The annual IEU-QNT Teacher Education Bursaries support the next generation of teachers by providing grants to assist with the costs of studying an education degree.
The bursaries were established in 2009 as part of our union’s 90th year celebrations.
Each year, four general bursaries of $1,000 are awarded to students who have a connection to our union, such as a parent or grandparent who is a member. A fifth bursary of $2,000, the John Nash bursary, may be awarded to an exceptional applicant.
We caught up with some past recipients to find out how the bursaries made a difference in their journeys into the classroom.
Olivia
Olivia was encouraged to apply for a bursary by her parents.
She now teaches English and Religion on the Sunshine Coast, Olivia says the best part of her role is building relationships with students and watching them grow in confidence and ability.
With the bursary, she was able to purchase a new laptop, giving her the reliability and functionality needed to complete assessments, manage placement requirements and finalise her Graduate Teacher Performance Assessment (GTPA).
“My parents have always valued the support that our union provides to teachers and [stayed] up to date with opportunities and member benefits,” Olivia said.
“I’m very grateful to have received the bursary twice while I was studying and I’d encourage other students in the education sector to seek out and apply for opportunities like this.”
“Union membership is important to me as an early career teacher because it provides support, advice and, most importantly, representation,” she said.
Claire
Growing up, Claire regularly attended union marches in Ipswich and Brisbane and has been marching alongside her family with IEU-QNT since 2016.
She was inspired to apply for the Teacher Education Bursary because of her family’s strong connection to our union.
“My family has always been union-proud, with my grandfather an honorary member of the ETU and my mother a member of the IEU since she began teaching in 1988,” she said.
Claire said the bursary funded her regional placement, assisting with flights, fuel and food costs.
“The placement was eye-opening and taught me an incredible amount about teaching, regional communities and myself, which would not have been possible without the support of the IEU bursary.”
Since receiving a Permission to Teach (PTT) position, Claire has transferred her membership from student membership to financial membership.
“Unions are the backbone of strong and fair workplaces. They advocate for better working conditions, ensure workers receive a fair go and fight for pay and conditions that recognise the realities of workload,” she said.
The bursary continues to support Claire as she balances her current placement and PTT position while beginning her teaching career.
Laura
Laura first learnt of the Teacher Education Bursary when a friend applied for it in the past.
“Hearing about their experience made me realise what a great opportunity it was for students studying education,” Laura said.
The bursary supported Laura throughout her final year of university, helping to ease the burden of living costs while she was unable to work due to course demands.
During her first year of teaching, Laura also used a portion of the bursary to purchase an iPad, which continues to support her in her current work as a primary school teacher.
“The bursary provided valuable financial support and allowed me to focus on successfully completing my degree,” she said.
Laura said she is incredibly grateful for the support provided by the bursary and is thrilled to now be part of a welcoming and close-knit community.
“The IEU made a real difference at a time when I was balancing placements, study and the financial pressures that came with being unable to work,” Laura said.
“Now, as a second-year teacher, I really value the support and sense of community that comes with being part of the IEU and the teaching profession.”
Isabella
Now in her fourth year of teaching, Isabella is grateful for the support the IEU-QNT bursary gave her.
“I applied for the bursary because I wanted to challenge myself and demonstrate my commitment to becoming a teacher,” Isabella said.
“The bursary helped cover a new graphics calculator, stationery and additional resources required for my subjects,” she said.
Isabella said her IEU membership gives her reassurance to know that support is available in every stage of her teaching journey, knowing she has access to professional advice, guidance and advocacy.
“Recently, a teacher in my department needed to take extended leave, and our school was unable to find a suitable replacement, meaning I took on additional responsibilities,” Isabella said.
“I contacted an IEU representative to discuss my options and seek advice on how to raise my concerns with school leadership,” she said.
“The representative was extremely supportive, helping me navigate the situation, communicate my concerns effectively and understand the options available to me.
“Their guidance gave me confidence to address the issue constructively.”
