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STEM scholarships for high school students under-represented in science and mathematics

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    High school students from under-represented groups (low socioeconomic status students, especially girls and Aboriginal learners) can apply for scholarships to pursue science and mathematics (STEM) subjects at SACE Stage 1 and 2 level or a VET course related to the defence industry such as Electrotechnology, Engineering Pathways or ICT.

    The fund covers the cost of tutors, laptops, excursions or any other strategy that directly supports the student to achieve in their chosen STEM subjects and pathways.

    Eligibility

    To apply for this scholarship you must be:

    • enrolled in a government school
    • eligible for a school card or in financial need (Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students do not need to hold a school card)
    • committed to completing STEM subjects at SACE stage 1 and/or stage 2 level preferably specialist mathematics, mathematical methods, digital technologies, chemistry, physics and/or undertaking VET courses in Electrotechnology, Engineering Pathways or IT (ICT or Cyber)
    • achieving C minimum in year 10 maths and science
    • willing to participate in mentoring programs and other activities that support STEM careers awareness.

    How to apply

    Applications for the 2026 STEM scholarships will be completed through a three-part application process involving the student, their mentor teacher and their school principal.

    Before applying, students and schools should carefully read the STEM scholarship information and guidelines (DOCX 135 KB) .

    The application includes the following components:

    Student application

    Students complete the STEM scholarship student online application form. Students are encouraged to complete the application with support from their mentor teacher. Use your @schools.sa.edu.au to login

    Student scholarship budget

    Students complete the STEM scholarship budget template (XLSX 49 KB) , outlining how scholarship funds will support their STEM learning, subject pathways and future goals over the two-year scholarship period.

    Mentor teacher and principal endorsement

    The student’s nominated mentor teacher and school principal complete the mentor teacher and principal endorsement (DOCX 126 KB) . This section provides information about the student’s STEM engagement and pathway, and confirms the school’s support for the student’s application and participation in the scholarship program.

    Schools are encouraged to coordinate completion of all components and must submit the complete application by Friday 25 September 2026.

    Before submitting, check the below is completed:

    • Student has completed the online STEM scholarship student application form.
    • STEM scholarship budget template has been completed and attached.
    • Student report and any supporting evidence (if applicable) have been attached.
    • Mentor teacher support statement has been completed.
    • Principal endorsement statement has been completed.
    • All documents have been emailed to the STEM scholarships team by the closing date.

    We recognise that students may require different ways to participate in the application process. If an alternative submission format is needed to support equity, accessibility or individual circumstances, contact the STEM scholarships team to discuss available options.

    Assessment of applications

    All applications are assessed by a panel of representatives from the Aboriginal Community, the Department for Education, STEM related industry sector and secondary school principals.

    If your application is successful

    Successful scholarship recipients, their parent(s) or carer(s) and school will enter into an agreement with the department.

    Accessing scholarship funds

    Successful applicants will have scholarship money transferred to their school. To access scholarship funds, students can:

    • provide the proof of purchase for a budget item to the school and get reimbursed, or
    • request a purchase order from the school and get the item from a supplier recommended by the school.

    Ongoing requirements

    To continue to receive the scholarship, students should demonstrate ongoing enrolment and achievement in their STEM and/or VET subjects and participation in STEM career awareness initiatives including those in the defence industry sector.

    The scholarship will cease if the scholarship recipient stops attending a government school.

    Privacy

    The department will need to collect personal information from you to administer the STEM scholarships.

    The department complies with the Government of South Australia's Information Privacy Principles (IPPs). This document contains the privacy principles that apply to the collection, use, disclosure and handling of personal information. If you have any further questions about the department's privacy obligations, email the STEM Scholarship Project team.

    The information collected will be used to select scholarship recipients and assist with the monitoring of the successful recipients progress and expenditure of scholarship funds. It will not be disclosed except in line with the IPP's and the department’s Privacy policy.

    This information will be stored securely.

    STEM Scholarships Program

    Phone: 8463 5804
    Email: education.STEMScholarships [at] sa.gov.au