Applications for two Aboriginal teacher scholarships named after former Prime Minister Bob Hawke are now open in Western Australia.

The Bob Hawke Aboriginal Teacher Scholarships aim to support two aspiring Aboriginal pre-service teachers in their journey to become secondary teachers by supporting their university studies.

The scholarships are named in honour of former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke in an acknowledgement of his lifelong support of Indigenous rights and vision of a fair and inclusive Australia.

Alongside Yawuru Karajarri man Aaron Haji Ali, proud Palawa woman Athena Lee was one of two inaugural recipients of the scholarships in 2021.

She said receiving the scholarship provided her with supports to complete a tertiary qualification she would not otherwise have been able to access.

"The scholarship offers those of us that come from complex backgrounds an opportunity to pursue degrees and careers that would have otherwise been out of reach," Ms Lee said.

For myself, this meant being able to access resources that contributed to my success in completing my degree.

"Access to this scholarship didn't just secure my tertiary education, it secured a better future for myself and my family."

Two annual scholarships are available, with the undergraduate scholarship valued at up to $30,000 available to support a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) student.

A postgraduate scholarship valued at up to $16,000 is also available to support a recipient completing a Master of Teaching (Secondary) qualification.

Provided by the Department of Education Western Australia, the scholarships are designed to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people teaching in secondary schools, aiming to create a culturally responsive environment that builds on the strength of Aboriginal students, encourages engagement in purposeful learning and encourages social and academic development.

Scholarship applications close March 9, 2023.