The Victorian Government is introducing scholarships to cover the entire degree costs for individuals aspiring to become secondary school teachers.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Education Minister Natalie Hutchins broke the news during their recent visit to Saltwater P-9 College in Point Cook.
The initiative, part of a $229.8 million package, will support teaching degree students, helping them with their studies and living expenses.
“Teachers change lives — it’s as simple as that,” Mr Andrews said.
“This will mean one less barrier for Victorians thinking of a career in teaching, and more great teachers for the Education State.”
Students who enrol in secondary school teaching degrees in 2024 and 2025 can benefit from this scholarship, with the final payments made after two years of service in Victorian government schools post-graduation.
The total scholarship for students who complete their studies and then choose to work in government secondary schools will match the HELP fees charged by the Commonwealth Government for Commonwealth Supported Places — $18,000 for a four-year undergraduate program or $9000 for two years of postgraduate study.
Around 4000 future teachers each year stand to benefit from this initiative.
“The number of teachers in Victoria is increasing and that’s no accident — we’re delivering a range of initiatives that have helped grow the number of registered teachers in Victoria by nearly 5000 between 2020 and 2022,” Ms Hutchins said.
The government also plans to foster successful early careers for teachers through a $95.7 million Australia-first Career Start initiative.
This initiative grants graduate teachers in government schools additional preparation time, mentorship and professional support to thrive in their initial teaching year.
To encourage appointments in rural, remote and hard-to-staff positions in government schools across Victoria, interstate and internationally, $27 million has been earmarked to broaden the Targeted Financial Incentives Program, offering incentives up to $50,000.
Furthermore, nearly $13.9 million has been allocated for a trial to commence in 2025, encouraging people to pursue teaching qualifications while working paid jobs at schools, a move also aimed at facilitating education support staff in gaining teaching credentials.
For residents of Greater Shepparton, this implies not only the availability of better-trained teachers in the coming years but also substantial opportunities for locals considering a rewarding career in education backed by government support and incentives.