Applications have opened for the 2025 Bob Hawke Aboriginal Teacher Scholarships.

The Western Australian government's annual scholarships provide financial support to aspiring Aboriginal secondary teachers complete an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification.

Valued up to $30,000 (undergraduate) and up to $16,000 (postgraduate), the scholarships also include a $2,000 appointment allowance for Aboriginal teachers who commence full-time employment as a teacher in a Western Australian public school within 12 months of completing the course

Jessika Coenen, a proud Aboriginal woman born and raised on Wardandi Country with ties to Koreng and Wilman Country, was awarded the undergraduate scholarship for 2024.

The Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer at Dalyellup College and Maidens Park Primary School said she hopes to supporting students' pride and passion for Aboriginal culture.

"My current role as an Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer has given me the opportunity to make a positive impact to student lives," Ms Coenen said.

"As a teacher I will incorporate my passion for Aboriginal culture everywhere I go to create a culturally safe environment for Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander students.

"I hope to ignite the curiosity of all students to learn and acknowledge the land they live, learn, and play on."

The 2024 postgraduate recipient, Jasper John, a proud Aboriginal man who grew up on Yawuru country with ties to Nyikina country in the Western Kimberley, said he hoped to teach two-way science and share his passion for the subject with students in Broome.

"I feel very humbled to receive this scholarship, which has helped me immensely through the financial pressures of studying whilst having a young family," he said.

"I have been able to get much needed study resources, materials, and attend professional development in Perth.

"Education is hugely important to me; it is vastly important to surviving and thriving in today's world. Knowledge is how we, as Indigenous people, are able to keep our culture alive and look after country."

The scholarships are named in honour of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke's lifelong support of Indigenous rights and his vision of a fair and inclusive Australia, with the Western Australian Government saying the scholarships aim to increase the number of Aboriginal secondary teachers in WA to make sure schools are culturally inclusive environments.

WA Education Minister Dr Tony Buti said the government was pleased to announce the opening of this year's scholarships.

"These scholarships are a fantastic opportunity for Aboriginal people who want to make a difference in the lives of children and young people," Dr Buti said.

"We want to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers in our schools to build on the strength of Aboriginal students and engage them in learning so they can thrive academically and socially."

Applications for the 2025 Bob Hawke Aboriginal Teacher Scholarships close Tuesday 18 March, 2025.