Psychology Graduate Scholarship 2026 – School Psychologist NSW, Australia
Scholarship Description
The Psychology Graduate Scholarship Program offered by the NSW Department of Education is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship for individuals who wish to become school psychologists in New South Wales public schools. The scholarship covers the Master of Professional Psychology (School Psychology) program delivered by Charles Sturt University, specifically designed for the department's scholarship recipients.
School psychologists provide essential psychological support to students across preschool to high school settings, helping children and young people thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This scholarship offers a unique pathway into a rewarding career supporting student wellbeing in NSW public schools.
Scholarship Location
The scholarship is tenable in New South Wales, Australia. Upon completion, scholars are appointed as permanent full-time school psychologists to NSW public schools in locations aligned with their Scholarship Agreement. Priority is given to applicants willing to work in rural and remote NSW.
Scholarship Deadline
Applications Open: 25 May 2026
Applications Close: 3 July 2026
Scholarships Offered By: End of the 2026 school year (for entry into Term 1, 2027)
Recommendation: Submit your application as early as possible during the application period. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Host Institution
NSW Department of Education in partnership with Charles Sturt University. The Master of Professional Psychology (School Psychology) is a program developed specifically for the department's scholarship recipients and is run exclusively by Charles Sturt University.
Level and Fields of Study
Level: Master of Professional Psychology (School Psychology).
Field: School Psychology / Educational Psychology. The program prepares graduates to work as school psychologists in NSW public schools, providing psychological support to students across all school settings.
Target Group
Applicants who have completed or will be completing a 4-year sequence of APAC-accredited psychology studies and are eligible to apply for the Master of Professional Psychology (School Psychology). Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents (typical requirement for NSW government positions). Teachers may also apply, and upon completion will be appointed as school counsellors.
Scholarship Duration & Amount
Financial Support Includes:
- Full tuition fees – All tuition and supervision fees paid by the NSW Department of Education
- $1,500 textbook allowance – On commencement of the program
- $4,000 placement allowance – On commencement of professional placement
- Appointment allowance between $3,000 and $10,000 – On entry on duty to appointed school in Term 1, 2028 (depending on high priority or priority appointment location)
Duration: The Master of Professional Psychology (School Psychology) is typically completed over one year of full-time study, followed by professional placement.
Commencing Salary (upon appointment as school psychologist):
- School psychologist with provisional registration: $104,156 (as of January 2027)
- School psychologist with Advanced Certification: $160,983
- Senior Psychologist Education: $174,034
- Leader Psychology Practice: $178,811
Scholarship Commitments: Recipients must sign a scholarship agreement committing to:
- Successfully complete required studies and training
- Accept appointment as permanent full-time school psychologist to a NSW public school
- Remain appointed for a minimum of 3 years
- Attain and maintain General Registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia
📊 Summary of Benefits:
Full tuition + $1,500 textbook allowance + $4,000 placement allowance + Appointment allowance ($3,000–$10,000) + Starting salary $104,156+ (as of Jan 2027)
Scholarship Eligibility
Academic requirements: Completed or completing a 4-year sequence of APAC-accredited psychology studies (including fourth year). Applicants must have received no less than a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 75 for entry into the Master of Professional Psychology (School Psychology).
Study status: Applicants still studying may apply if their current studies will be successfully completed prior to the end of the 2026 calendar year.
Psychology studies age: If psychology studies are more than 10 years old, applicants should consult Charles Sturt University or AHPRA to determine if further studies are required.
Referee requirements: Primary referee supporting statement should be completed by the applicant's current workplace supervisor (within last 12 months). For applicants working in schools, the primary referee should be their principal. For non-working applicants, the referee should be someone who can comment on professional work and capabilities (e.g., thesis supervisor, psychology-related workplace supervisor).
✅ Eligible Candidates
- Completed or completing a 4-year APAC-accredited psychology sequence.
- WAM of 75 or higher.
- Australian citizen or permanent resident (typical NSW government requirement).
- Meet university admission requirements (interview, referee reports, academic review).
- Willing to work in rural NSW (priority given).
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Applicants without APAC-accredited psychology studies.
- WAM below 75.
- Those who cannot meet university admission requirements.
- Psychology studies over 10 years old without further required studies.
Application Procedure
Application process (three-part merit selection):
- Prepare your application – Download the writable/interactive PDF application form from the School Counselling Service Scholarships webpage when applications open. The form can be filled in using most PDF viewers (Acrobat, Chrome, Bluebeam).
