Round 2 · Applications open
2026 Early Childhood Education and Care Scholarship Program — Round 2
Start your career or take the next step with financial support for an eligible early childhood qualification at Charter Australia.
NSW Government scholarships · Eligibility and conditions apply
Application times are NSW local time.
Your next chapter starts here
Explore scholarship support for these early childhood courses at Charter Australia.
RTO 41038 · Eligible Smart and Skilled provider
Start your early childhood career
CHC30125
Base scholarship of up to
$5,000
For aspiring educators who are new to the sector and do not already hold an ECEC VET or early childhood teaching qualification. Eligible Certificate III trainees are also included.
Build on your experience
CHC50125
Base scholarship of up to
$6,000
For existing ECEC professionals who have worked or currently work as educators, or hold a Certificate III in ECEC, and do not already hold an early childhood teaching qualification.
*Scholarships are paid to successful applicants in stages as conditions are met; they are not an upfront fee discount. Additional loadings may apply for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander scholars and eligible regional, rural or remote residents. Applicants remain responsible for study costs.
Before you apply
Use these criteria as a starting point for the Certificate III and Diploma scholarships.
Meeting the criteria does not guarantee a scholarship. The NSW Department of Education assesses applications and may prioritise eligible applicants. All eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be offered a scholarship.
A NSW residency exemption may be considered for applicants in defined interstate border areas who intend to work in an eligible NSW ECEC service. See the full guidelines.
From enquiry to application
Discuss your course, entry requirements, study options and eligible commencement dates with our team.
You must be enrolled before applying for a VET scholarship. Prepare a Confirmation of Enrolment or Training Plan showing your full name, RTO and course name or code.
Read the guidelines and submit through the Scholarship Management System using MyServiceNSW before 10 am on 14 December 2026. Check your evidence carefully before submitting.
A few helpful answers
No. The scholarship is financial support awarded to an individual by the NSW Department of Education. Course fees and eligibility for Smart and Skilled subsidies are assessed separately. Ask Charter about the fees that apply to you.
For these Certificate III and Diploma scholarships, you must already be enrolled and provide acceptable enrolment evidence when you apply. The “intend to enrol” pathway applies to early childhood teaching qualifications, not these VET courses.
Payments depend on study progress, completion and eligible employment. For the completion and employment payment, you must complete within the maximum study period and be employed in an eligible ratio-counted NSW ECEC role within three months of your qualification award date. Certificate III retention support requires two years of continuous eligible employment. Payment request deadlines and other agreement conditions also apply.
The program provides loadings of 10% for eligible Inner Regional residents, 20% for Outer Regional, Remote or Very Remote residents, and 15% for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander scholars. The latter requires the department’s confirmation of descent process after award. See the guidelines for evidence and classification rules.
No. This enquiry goes to Charter Australia about studying with us. You must submit your scholarship application separately to the NSW Department of Education. Charter does not award scholarships or guarantee approval or employment.
