The search for the next generation of Catholic educators has begun, with Sydney Catholic Schools opening applications for its 2026 Teacher Scholarship Programs.
Eligible Year 12 students can now apply for one of two pathways into a rewarding career in Catholic education, with up to $22,000 in financial support, dedicated mentoring, and hands-on classroom experience while they study.
Hanna Saliba knows first-hand what a difference it can make. Now in his second year of a Bachelor of Education at ACU Strathfield, the Aquinas Catholic College Menai graduate is studying to become a Secondary teacher.
He says the Future Teacher Scholarship has shaped his university experience in ways he didn’t anticipate.
“I’ve made heaps of friends from it. A lot of the friends I hang out with at uni are the ones I met from the scholarship,” he says.
“That support and connections has even taken me back to Aquinas Menai where I now work as a Learning Support Officer.
Hanna says the placement and the pathway support provided by the scholarship has given him the hands-on experience needed to propel his career.
“As much as we’re in schools to teach kids what’s in the curriculum, we also have to develop them as a whole person, to prepare them for the real world. Whether that’s trying their best or respecting others, having that faith behind you brings a lot of purpose into it.”
Jo Thompson, Teacher Development and Pathways Specialist at SCS, says the scholarship is designed to develop educators who are equipped not just professionally, but personally.
“The financial support alleviates pressures for our candidates, so they can focus on learning during this critical period. But it’s the mentoring and structured guidance that truly make the difference. We’re not just offering a scholarship, we’re offering a community.
“Finding work as a teacher can be a daunting prospect for students. Our scholars know they have the support of the Teacher Pathways team to develop and showcase their skills and talents through quality applications and successful placements,” she says.
For students considering whether to apply, Hanna’s advice is characteristically direct.
“Definitely do it. It’s given me so many more opportunities. I actually don’t know how I would have done without it, even just the financial assistance is one of the many support systems that has helped me reduce stress and focus on my studies . And knowing that once I do graduate I’ll have guaranteed employment in the SCS system gives you that job security as well.”
SCS recognises and values the importance of cultural diversity and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, with five scholarships specifically targeted to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants.
Apply now
Two scholarships are available to eligible Year 12 students, the Future Teacher Scholarship (up to 40 places, any NSW university) and the Catholic Education Foundation Teaching Scholarship (10 places, ACU Strathfield or Notre Dame Sydney). Both close at 5:00pm on Sunday 21 June 2026.
