Archbishop Francis Carroll Bursary Program for Catholic educators/emerging leaders in rural, regional and remote areas

We understand the costs of attending the conference can be out of reach, particularly for leaders or educators in remote areas. In line with our commitment to make this conference as accessible as possible, we are offering a limited number of bursaries named in honour of founding Chair of the National Catholic Education Commission, Archbishop Francis Carroll. The bursaries will provide financial assistance to educators and emerging leaders from rural, regional, and remote parts of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania to attend the Australian Catholic Education Conference.

Bursaries of up to $5,000 each will be awarded to successful applicants based on need and availability, and may contribute towards conference registration, accommodation, return travel to Cairns and transfers if required.

Please see below for the full eligibility criteria and link to the application form which requires endorsement from the applicant’s Diocese or Catholic school authority.

Eligibility criteria:

1. Location:

• The applicant must be based in a rural, regional, or remote area within Australia, New Zealand, or Oceania.
  

2. Role:

• The applicant must be a current educator or an emerging/early leader within a Catholic school, diocese, or related Catholic education body.

3. Support need:

• The applicant must demonstrate a clear need for support to attend the conference outlining financial or other constraints.

4. Endorsement:

• The applicant must have formal written endorsement from their diocese, congregation, or other Catholic school authority.

5. Commitment to Catholic education:

• The applicant must demonstrate a commitment to Catholic education, including a history of teaching and/or leading in Catholic schools and/or systems.

6. Potential impact:

• The applicant must outline how attending the conference will enhance their professional development, leadership, and the broader Catholic educational community in their region.

7. Conference goals alignment:

• The applicant should describe how their attendance at the conference aligns with the mission of Catholic education in their region and how it will benefit their school, diocese, or educational community.

Applications for Bursaries close on 30 April and applicants will be notified in writing by 31 May 2025.