About the role
Grant benefits
Reimbursement of course fees (up to $10,000 per year) to those who are/will study a Master of Education degree (or similar) via online delivery/external mode at an Australian higher education institution (HEI) in Semester 1 and/or Semester 2 or 3 in 2026.
Eligibility for the grant
To be eligible for this grant, you must:
- be currently employed as a teacher or school leader in a Queensland state school (transfer rating 4 to 7) that is located within a rural or remote community in the Central Queensland, Darling Downs-South West, North Coast (select schools), Far North or North Queensland region. A list of eligible schools can be accessed in the Choose your teaching adventure booklet
- hold full or provisional teacher registration with the Queensland College of Teachers and have at least two years' teaching experience
- be studying a Master of Education degree (or similar) via online delivery/external mode at a HEI in Semester 1 and/or Semester 2 or 3 in 2026.
How to apply
You can apply for the grant at any time by logging into your SmartJobs account (green ‘apply online' button below) and:
- respond to an online questionnaire; and
- upload evidence of enrolment in the degree from the HEI.
You will receive an email within 3 weeks of submission of the online application advising your eligibilty. If eligible, you'll be provided with a conditional offer and reimbursement will be provided to you upon receipt of the requested documentation as per the timeframes for processing reimbursement/s (below).
Selection Process
Applications will be prioritised by school context (i.e. Identified Indigenous communities operating under Government reforms) followed by the remoteness of location (transfer rating 7-4).
Payment of the grant
To obtain reimbursement, when available, please upload the following documentation in line with the timelines for processing reimbursement/s (below):
- an official receipt from the HEI which shows the unit code/s and the amount paid for each unit/s; or a HECS-HELP/FEE-HELP statement (from MyGov Account) which shows the unit code/s and the amount owing for each unit/s
- an unofficial academic transcript from the HEI (student portal) showing a minimum ‘pass' grade for the unit/s in which reimbursement is sought.
Reimbursement of the course fees for study between Semester 1 and/or Semester 2 or 3, 2026 will be provided through the department's ExpenseMe Pro (expense management) system upon receipt of the documentation noted above.
Please note: This grant may be subject to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) with possible reportable Fringe Benefit Amount (RFBA) reported on your payment summary. The grant may have implications on current and future earnings/taxable income and/or benefits received. It is recommended that you obtain independent financial advice if required. Information may be obtained from the ATO website at www.ato.gov.au.
Timeframes for processing reimbursement/s
- Semester 1, 2026 - Results are released in July. Reimbursement will occur between July to December 2026.
- Semester 2 & 3, 2026 - Results are released in November onwards. Reimbursement will occur between November 2026 and March 2027 (note: candidates must apply for the grant by 18 December 2026).