Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be enrolled in a course to apply for a scholarship?
You do not have to be enrolled upon application; however, you must be willing to enrol in an eligible course, and:

  • Be intending and able to complete study in a Skills Tasmania endorsed, accredited and National Quality Framework (NQF) approved course in Early Childhood Education.
  • To find out if your qualification is NQF approved got to: https://www.acecqa.gov.au/qualifications/nqf-approved

Note: No funding will be released until formal enrolment confirmation (letter of offer, confirmation of enrolment or invoice for payment) is provided.

What is an accredited course?
An accredited early childhood course is a formal qualification that meets the standards set by national law and regulation. These courses are designed to provide educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to work in approved early childhood and school age care services. The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) approves qualifications under the NQF. Accredited courses include:

  • Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
  • Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
  • Early Childhood Teacher Degree – master’s or bachelor’s Degree

Note: For the Degree level scholarship, you must hold a Certificate III, Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent qualification and/or be currently working in the sector. To find out more about accredited courses visit ACECQA’s website.

If I am successful, am I required to study full-time?
Scholarship recipients may choose to study their course full time or part time. However, payment milestones may need to be adjusted accordingly, and changes reflected in the Individual Scholarship Plan. Eligibility to study part time will be determined by the program administrator and may depend on individual circumstances, course requirements and program term.
What is a Scholarship Agreement?

A Scholarship Agreement is a formal, legally binding contract. It outlines the terms and conditions of the scholarship, ensuring that both parties understand their responsibilities and commitments. 

Will I pay tax on the scholarship funding I receive?
The scholarship funding may be considered taxable income, depending on your individual circumstances. Factors such as your enrolment status, employment arrangements, and how the funds are used can influence whether the payments are taxable. The Workforce Development Program is unable to provide taxation advice. It is your responsibility to consider your personal tax situation and seek independent advice from a qualified tax professional or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Will the scholarship affect my Centrelink payments?
If you receive Centrelink payments, it is strongly recommended that you contact Centrelink directly to understand how receiving a scholarship may impact your entitlements. Scholarship payments may be assessed as income or affect Centrelink eligibility depending on your individual circumstances.
Can I change jobs during the employment period?

You may work at more than one approved Tasmanian early childhood education and school age care service during your employment period without impacting on your eligibility for milestone employment payments, if each service meets the Program’s criteria for approved services. 

If you are undertaking a traineeship and choose to move to a different service during that time, any costs associated with entering a new traineeship contract will not be covered by the Program. 

When will I receive the scholarship payment?
If your application is successful, you will be required to enter into a Scholarship Agreement and complete an Individual Scholarship Plan. The agreement outlines the conditions under which scholarship payments will be made. The Scholarship Plan is a tailored plan developed to ensure the funding and wrap around supports provided met your needs and align with your study arrangements. Scholarship funding is paid in instalments, based on the successful completion of key milestones: Milestone 1: Proof of intention to or confirmed enrolment in your course. Milestone 2: Completion of a specified number of units, determined by your course type. Milestone 3: Proof of successful course completion and attainment of qualification within the required timeframe. Milestone 4: Proof of completing a specified period of employment in the Tasmanian early childhood education and school age care sector, as outlined in the Guidelines.

Important Notes:

Employment must meet the criteria specified in the Guidelines to qualify for the employment milestone payment.

How will I receive the scholarship payments?

Scholarship payments will be made in instalments and deposited directly into your nominated bank account upon successful completion of each milestone. 

Note: Training gap fees, where applicable, will be provided to the employer or paid directly to the RTO. They will not be provided to the individual scholarship recipient.  

What is a Training Gap Fee?

The training gap fee is the remaining cost once any eligible government subsidies or funding have been applied to a VET qualification. 

What happens if I withdraw from my course?

If you withdraw from your course your scholarship support will be terminated. 

You must notify the Scholarship Program, in writing, immediately if you withdraw from your course.  In some cases, you may be required to repay or return goods received before milestone 2. 

What happens if I am assessed as not yet competent?

If you are deemed Not Yet Competent in any part of your course, you must notify the Program in writing immediately. This allows the Scholarship Program to review your situation and determine whether additional support can be provided to help you. 

Am I eligible for incentives for working in a rural or isolated location?

Scholarship recipients who gain employment and intend to work in a rural or isolated area may be eligible for a relocation incentive of $2,500. Additional retention payments of $2,500 annually for a period of 4-6 years may also be available. This incentive applies if your place of employment is in an area identified by the Program as needing additional support to attract and retain high-quality early childhood educators. These areas include:

  • Flinders Island
  • King Island
  • The West Coast of Tasmania

Eligibility is determined based on the location of your employment and its alignment with the Program’s priority areas for workforce development.

Will retention payments be guaranteed if I am successful in receiving a scholarship?

Retention payments are subject to eligibility criteria, and the availability of funds. Payments will only be made until the allocated funding is fully expended and/or the project concludes, whichever occurs first. 

Can I change training provider during the scholarship?

You may change training provider during your course; however, any costs associated with enrolling with a new training provider will not be covered by the Program. 

Can I defer my course?

Deferral requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are seeking to defer your course, you will need to discuss your circumstances directly with the Program. They will assess your situation and advise whether a deferral will impact your scholarship eligibility. 

How much will I receive?

The total amount you will receive depends on the specific scholarship stream and your individual training pathway. Full details will be provided by the Program once your eligibility and enrolment are confirmed. 

Can I reapply if I’m not successful in the first round?
Yes. applicants who are not successful in the first round are welcome to reapply in future rounds, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
How will the scholarship be paid?
Scholarship payments are made in two ways:

  • Gap fees are paid directly to the employer or relevant Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to support your course costs.
  • Financial incentives are paid directly into the recipient’s nominated bank account.
What is active participation in training?

Active participation means you are meaningfully and consistently engaging in your course. This includes:

  • Attending scheduled classes or workshops
  • Completing assessments and required coursework
  • Maintaining communication with your RTO
  • Demonstrating progress toward completion

The Program may check participation to ensure you remain eligible for scholarship payments.

What wrap around supports are included?

Scholarship recipients receive a suite of wrap‑around supports to strengthen their learning and professional growth, including:

  • Mentorship from experienced professionals offering sector insights, guidance, and encouragement to build confidence and professional identity.
  • Personalised coaching to support goal setting, academic progress, and emotional resilience throughout the study journey.
  • Networking opportunities with peers and sector professionals to foster collaboration, shared learning, and lasting professional connections.
  • Targeted professional development aligned with sector needs to build practical skills, deepen knowledge, and prepare recipients for success in their roles.

Wrap-around supports will be flexible and tailored to individuals, to support their success.  

Who do I contact for help or questions?

If you need assistance, have questions about your application, or require support during your training, please contact the Development Program team directly. They can provide guidance on eligibility, payments, enrolment, and any changes to your circumstances.

You can reach the team via the Program’s email – workforceinitiativetas@earlychildhood.org.au or phone number provided on the Program’s webpage – https://eysac.com.au/scholarship/.