- Gather required documents – Prepare:
- Completed application form with responses to application questions
- Primary referee supporting statement (from current workplace supervisor/principal)
- Secondary referee supporting statement (professional capacity)
- Academic transcripts and records
- Proof of APAC-accredited psychology studies
- Nomination of preferred staffing areas (geographic locations)
- Submit application – Submit your complete application between 25 May and 3 July 2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. All required supporting documents must be provided at submission.
- Eligibility and shortlisting review – Applications are reviewed for eligibility, followed by assessment of application responses, supporting statements, academic records, and nominated staffing areas.
- Online live assessment – Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend an online live assessment via Microsoft 365 Teams platform.
- University application – Eligible scholarship applicants will be invited to apply to Charles Sturt University for the Master of Professional Psychology (School Psychology) in Term 3, 2026. Applicants must meet university admission requirements (interview, referee reports, review of APAC-accredited studies).
- Final selection – Based on application (including nominated staffing areas), live assessment outcomes, academic results, and university requirements.
- Notification – Both successful and unsuccessful applicants are notified via email once the selection process is completed. Scholarships are offered by the end of the 2026 school year for entry into Term 1, 2027.
Important notes: Priority will be given to applicants prepared to work in rural NSW. Applicants should familiarise themselves with schools located within each 'staffing area' using the NSW public schools by staffing area spreadsheet. An acknowledgement email will be received within 48 hours of submission. If not received, contact [email protected].
Official Website & Application Links
NSW Department of Education – Psychology Graduate Scholarship FAQ
Contact: Student Wellbeing Recruitment Team
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1300 32 32 32 (option 2, 3, 2, 4)
Charles Sturt University: Master of Professional Psychology (School Psychology) – available only to scholarship recipients.
Service Commitment
Scholarship recipients must sign a scholarship agreement committing to:
- Successfully complete required studies and training
- Accept appointment as a permanent full-time school psychologist to a NSW public school (in a location aligned with their Scholarship Agreement)
- Remain appointed in the permanent full-time school psychologist position for a minimum period of 3 years
- Attain and maintain General Registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The NSW Department of Education Psychology Graduate Scholarship offers a unique, fully funded pathway into a rewarding career as a school psychologist. With full tuition coverage, generous allowances, and a competitive starting salary ($104,156+ as of January 2027), this scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for psychology graduates passionate about supporting student wellbeing.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Ensure you have completed or are completing a 4-year APAC-accredited psychology sequence with a WAM of 75 or higher.
- Secure a strong primary referee – ideally your current workplace supervisor or principal.
- Be prepared to work in rural or remote NSW – priority is given to applicants willing to work in these areas.
- Familiarise yourself with NSW public school staffing areas before nominating your preferences.
- Apply early during the application window (25 May – 3 July 2026). Late applications are not accepted.
- Prepare for a live online assessment (Microsoft Teams) if shortlisted.
- Understand the 3-year service commitment upon completion.
Important reminders: This scholarship is for Australian citizens or permanent residents (typical requirement for NSW government positions). The Master of Professional Psychology (School Psychology) is exclusively for scholarship recipients and run by Charles Sturt University. Appointments are based on workforce need, not current residential location. Rural appointments are prioritised.
Psychology Graduate Scholarship 2026 – FAQ
What does the Psychology Graduate Scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers full tuition and supervision fees for the Master of Professional Psychology (School Psychology), plus a $1,500 textbook allowance, $4,000 placement allowance, and an appointment allowance of $3,000–$10,000 upon commencing work.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants who have completed or are completing a 4-year APAC-accredited psychology sequence with a WAM of 75 or higher, and who can meet university admission requirements. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents.
What is the application deadline?
Applications open on 25 May 2026 and close on 3 July 2026. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.
What is the selection process?
The three-part process includes: written application shortlisting, online live assessment (Microsoft Teams), and final selection based on application, assessment outcomes, academic results, and university requirements.
Is there a service commitment?
Yes. Recipients must sign a scholarship agreement committing to complete the program, accept a permanent full-time school psychologist position in NSW, remain for a minimum of 3 years, and maintain General Registration as a psychologist.
What is the commencing salary for a school psychologist?
A school psychologist with provisional registration commences on $104,156 (as of January 2027). Salary progresses to $160,983 for those achieving Advanced Certification.
Can teachers apply for this scholarship?
Yes, teachers can apply for the Psychology Graduate Scholarship Program. Upon completion, they will be appointed as school counsellors. Separate teacher retraining pathways are also available.
Will I be able to work while studying?
While studying the Master of Professional Psychology (School Psychology), scholars cannot be engaged as school psychologists. There may be an opportunity to commence working as a school psychologist from Term 4 following completion of academic studies and professional placement.