Deadline: 21-Aug-2026
The Quality First Higher Education Scholarships provide financial support of $5,000 per year to eligible students studying early childhood education qualifications with approved training providers in the Northern Territory. The scholarship program, offered by the Northern Territory Government Department of Education and Training, aims to strengthen the early childhood education workforce by encouraging more students to complete professional qualifications.
About the Quality First Higher Education Scholarships Program
The scholarship initiative is part of a broader workforce development strategy led by the Department of Education and Training, Northern Territory Government.
The program focuses on:
- Strengthening the early childhood education workforce
- Encouraging students to pursue education careers
- Supporting completion of early childhood qualifications
- Addressing workforce shortages in the early learning sector
- Improving access to quality education services for children and families
Scholarship Benefits and Funding Amount
Successful applicants receive financial support to assist with their early childhood education studies.
Scholarship benefits include:
- Scholarship Value: $5,000 per year
- Eligible Study Levels: Certificate III, Diploma, and bachelor-level qualifications in early childhood education
- Bachelor Degree Support: Up to $5,000 annually for a maximum of four years, depending on course duration
- Number of Scholarships Available: 25 scholarships in the current round
The funding can help students manage education-related expenses while completing their qualifications.
Who Is Eligible for the Quality First Higher Education Scholarships?
Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements to apply.
Residency and Citizenship Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be residents of the Northern Territory
- Be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, or hold:
- Australian permanent resident status, or
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa
Study Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in an approved early childhood education qualification
- Study through a registered training organisation (RTO) or approved higher education provider in the Northern Territory
Eligible qualifications may include:
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
- Bachelor-level early childhood education qualifications
Who Cannot Apply?
Applicants are generally not eligible if they are already receiving another scholarship, bursary, stipend, or financial support specifically for their studies.
However, some types of government assistance and funding may be allowed.
Examples of permitted support may include:
- Australian Government Youth Allowance
- Abstudy
- Austudy
- One-off merit scholarships
- Access and equity grants
- Education subsidies that are not paid directly to the student
Applicants should review the official guidelines carefully to confirm whether their existing financial support affects eligibility.
Why Quality First Higher Education Scholarships Matter
Early childhood education plays an important role in children’s learning, development, and future success.
The scholarship program helps address workforce challenges by:
- Encouraging more people to enter early childhood education careers
- Supporting students financially during their studies
- Increasing the number of qualified educators
- Improving access to quality early learning services
- Building a stronger education workforce in the Northern Territory
By supporting future educators, the program contributes to better outcomes for children, families, and communities.
How to Apply for Quality First Higher Education Scholarships
Applicants should follow these steps to complete their application.
Step 1: Review the Application Guidelines
Read the scholarship guidelines carefully to understand:
- Eligibility requirements
- Required documents
- Application conditions
- Funding rules
- Selection criteria
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Applicants should collect supporting documents, including:
- Proof of Northern Territory residency
- Evidence of citizenship or visa status
- Proof of enrolment in an eligible course
- Details of the registered training provider
- Information about any other scholarships, bursaries, or financial assistance received
Step 3: Submit Application Through GrantsNT Portal
Applications must be submitted online through the GrantsNT portal before the stated deadline.
Applicants should ensure all information is accurate and all required documents are attached before submission.
Step 4: Application Assessment
Submitted applications are reviewed against eligibility requirements and program criteria.
Successful applicants are notified after the assessment process is completed.
Tips for a Strong Scholarship Application
Applicants can improve their chances by:
- Applying before the deadline
- Providing complete and accurate information
- Checking eligibility requirements carefully
- Preparing supporting documents early
- Clearly explaining their commitment to early childhood education
- Ensuring enrolment details are correct
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Missing required documents
- Providing incorrect residency information
- Failing to disclose other funding support
- Applying without confirming course eligibility
- Waiting until the last day to submit an application
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the value of the Quality First Higher Education Scholarship?
The scholarship provides $5,000 per year to eligible students studying early childhood education qualifications.
Who provides the Quality First Higher Education Scholarships?
The scholarships are provided through the Department of Education and Training, Northern Territory Government.
What courses are eligible for the scholarship?
Eligible courses include Certificate III, Diploma, and bachelor-level qualifications in early childhood education with approved Northern Territory training providers.
How many scholarships are available?
A total of 25 scholarships are available in the current scholarship round.
Can bachelor students receive funding for multiple years?
Yes. Bachelor-level students may receive $5,000 per year for up to four years, depending on their course duration and eligibility.
Can I apply if I already receive another scholarship?
Generally, applicants receiving another scholarship, bursary, stipend, or study funding may not be eligible. Some exceptions apply, including certain government payments and grants.
How do I submit my application?
Applications must be submitted online through the GrantsNT portal after preparing all required documentation.
Conclusion
The Quality First Higher Education Scholarships provide valuable financial support for students pursuing early childhood education qualifications in the Northern Territory. By offering up to $5,000 per year, the program helps future educators complete their studies while supporting the growth of a skilled and sustainable early childhood education workforce.
Eligible students who are passionate about working in early learning are encouraged to review the requirements, prepare their documents, and submit their applications through the GrantsNT portal before the deadline.
For more information, visit Northern Territory Government.