Promise check: Provide bursaries of up to $12,000 a year to study teaching to students with ATARS above 80

At the 2022 election, Labor promised to provide bursaries of up to $12,000 a year to study teaching to students with ATARS above 80. Here's how that promise is tracking.

(Image by ABC News: Jonathan Beal, file photo)

Labor has promised to provide up to 5,000 high-achieving students with a bursary of up to $12,000 per year to study an initial teaching degree.

The plan, announced by Labor leader Anthony Albanese and then-shadow education minister Tanya Plibersek on May 9, 2022, would see students who earn an ATAR of 80 or above eligible for the bursary.

In a press release announcing the plan, Mr Albanese and Ms Plibersek said the bursaries would "seek to double the number of high achievers studying teaching over the next decade".

A policy document provides more detail about the plan, which is set to cost $50.8 million.

"Under Labor's plan, up to 5,000 new students will receive a $10,000 a year bursary throughout their teaching degree," the policy document states.

"Bursaries will be available to high school leavers who achieve an ATAR of 80 or above, First Nations students, and students from regional areas."

An additional $2,000 top-up payment would be made available for students who chose to do their teaching placements in regional areas.

"Labor will explore options with universities and school systems for bursary recipients to be able to work a day a week as teachers' aides as part of their bursary, so they can get more practical experience, sooner."

Assessing the promise

This promise will be considered delivered if Labor makes available bursaries for up to 5,000 students completing teaching degrees during this term of government.

Here's how the promise is tracking:

19 May 2023

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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Promise check: Provide bursaries of up to $12,000 a year to study teaching to students with ATARS above 80