Scholarships and Prizes

The Carolyn D. Baker Memorial Prize was established by her son, John Baker, with contributions from her family and friends to honour her memory. The prize provides support for an outstanding Education candidate to present at a prestigious international conference. Many past recipients have forged key professional relationships at international conferences, developing international networks and opportunities for collaboration.

Dr Baker's legacy lives on through the success and research of her students and through an annual public lecture hosted in her name. An initiator of the School's Annual Postgraduate Research Conference, it is fitting that this lecture is held on the evening prior to this conference.

Application details

This Scholarship was established in 2021 under the Create Change Scholarship Match Initiative through gifts by the family of Clyde and Norma Spearritt in honour of their lifelong commitments to education.

Scholarship details

• Must be a current UQ undergraduate student enrolled in the Bachelor of Education (Primary) or Bachelor of Education (Primary) (Honours)
• Open to domestic and international students
• $4,500 per year up to 4 years
• Applications open: April 2024
• Applications close: June 2024

Application details

The prize was established in 2001 by the Varghese family as a memorial to the late N V Varghese, a former staff member of the  School of Education.

Prize details: 

• The prize is maintained from the income of a bequest of $15,000 by the late N V Varghese. 
• The winner is selected by the Head, School of Education on the advice of a selection committee appointed annually by the Head of School. 
• Students who have completed an MPhil or PhD in the broad field of comparative education are eligible for nomination. 
• Selection of the winner is based on ‘best thesis’. 
• The prize is monetary

View the N V Varghese Prize for Comparative Education application form.

Best paper by a postgraduate research student

Emeritus Professor Richard (Dick) Baldauf was a staff member in the School of Education from 2003 to 2014. He had a most productive career as a researcher, teacher and mentor and was much loved and admired by his students and colleagues.  He maintained a highly engaged role in the School and the University whilst undergoing medical treatment in the later years of his life. The School was enriched by his thoughtful contributions in many different areas, particularly to the PhD program through his membership of numerous PhD panels and his many PhD supervisions. 

The prize was established in 1988 and maintained from the proceeds of the sale of the now discontinued Administrators’ Bulletin donated by its founder and editor, Dr M. C. Grassie, in agreement with its Editorial Board which was chaired by Professor G. W. Bassett.

Prize details: 

• The winner is selected by the Head, School of Education. 
• Current and past Masters and PhD students involved in the study of educational administration/leadership are eligible for nomination. 
• Selection of the winner is based on meritorious performance. 
• The prize is monetary, a citation and two years full membership of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders. 

View the Grassie and Bassett Prize in Educational Administration application form.

Each year we offer a limited number of $300 bursaries for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students undertaking an approved international study-related experience that will enhance their studies with the School of Education. These bursaries are available to students for travel outside Australia and not in the student’s country of permanent residence.

Students should note that the School of Education international experience bursaries are not for international student exchange purposes as other financial support schemes are available for this type of study-travel.

The Queensland Department of Education and Training offers a number of scholarships for aspiring teachers. Please note that these scholarships are administered by the Department, not by The University of Queensland.

• Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarships -  to assist with study-related expenses, access to permanent employment as a teacher, and professional development programs. Open to eligible aspiring teachers who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
• Aspiring Teacher Grants - open to eligible high achieving secondary school students about to commence study to become a teacher.
• Beyond the Range - Professional Experience Grants - up to $2,000 to undertake a professional experience in a rural or remote Queensland state school. Open to eligible high achieving preservice teachers.
• STEM Graduate Teacher Scholarship - offers up to 72 scholarships to preservice teachers who have completed or expect to complete an undergraduate or postgraduate initial teacher education (ITE) program in 2020.

Find further information and contact details at the Department of Education and Training.