Scholarships to encourage new teachers to move to country South Australia have been awarded to 38 university students in a new program to boost country schools and preschools.

The program is among a range of innovative ideas detailed in the Department for Education’s Country Education Strategy which was launched in 2021.

The 38 recipients, all studying teaching at Flinders University, Tabor, The University of Adelaide and UniSA, will do their placement in schools and preschools across regional South Australia in terms 2 and 3 this year.

They were selected from more than 120 applicants and will experience the benefits of teaching in the country firsthand while being provided with financial support, including for accommodation and living expenses during their placement, along with travel to and from their placement site.

“Schools, preschools and children’s centres in country South Australia are calling out for more staff and I know they will welcome the scholarship recipients wholeheartedly,” said Professor Martin Westwell, Department for Education Chief Executive.

“The scholarship means they can really experience country living and become immersed in the local community. I’ve been able to meet and speak with many of the people who will be working in our regions, and it was great to hear their excitement for the opportunity.”

“Through these scholarships, we will support these university students to build their network within the profession, while connecting to our workforce who contribute so much to public education in country South Australia.”

The Country Education Strategy is focused on supporting the recruitment and retention of teachers to regional, rural and remote South Australia. Other programs are aimed at teacher development and employment.

The scholarship program aims to encourage early career teachers to explore opportunities to work in the country, where they can also gain high-quality professional development and create a connection with schools and preschools.

The country placement scholarship program will be offered to university students again this year, for placement in 2024. Applications are now open and will close on 31 August 2023.

Learn more at Country professional experience scholarships.