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First Nations Teacher Education Scholarship

 

 

Supporting First Nations educators to become teachers

Quality education empowers children and young people through positive relationships in safe, supportive and welcoming learning environments where cultural, social and linguistic diversity is valued, celebrated and embedded in learning.

 

Children and young people across the Northern Territory begin their education with rich knowledge systems, strong cultural identities and unique ways of learning that have been shaped by their families and communities. Our education system recognises these strengths and is committed to ensuring every learner has the opportunity to succeed.

 

Teachers have the greatest in-school influence on student learning outcomes. Aboriginal educators play a vital role in strengthening engagement, providing cultural continuity and creating learning experiences that are meaningful, relevant and culturally responsive for Aboriginal students. Their ongoing commitment to their communities helps foster positive educational outcomes and supports students to thrive.

Building the First Nation teacher workforce

The Northern Territory Department of Education and Training is committed to growing a strong Aboriginal teaching workforce as part of the Education Engagement Strategy 2022–2031.

 

Through the Remote Aboriginal Teacher Education (RATE) program, Aboriginal educators are supported at every stage of their professional journey—from school-based pathways through to becoming qualified teachers.

 

RATE brings together a targeted suite of professional learning and education opportunities, including non-accredited training, Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications and tertiary study. The program builds the capability of existing Aboriginal educators working in remote and very remote schools while creating clear pathways for those who aspire to become qualified teachers.

RATE initiatives

RATE currently supports a range of initiatives, including:

  • School-Based Traineeships – education support pathways for Year 10–12 students in remote Aboriginal schools.
  • VET Qualifications – support to complete Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma qualifications, with guidance on further study options.
  • Initial Teacher Education – pathways into Undergraduate Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor qualifications, along with advice on continuing tertiary study.
  • Professional Learning Grants – funding and coordination to help Aboriginal educators access accredited vocational training and professional development.
  • Mentoring Training – professional development for experienced assistant teachers to strengthen mentoring and leadership skills while supporting emerging educators.

First Nations Teacher Education Scholarship

To further support Aboriginal Territorians on their journey to becoming teachers, 10 new scholarships valued at $5,000 each are available for students commencing or continuing Initial Teacher Education studies in Semester 2, 2026 at Charles Darwin University.

The scholarships are open to Aboriginal Territorians who:

  • aspire to become a teacher; or
  • are completing their first undergraduate or postgraduate Initial Teacher Education qualification.

Applications are now open through the Charles Darwin University Scholarships webpage and close on Friday, 7 August 2026.

Find out more here > Charles Darwin University - Scholarships.  

Find out more

For more information about the Remote Aboriginal Teacher Education (RATE) program or to discuss the support available, please contact the RATE team at assistant-teach.det@education.nt.gov.au.