Dr Coral Kemp Scholarship

Overview

The Dr Coral Kemp Scholarship gives an early childhood teacher the opportunity to become a specialist in inclusive education. It covers the full tuition cost of the Master of Special and Inclusive Education (Early Childhood) at the University of Newcastle, and the successful candidate will be offered paid part-time work alongside STaR’s Early Childhood Specialist Education team while they study.

A partnership

The Dr Coral Kemp Scholarship is offered by STaR, in partnership with InSpEd (the Institute of Special Educators) and the University of Newcastle.

What the scholarship offers

• Full tuition for the Master of Special and Inclusive Education (Early Childhood) at the University of Newcastle (eight units, completed over two years).
• Paid part-time employment opportunity (two to three days per week) with STaR’s Early Childhood Specialist Education team for the duration of your studies.
• Mentoring from experienced Special Educators.
• A pathway to a Special Educator role with STaR on completion.
• A suggested study load of two units per semester, designed to fit alongside part-time work.

Why apply

This is a unique opportunity to:

• Deepen your practice and build specialist skills in early intervention and inclusion.
• Gain hands-on experience within a leading specialist organisation.
• Help build more inclusive early childhood environments for children and their families.

Who can apply

To be eligible, you will:

• Hold an early childhood teaching qualification recognised by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
• Be eligible for entry into the Master of Special and Inclusive Education (Early Childhood) at the University of Newcastle.
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Demonstrate relevant professional experience in early childhood education and care.
• Be able to complete the course within two years.
• Not hold another scholarship for the same program of study.

What we are looking for

Applications are assessed through a written application and an interview. We are looking for:

• A genuine commitment to inclusive early childhood education.
• Relevant experience with young children with disability, developmental delay or additional needs.
• An understanding of inclusive practice in early childhood.
• Academic merit and readiness to succeed in postgraduate study.
• Alignment with STaR’s values and the aims of our Early Childhood Specialist Education team.
• A commitment to the sector and the potential to grow into a specialist role.

About Dr Coral Kemp OAM

The scholarship honours Dr Coral Kemp OAM, Founding Director of STaR. Dr Kemp has worked in the education of children in both mainstream and special settings for more than thirty years, including twelve years teaching special education at Macquarie University, with particular expertise in the assessment and programming of young children with developmental delay or disability. She established STaR in December 2001, with a simple but powerful belief: that with the right support, all children can and should learn together.

Recognised nationally and internationally, Dr Kemp has more than 90 publications and her work has been cited more than 3,000 times. In 2017 she established InSpEd, the Institute of Special Educators, to strengthen special education across Australia.

How to apply

1. Read the scholarship Terms and Conditions.
2. Prepare your current resume and academic transcripts.
3. Complete the Dr Coral Kemp Scholarship online application form, upload the requested documentation, and submit by 5pm, Thursday, 22 October 2026

Key dates

• Applications open: Thursday 17 September 2026
• Applications close: 5pm, Thursday 22 October 2026
• Shortlisting of applications
• Panel Interviews: Tuesday 3^rd November 2026 (online)
• Outcome advised:  mid-November 2026

FAQ’s

Do I have to work with STaR while I study?

Working with STaR is our strong preference and is central to the scholarship, but it is not a formal condition. The successful candidate will be offered part-time employment (two to three days per week) with our Early Childhood Specialist Education team, under a separate employment arrangement.

How long does the course take?

The scholarship supports completion within two years, at a suggested study load of two units per semester, so it fits alongside part-time work.

What will it cost me?

The scholarship covers the full tuition cost of the eight units that make up the course.

What qualification will I gain?

You will graduate with the Master of Special and Inclusive Education (Early Childhood) from the University of Newcastle.

Questions? Contact education@star.org.au