Don’t miss this incredible opportunity for professional growth in inclusive education. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for this exclusive scholarship. Spots are limited, so apply early to secure yours!
Program goals: shaping inclusive learning for all
Our vision: Every Victorian government school will have a master’s-qualified teacher leading inclusive education, creating an environment where every student thrives.
By completing this postgraduate study, you’ll equip your school to:
- Adapt teaching practices to fully support students with disabilities.
- Drive cultural and system-level change that ensures high-quality support in every school.
- Promote inclusive education by meeting the needs of students with disabilities and expanding inclusive practices.
- Implement effective strategies using best practices in evidence-based, inclusive education.
Participating universities
The Department of Education (the department) has partnered with 7 leading universities in Victoria and NSW, offering 8 targeted online courses. With only 75 scholarships available, check with the IESU to confirm eligibility and get started.
Pathway to the Master of Learning Intervention (Learning Difficulties specialisation)
If you're pursuing the Master of Learning Intervention (Stream A) with a focus on learning difficulties through the University of Melbourne, follow these steps:
- Apply for the Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning Difficulties) program.
- Complete the certificate and then apply for the Master of Learning Intervention (Learning Difficulties) program.
- Request 50% Recognition of Prior Learning for the four completed subjects in the Graduate Certificate.
- Complete an additional four subjects to earn your Master’s qualification.
For more information, visit the Graduate Certificate webpage(opens in a new window) or reach out to the IESU using the contact details below.
Eligibility and scholarship prioritisation
To maximise impact, schools that have not received scholarships in previous rounds are prioritised. Additional eligibility guidelines include:
- Multiple campuses: Each campus may qualify for an additional scholarship.
- Large enrolments: Schools with over 500 students are eligible for additional scholarships (1 per 500 students).
- Specialist and Supported Inclusion Schools: Guaranteed 2 scholarships each.
- Specialisation in Deaf/Hard of Hearing or Vision Impairment: Scholarships are available for specific courses through NextSense (Macquarie University), University of Melbourne, and University of Newcastle.
General Requirements
Full VIT Registration is required for all applicants (see exceptions below).
Regional Workforce Applicants
Dual qualifications are typically needed, such as an allied health qualification plus full VIT registration. Exceptions include:
- Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis (Monash University)
- Master of Special and Inclusive Education (University of Newcastle)
- Master of Disability Studies (NextSense/Macquarie University)
Regional workforce eligibility
Regional workforce applicants interested in applying must contact their respective Regional Nomination Coordinator (RNC) for more information. The nomination process requires a written justification and the support and endorsement of the applicant's manager, Disability Inclusion Implementation Manager, and relevant executive (either the Area Executive Director or Student Wellbeing and Engagement).
The RNC will guide applicants through the process and ensure the completed nomination form is submitted to the IESU for further review. Please contact your Disability Inclusion Implementation Manager to discuss your application and complete the nomination form.
Before you apply: key scholarship obligations
- The department has made a major investment in building inclusive education capabilities across schools and regional teams, aiming to enhance support for all students. Employment and financial obligations for scholarship recipients are detailed on the program webpage, in the guidelines, and the application form.
- Important: If you cannot meet these obligations, you will be required to repay the course fees, regardless of course completion status (refer to the Debt Recovery policy in the guidelines).
- Below are the average course costs covered by the program - please review them carefully, as repayment will be required if program obligations are not fulfilled.
The average cost of courses available through the program are noted below:
University | Course | Subjects | Avg. Course Cost | Avg. Subject |
| Australian Catholic University | Master of Education (Inclusive Practice) | 8 | $16,837.00 | $2,104.00 |
| Deakin University | Master of Specialist Inclusive Education | 12 | $44,419.00 | $3,612.00 |
| La Trobe University | Master of Education (Inclusion and Diversity) | 8 | $29,900.00 | $3,737.00 |
| NextSense/Macquarie University | Master of Disability Studies | 8 | $27,262.00 | $3,282.00 |
| Monash University | Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis | 8 | $27,916.00 | $3,489.00 |
| Monash University | Master of Inclusive Education | 4 | $26,972.00 | $6,743.00 |
| University of Melbourne | Master of Learning Intervention (Stream A) | 8 | $32,434.00 | $3,898.00 |
| University of Newcastle | Master of Special and Inclusive Education | 8 | $22,369.00 | $2,690.00 |
Employment and financial obligations:
- Withdrawal from Units: If you withdraw from a unit after the census date, you will be responsible for re-enrolment costs.
