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The department is committed to growing a qualified workforce of educators and teachers in our schools and early years services. If a career in education is your goal, or if you’re interested in advancing your qualification, there are several funding and support programs available to help you achieve this.
Find out more about the support offered by the department, Office for Early Childhood Development, as well as other state and federal government opportunities.
Funding and support programs available
These programs are designed to support you throughout your journey in early childhood education, whether you're just starting or looking to advance your career.
For more information regarding eligibility criteria, program guidelines, and application processes, please visit the link relating to the program you are interested in below, or contact People and Culture.
Students in regional and remote areas
Grow Your Own Allowance
The Grow Your Own (GYO) allowance is funded by Office for Early Childhood Development and aims to support students in regional and remote areas who face additional barriers to accessing higher education. This program provides up to $10,000 over the course of your studies to help you pursue your education and build your career locally.
Eligibility: Students must be recipients of financial support through the QualifySA in Early Childhood Funding Support Program and must reside in and intend to work within a local regional or remote community.
Commitment: Upon approval, successful candidates sign a legally binding funding agreement outlining their rights and responsibilities.
Visit guidelines for financial support - teachers to find out more.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Amy Levai Aboriginal Teaching Scholarships
The secondary scholarship is funded by the department and provides $5000 for Aboriginal senior secondary students (years 11 and 12) in SA government schools who plan to enrol in an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) program after completing school.
The pre-service scholarship offers up to $20,000 to support Aboriginal students enrolled in pre-service teacher education programs.
Secondary eligibility: Aboriginal senior secondary students in SA government schools intending to enrol in an ITE program.
Pre-service eligibility: Aboriginal residents of SA enrolled in an approved ITE program.
Commitment: Enter into a contractual agreement with the department.
See Amy Levai Aboriginal Teaching Scholarships to find out more.
Aboriginal Pathways Funding Support Program
This program is funded by Office for Early Childhood Development and offers significant funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students pursuing early childhood qualifications.
Teacher Pathways: Up to $34,000 for bachelor’s or $24,000 for master’s qualifications.
Educator Pathways: Up to $9000 for diploma qualifications.
Commitment: A minimum of two years of employment in early childhood education post-graduation.
Visit Guidelines for Financial Support - Aboriginal pathways to find out more.
Students completing a higher education or vocational qualification
Traineeship Program for Educators and School Support Roles
This program is funded by the department and offers paid employment while completing a Certificate III or Diploma in early childhood or school support roles.
Eligibility: Available to South Australian residents aged 17 and older.
Commitment: Employment in early childhood or school support roles upon completion.
See traineeship and graduate opportunities to find out more.
Work While You Study
This program is funded by the department and offers paid employment while you study for your qualifications in teaching, early childhood education or school support roles, allowing you to gain practical experience while earning an income.
Eligibility: Available to South Australian residents enrolled in ACECQA-approved courses for early childhood or school support qualifications.
Commitment: Continue employment in the relevant sector post-graduation.
See work opportunities for students studying teaching or education support (pre-service teachers) to find out more.
QualifySA Educator Support Program
This program is funded by Office for Early Childhood Development and offers up to $7000 in funding for those completing a diploma in early childhood education, with milestone payments throughout the program.
Eligibility: South Australian residents enrolled in an ACECQA-approved diploma with TAFE SA or an Aboriginal community controlled registered training organisation.
Commitment: Work in South Australia's early childhood sector for at least two years after graduation.
Visit guidelines for financial support - educators to find out more.
QualifySA Teacher Support Program
This program is funded by Office for Early Childhood Development and offers up to $25,000 in funding for bachelor’s qualifications. Funding is also available for graduate diploma and master’s degree qualifications.
Eligibility: South Australian residents enrolled in ACECQA-approved teacher education programs.
Commitment: Work in the SA early childhood sector for at least two years post-graduation.
Visit guidelines for financial support -teachers to find out more.
Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships
This program offers funding of up to $40,000 for bachelor’s qualifications and $20,000 for master’s qualifications.
Eligibility: Full-time students in approved teacher education programs.
Commitment: Teach in a government preschool or school for a specified number of years post-graduation.
Visit Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships - Department of Education to find out more.
Fee Free TAFE Courses
This joint initiative between the Commonwealth and South Australian governments offers subsidised places across South Australia to support qualifications that can help build your career in schools and preschools.
Visit Fee Free TAFE Courses to find out more.
Department employees in non-teaching roles
We offer a limited number of fully funded nationally accredited qualifications to our eligible employees in non-teaching roles.
Visit the professional learning for central and support staff EDi page (staff login required) to find out more.
