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High Achieving Teachers Program HAT@ECU

Get paid while studying to become a teacher. Exclusive to ECU the High Achieving Teacher Program is an exciting new earn as you learn pathway to a Master of Teaching in either Early Childhood, Primary or Secondary Education. Australia has a shortage of teachers. To boost the number of people entering the profession, ECU and the Federal Government have introduced an exciting new employment-based pathway called HAT@ECU where eligible students will be paid while attaining teaching qualifications.

Important dates

Opens: 19-05-2025 Closes: 15-09-2025

Applies to

Domestic Postgraduate Coursework

At a glance

ECU's program is delivered as part of the High Achieving Teachers Program: Phase 2 Expansion Pilots supported by the Australian Government Department of Education.

The High Achieving Teachers (HAT@ECU) Program, is an accelerated 18-month pathway to a Master of Teaching qualification, spanning seven school terms. Master of Teaching courses include Early Childhood, Primary or Secondary Education.

Unlike our existing coursework schedule for these master's degrees, your study will be structured around the four Western Australian school terms.

Students commence working in a school during their first year and receive payment while they study.

All participants are placed in one of ECU’s partner hub schools—which may be a public, Catholic, or independent school—ensuring strong support and real-world teaching experience from day one.

The program includes $18,000 in financial support, provided in four instalments over two years. More information on the HAT@ECU program can be found here.

Places are limited—apply now.

Applications are assessed as they are received. Apply before 15 September 2025 for your best chance of securing a place. If needed, applications may reopen later in the year.

Eligibility guidelines

To be eligible for the HAT@ECU Program, applicants must:

  • Be an Australian citizen (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), a Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen.
  • Have accepted an unconditional offer for one of the following Master of Teaching courses commencing in Semester 1, 2026:*
    • I81 Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
    • I83 Master of Teaching (Primary)
    • I91 Master of Teaching (Secondary)
  • Not be currently in receipt of a Commonwealth Scholarship.
  • Have completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum Course Weighted Average of 70, or have equivalent relevant industry experience.

    • * Note: Applicants who have submitted a course application prior to the scholarship closing date may still be considered. Eligibility will be subject to receiving and accepting an unconditional course offer by 5 January 2026.

Selection criteria

  • Motivation to teach, strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Organisational and planning skills, conscientiousness.
  • Resilience, self-efficacy, willingness to learn.
  • Experience that is transferable to teaching in a public and or independent school and or early learning centre.
  • Professional knowledge, practice and engagement that is transferable to teaching.
  • Demonstrated evidence of high achievement.

Terms and conditions

All scholarships are awarded at ECU’s discretion.

How to apply

Application is made via the ECU Online Scholarship Application Portal. Access to the portal is available between application opening and closing dates.

Further information

Questions about this scholarship can be directed to hat@ecu.edu.au.

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