- Withdrawal from the Course: If you choose to withdraw entirely, you must repay costs for any units you've started, whether passed or failed.
- Employment Requirement: If you leave the department during your studies or within 3 years after course completion, you must repay the course fees covered by the department.
- Role Requirement: During your studies or within 3 years post-completion, if you move to a role that does not support students with disabilities, additional learning needs, or inclusive practices, you will be ineligible and required to repay the funds.
- Course Selection: Course changes due to unmet expectations are not supported by the program and will result in financial penalties. Please select a course that aligns with your needs and goals.
General recipient obligations:
- Completion Timeline: While you may complete the course sooner, you have up to 4 years for part-time study.
- Changes in Role or Enrolment: If you change schools, roles, or enrolment status (e.g., defer, take intermission, withdraw), you must seek approval from the IESU.
- First Semester Start: Deferrals for the first semester (Semester/Trimester 2, 2025) are not permitted.
How to apply
Discuss your interest with your principal or manager to ensure alignment with your school or region’s inclusive education goals. Teachers should review practicum requirements and notify their business manager and principal for support.
Please apply to the IESU using the online form hosted by SmartyGrants. The form will go-live at 9:00am on Monday, 3 February 2025.
More details about eligibility criteria, recipient obligations, and how to apply are available in the current round application guidelines (accessible below).
Application Guidelines for Round 11, 2025
- Master of Inclusive Education Guidelines – Round 11 (DOCX, 1.27MB)(opens in a new window)
- Master of Inclusive Education Guidelines – Round 11 (PDF, 813KB)(opens in a new window)
- Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis Guidelines – Round 11 (DOCX, 1.22MB)(opens in a new window)
- Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis Guidelines – Round 11 (PDF, 700KB)(opens in a new window)
Successful applicants
Scholarship decisions will be announced via email approximately one month after applications close on Monday, 17 March 2025. Successful applicants will receive a provisional place and will need to complete university enrolment and provide signed induction documents to the IESU. Details are in the program guidelines.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition coverage
- Contribution towards Casual Relief Teaching (CRT) for practicum
- Up to 4 years to complete your course
Note: Full tuition is covered, but repayment is required if employment or financial obligations are unmet.
Practicum Support
Practicum and CRT requirements are outlined in the guidelines. For Master of Learning Intervention students at the University of Melbourne, the program contributes up to $10,000 for CRT, with schools covering 16 additional CRT days. Principals and business managers should be informed at the time of application.
University awards for academic achievement
Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients on achieving outstanding academic results:
- Rosina Natale: Dean's Excellence Award for the top course performers in 2023 for the Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis course (Monash University).
- Chelsea Quirk: Dean's Excellence Award for the top course performers in 2023 for the Master of Inclusive Education course (Monash University).
Graduate Stories
Get a Head Start in Inclusive Education!
Ready to dive into inclusive education?
Check out these valuable resources:
- Information & tools to support students with disabilities(opens in a new window)
- A new approach for students with disability(opens in a new window)
- Inclusive Classrooms Professional Learning(opens in a new window) modules for hands-on guidance
- School-wide positive behaviour support(opens in a new window)
Start exploring today and build your expertise!
Media releases
- The Education State – Excellence in Every Classroom (Oct 2024) (opens in a new window)
- New Phonics Plus Program In The Education State (Oct 2024)(opens in a new window)
- Inclusive education: Making sure our kids can be their best (Nov 2020)(opens in a new window)
Reach Out to the Inclusive Education Scholarships Unit
The IESU is dedicated to supporting both prospective applicants and current scholarship recipients. If you’re interested in applying, or already studying with us, our team is here to help clarify your eligibility and answer any questions you may have.
Contact us
Our team is available to assist you Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to make your journey smoother!
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