A new scholarship program will offer free degrees to create more school counsellors across NSW schools as part of the ‘Supported Students, Successful Students’ program. 

The $6.2 million program will provide more opportunities for psychologists to enter the school counselling service. 

Successful applicants will receive a full funding for a Master of Professional Psychology (School Psychology) at the University of Wollongong worth up to $29,000 in tuition allowance, $1,500 in textbook and incidentals allowance, supervised internships, and supervised practicum placements. 

Further, this program will guarantee a full-time employment in a NSW government school after they successfully graduate. 

Moreover, Rural and Metropolitan scholarships will include $6,000 or $2,000 appointment allowance respectively upon staring their job. 

To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must have completed a four-year sequence of Australian Psychology Accredited Council (APAC) approved psychology studies and meet requirements for the Master of Professional Psychology (School Psychology) program at University of Wollongong. 

In addition, they must be able to obtain NSW Working with Children Check, be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen, be willing to work in geographic areas of workforce needed and have a valid NSW driver’s licence.

“The path to adulthood can be difficult. This is why we need to recruit the best psychologists working in our schools to guide and support our students,” Education Minister Rob Stokes said. 

“This is a golden opportunity for any young psychologist who wants to have a real impact helping lives, while also enjoying a rewarding career,” Mr Stokes added. 

The applications close 9 November 2018. More information is available here: https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/2019-school-counselling-service-graduate-scholarship-program-master-of-professional-psychology-school-psychology-127040.