Learners currently studying the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care may be eligible for additional government support to help ease the financial demands of completing their qualification.
Recognising the commitment required to balance study, work and everyday life, the Victorian Government offers targeted scholarships for eligible learners who are already enrolled, aimed at strengthening and supporting the early childhood workforce.
One of these initiatives is the Early Childhood Scholarships Program, which provides financial support for eligible Diploma of Early Childhood Education learners. The scholarship is funded by the Victorian Department of Education (DET) and supports those who are already undertaking their studies.
What financial support is available for Diploma of Early Childhood Education learners?
Eligible students may receive up to $7,000 in scholarship funding, paid in instalments across study and employment milestones, rather than as a single upfront payment.
This helps to support learners over time as they progress through their qualification and into the workforce.
The scholarship funding can be used at the learner’s discretion to help cover costs associated with study and work, including:
- Course-related expenses
- Learning materials or IT equipment
- Placement or employment-related costs
- Living or accommodation expenses during study
Who is eligible to apply for the Early Childhood Education Diploma scholarship?
To be eligible, learners must already be enrolled in the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
To summarise, the eligibility criteria means an applicant must:
- Be enrolled in an approved Diploma of ECEC course
- Be studying with a Skills First training provider
- Have completed less than 50% of their course at the time of application
- Live in Victoria (or an approved cross-border area)
- Meet residency and visa requirements
- Not be receiving another Department-funded scholarship for the same course (excluding Free TAFE)
Full eligibility requirements are outlined in the official program guidelines, which you can find here.
How scholarship payments are structured
The scholarship payments have been structured in a way that aims to maximise the support and benefit over time for learners who receive it. With this in mind, funding is spaced out and linked to key milestones, including:
- Commencement of study
- Completion of the Diploma
- Commencement of employment in an approved early childhood role
- Completion of one year of eligible employment
Each payment is made once evidence is provided and milestones are met, as outlined in the recipient agreement issued by the Department of Education.
How to apply for the Early Childhood Scholarships Program
Applications are managed on behalf of the Department by BUSY At Work, the program administrator.
Learners must submit an application directly through the official scholarship portal and provide evidence of their enrolment and eligibility.
It’s important to note that receiving the scholarship does not guarantee employment. However, the program includes access to optional support and check-ins to assist recipients as they transition from study into the early childhood workforce.
Where to find official scholarship information and guidelines
The most up-to-date information, including full eligibility criteria, payment structures and conditions, is available in the Early Childhood Scholarships Program Guidelines published by the Victorian Government.
Learners are encouraged to review the guidelines carefully and seek independent advice if they have questions about taxation or personal financial circumstances.
