Master of Inclusive Education Program

Eligibility and scholarship prioritisation

To share opportunities fairly, priority goes to schools that have not yet received a scholarship.

Small, rural, and remote schools across Victoria are particularly encouraged to contact the IESU directly to discuss how we can support you to access these scholarships.

Only 75 scholarships are available — contact the IESU to check your eligibility and get started.

Priority offers

• 2 places per program for small, rural schools with student enrolments of 100 or under (primary) and 400 and under (secondary)
• 2 places per program for specialist and supported inclusion schools.
• 2 places available through the following universities for teachers wishing to specialise in deaf/hard of hearing and/or vision impairment:
  • NextSense (Macquarie University)
  • University of Melbourne
  • University of Newcastle

Extra scholarship rules

• Multiple campuses: Each campus may receive an extra scholarship.
• Large schools: Schools with more than 500 students may receive one extra scholarship per 500 students.

Regional workforce eligibility

• Usually need 2 qualifications — an allied health qualification and full VIT registration.
• Exceptions apply for:
  • Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis (Monash University)
  • Master of Special and Inclusive Education (University of Newcastle)
  • Master of Disability Studies (NextSense / Macquarie University)

All regional workforce applicants interested in applying in 2027 will apply through their region. More detail about this process will be available in late 2026.

Program goals: shaping inclusive learning for all

Our vision: Every Victorian government school will have a Master’s-qualified teacher leading inclusive education so every student can thrive.

By completing this postgraduate study, you will help your school to:

• Adapt teaching to support students with disability.
• Create positive change so every school provides high-quality support.
• Promote inclusion and best practice across classrooms.
• Use evidence-based strategies to improve learning for all students.

Participating universities

The department partners with 6 universities in Victoria and New South Wales, offering 7 online master’s courses.

Pathway to the Master of Learning Intervention (Learning Difficulties specialisation)

If you’re planning to specialise in learning difficulties through the Master of Learning Intervention (Stream A) at the University of Melbourne, follow these steps:

• Apply for the Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning Difficulties)
• Complete the Graduate Certificate course
• Request 50% Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the four completed subjects
• Finish 4 more subjects (including practicum) to gain your Master’s qualification

For more detail, visit the Graduate Certificate webpage or contact the IESU.

Key scholarship obligations

The department is investing in building strong inclusive education skills across schools and regions.

If you accept a scholarship, you must meet specific employment and financial obligations outlined in the guidelines and application form.

All applicants must hold full VIT registration (see guidelines for exceptions).

Average course costs are listed in the guidelines.

Employment and financial obligations

Withdrawing from subjects

If you withdraw after the census date, you must pay any re-enrolment costs.

Withdrawing from the course

If you leave the course completely, you must repay costs for any subjects you started.

Employment requirement

If you leave the Department during your studies or within 3 years after finishing, you must repay the course fees.

Role requirement

If, during your studies or within 3 years after finishing, you move to a job that does not support students with disability, learning needs, or inclusive practice, you must repay the funds.

Course selection

Choose carefully. You cannot change courses. If you withdraw due to unmet expectations you may have to repay your course fees.

General recipient obligations

• Completion time: Up to 4 years part-time (or sooner if you wish).
• Changes in role or enrolment: You must get IESU approval if you change schools, roles, or study status.
• Start date: You must begin in Semester/Trimester 2, in the year you apply. Deferrals are not allowed.

How to apply

1. Talk to your principal or manager to make sure your study supports your school or region’s inclusive education goals.
2. If you are from a small, rural, or remote school, we strongly encourage you to contact the IESU early to discuss available scholarships and how we can support you to participate.
3. You should check practicum requirements and tell your business manager and principal early.

Successful applicants

Applicants will be notified by email about one month after applications close.

Successful applicants will receive a provisional offer and must:

• Complete university enrolment, and
• Send signed induction documents to the IESU.

Full details are in the program guidelines.

Scholarship benefits

• Full tuition coverage
• Contribution of up to $10,000 (depending on the course) towards Casual Relief Teaching (CRT) for practicum
• Up to 4 years to complete your course

Practicum support

Practicum and CRT requirements are outlined in the guidelines.

Refunds for CRT costs are capped at a set amount depending on the course and agency rates.

See the Casual Relief Teacher Employment Handbook and Master of Inclusive Education Guidelines or contact the IESU for details.

Special note – Master of Learning Intervention (Stream A)

• The program contributes up to $10,000 for CRT.
• Schools cover 16 extra CRT days.

Principals and business managers should plan for these out-of-pocket costs before applying.

University awards for academic achievement

Get a head start in Inclusive Education!

Ready to learn more about inclusive education?

Explore these helpful resources:

• Information and tools to support students with disabilities
• A new approach for students with disability
• Inclusive Classrooms Professional Learning modules for hands-on guidance
• School-wide positive behaviour support
• VTLM 2.0: Evidence to Action on Arc

Start exploring today and build your skills in inclusive education!

Media releases

• The Education State – Excellence in Every Classroom (Oct 2024)
• New Phonics Plus Program In The Education State (Oct 2024)
• Inclusive education: Making sure our kids can be their best (Nov 2020)

Contact us

The Inclusive Education Scholarships Unit (IESU) supports both new applicants and current recipients.

If you have questions about applying or your current study, our team can help.

• Availability: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm
• Email: inclusive.ed.scholarships@education.vic.gov.au
• Phone: (03) 9084 8496