
- Application requirements
- Funding conditions
- Assessment process
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Applicants need to provide supporting evidence, including:
- Proof of Northern Territory residency
- Evidence of Australian or New Zealand citizenship or visa status
- Proof of enrolment in an eligible early childhood education course
- Details of the approved training provider
- Information about any other financial support received for study
Step 3: Submit Application Through GrantsNT Portal
Applications must be completed and submitted online through the GrantsNT portal before the application deadline.
Applicants should ensure:
- All information is accurate
- All required documents are attached
- Other funding sources are correctly disclosed
Step 4: Application Assessment
Applications are reviewed based on eligibility requirements and scholarship criteria.
Successful applicants receive notification after the assessment process is completed.
Tips for a Successful Application
Applicants can strengthen their application by:
- Applying early before the deadline
- Preparing documents in advance
- Checking eligibility carefully
- Providing accurate enrolment information
- Clearly explaining their commitment to early childhood education
- Reviewing all application details before submission
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid these common errors:
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Forgetting required supporting documents
- Providing incorrect residency details
- Not disclosing other scholarships or funding
- Applying for an ineligible course
- Missing the application deadline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Quality First Early Years Scholarship?
The Quality First Early Years Scholarship is a financial support program that provides $5,000 to eligible Northern Territory students studying early childhood education qualifications.
Who provides the scholarship?
The scholarship is provided through the Department of Education and Training Northern Territory.
How much funding can students receive?
Eligible students receive $5,000 for Certificate III and Diploma-level qualifications. Bachelor-level students may receive $5,000 annually for up to four years.
How many scholarships are available each year?
A total of 25 scholarships are offered annually under the program.
What qualifications are supported?
The scholarship supports Certificate III, Diploma, and Bachelor-level early childhood education qualifications through approved Northern Territory training providers.
Can I apply if I receive another scholarship?
Generally, students receiving another scholarship, bursary, stipend, or study funding may not be eligible. Some exceptions may apply depending on the type of financial support received.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the GrantsNT portal after preparing all required documentation.
Conclusion
The Quality First Early Years Scholarship provides valuable financial assistance for Northern Territory residents pursuing early childhood education qualifications. By offering up to $5,000 per year for eligible students, the program supports future educators and helps strengthen the early childhood education workforce.
Students interested in building a career in early learning should review the eligibility requirements, prepare their documents, and submit their application through the GrantsNT portal to take advantage of this opportunity.
For more information, visit Northern Territory Government.