Year 12 Education Scholarships

Applications Opening 16 June 2025!

Closing date 12 September 2025 

Catholic Education Cairns is delighted to offer full scholarships to cover HECS fees for up to four years, for graduating Year 12 students from Catholic colleges within the Diocese of Cairns.

The scholarships are intended for students applying to complete a full-time, four-year Bachelor of Education degree at James Cook University Nguma-bada Campus or Bebegu Yumba (JCU) or Central Queensland University (CQU) or for other universities in Queensland where the BEd specialisation is not offered at JCU or CQU.  First Nations students are strongly encouraged to apply. 

financial support

Financial Support

Scholarship covers full course fees, charged by the eligible University prior to the census date in each semester of study

employment

Employment

After graduating, employment within a Catholic School in the Diocese of Cairns is guaranteed for 2 years.

support

Support

Optional opportunities for paid part-time work as a school officer in a Catholic School in the Diocese of Cairns.

Access to experienced educators and key personnel through an on-boarding program and support as you complete the course.

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Eligibility

Intend to enrol full time in a Bachelor of Education degree (ECE, Primary or Secondary) at either JCU or CQU (or other specialist BEd at another university in Queensland) in the year after graduation.  Applicants that have deferred study (e.g gap year) may also apply.

Be an Australian Citizen or permanent resident eligible for a Commonwealth supported place.

Will complete Year 12 at a college in the Diocese of Cairns in the year of your application or in the year prior to your application (if you have taken a gap year).

Obtain an ATAR result of 75 or higher.

Expect to gain admission to the Bachelor of Education degree program on the basis of the predicted senior results/ATAR results.

How To Apply

Applicants must submit with the Scholarship Application Form

  • A 3-5 minute video: Introduce yourself, describe why you are interested in teaching and particularly why you are interested in Catholic Education. Also, include how you have contributed to your college and/or broader community during your secondary school years.
  • Two written references supporting your application that attest to your character and suitability to receive the scholarship. One of the referees must be your college Principal, please include contact details for both referees.
  • Your resume and any other supporting documentation that would assist the Selection Committee in developing an opinion as to the merit of the application.
  • A copy of your Year 11 reports and Year 12 reports.
  • Your predicted ATAR from your school (successful applicants will need to provide a copy of of their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and ATAR certificate once received).  Students who have taken a gap year must provide their QCE and ATAR certificates.
  • A certified copy of your birth certificate, passport or permanent visa 

 Applications open on Monday 16 June and close on Friday 12 September. 

Applications must be submitted on the official application form no later than the date set by the Selection Committee for the year in which the award is to be made. 

Applications submitted without the relevant documentation will not be considered. The applicant authorises the Selection Committee to contact referees.  

Applicants are to use the 'Application Form' & Referee templates listed below (under supporting documents).

Applications and any questions can be emailed directly to graduateteachers@cns.catholic.edu.au  

Selection Process

Conditions*

As a Scholarship recipient, you must:

  • remain enrolled in the course identified at the time of application.
  • achieve a minimum GPA of 4.
  • complete all requirements of the course, including professional experience placements.
  • seek to attend Catholic Education Services events and briefings as requested.

*All details are outlined in the Terms and Conditions Booklet of the Scholarship.

Supporting Documents (to use with application):

Year 12 Education Scholarships Flyer 
Year 12 Education Scholarships Application Form 
Year 12 Education Scholarships Referee Template