Applications are open year round for the Early Childhood Scholarships Program. The program provides flexible financial support to help people study.
Passion turns to motivation
In 2019, Lubna Kabir moved from Pakistan to Australia, where she continued her career as an early childhood educator, with Launchpad Early Learning Centre in Lower Plenty.
‘I love working with children and supporting their learning and development. It is truly my passion,’ she said.
After many years working as an educator, Lubna wanted to build her knowledge and strengthen her skills. In April 2025, she received financial support through the Certificate III Upskill Support Program and commenced her Diploma studies through the VICSEG New Futures Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships (ECTP) program. Lubna said it was a ‘good incentive’.
‘The scholarship motivated me to enrol in the Diploma. The staged release of funding helped me stay motivated and kept me on track.’
‘The financial support helped cover fuel and other study-related expenses, making it easier to balance work and study.’
Supporting development
The VICSEG New Futures course provides a supported pathway for migrants, refugee and asylum seeker communities to upskill to Diploma qualifications. Additional supports such as academic mentors, language supports, travel allowances and access to childcare may be provided under the ECTP program. These support students to complete their qualifications.
Lubna also explains how direct support from her bicultural mentor and course trainer was ‘amazing’ and helped her to remain engaged.
‘I also found the face-to-face classes very positive, as I made friends from different backgrounds and improved my English skills through classroom discussions.’
Spreading the word
Completing her Diploma gave Lubna a much better understanding of quality improvement in early learning education and care programs.
‘I gained more practical knowledge and I’m now able to contribute my views and insight to my service’s Quality Improvement Plan’ she said.
Lubna encourages other educators to consider applying for support through the ECTP program.
‘It is a great opportunity for professional growth. I have already encouraged my colleagues to consider it,’ Lubna said.
How to apply
Certificate III-qualified educators who want to upskill to become Diploma qualified can apply for up to $7,000 in funding. This supports educators with studying and transitioning into Diploma roles.
To view the eligibility criteria and apply for financial support under the Early Childhood Scholarships program, refer to the early childhood scholarships and incentives application portal.
If you are looking for options to upskill to a Diploma with more support, refer to the Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships program webpage. The program offers tailored courses with a range of benefits to support you while you study.
Find out more
For further enquiries about the Early Childhood Scholarships Program, contact BUSY At Work (who administers the program on behalf of the department):
- phone: 1300 161 396
- email: ec.financial.support@education.vic.gov.au
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