Before applying, please ensure you meet the following criteria:

• You are currently employed in the NSW public sector (ongoing, temporary or contract)
• You demonstrate a clear commitment to public purpose through your work
• You can provide specific examples of your contribution, including measurable outcomes or impact
• You are actively developing your capability and can show how this has improved your performance
• You are able to commit to completing your selected training within 12 months of receiving the scholarship

We welcome both self-nominations and nominations from managers, supervisors or colleagues. Please note that due to the competitive nature of the program, not all applicants will be successful.

Last updated: 18 March 2026

1. Introduction and Agreement
By submitting an application for the IPAA NSW Scholarships for Public Purpose Excellence (the Scholarship), you agree to:

1.1 These IPAA NSW Scholarship Terms and Conditions (the Scholarship Terms); and
1.2 The IPAA NSW Privacy Policy, available at www.nsw.ipaa.org.au/privacy

2. Scholarship Details

2.1 IPAA NSW reserves the right to modify, substitute, or withdraw any aspect of the Scholarship at its discretion.
2.2 Scholarships are not redeemable for cash, not transferable to another person, and cannot be combined with any other offer or subsidy.
2.3 Recipients may elect to contribute additional funds to extend their participation in IPAA NSW courses, subject to availability.

3. Valid Applications and Eligibility

3.1 The requirements for a Valid Application are set out in Schedule 1.
3.2 The Eligibility and Selection Criteria are detailed in Schedule 2.
3.3 IPAA NSW may decline any application that is incomplete, ineligible, or otherwise not compliant with these terms.

4. Application Submission

4.1 Applications must be completed and submitted by the stated closing date and time. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted unless exceptional circumstances apply, as determined by IPAA NSW.
4.2 Applicants warrant that all information provided is true, accurate and complete at the time of submission.
4.3 Applicants must provide referee details as part of the application.

5. Selection Process

5.1 All Valid Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee convened by IPAA NSW (the Selection Committee).
5.2 Members of the Selection Committee will abstain from reviewing applications where a conflict of interest exists.
5.3 The Selection Committee may, at its discretion, choose not to award a Scholarship if it determines that applicants do not sufficiently meet the selection criteria.
5.4 All decisions of the Selection Committee are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

6. Notification of Outcome

6.1 Successful applicants (Recipients) will be notified by IPAA NSW.
6.2 Recipients must:
(a) Comply with any relevant IPAA NSW policies and procedures;
(b) Take responsibility for any tax, employment or other implications arising from receiving the Scholarship;
(c) Fulfil any additional requirements outlined in the Scholarship offer.
6.3 Recipients agree to be contacted by IPAA NSW following completion of the Scholarship for feedback, evaluation and promotional purposes.

7. Additional Terms and Course Participation

7.1 Recipients may be required to accept further terms specific to nominated courses or programs. Refusal to do so may result in withdrawal of the Scholarship offer.
7.2 Recipients must complete approved training within 12 months of receiving the Scholarship, unless otherwise agreed with IPAA NSW.

8. Course Changes, Cancellations and Transfers

8.1 IPAA NSW reserves the right to change course dates, delivery format, or location. Recipients will be notified of any changes.
8.2 If a Recipient wishes to defer or cancel participation:
(a) Requests made at least 14 days before the course start date may be considered for reallocation;
(b) Requests made less than 14 days before the course may result in forfeiture of the Scholarship, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
8.3 Only one course change or deferral is permitted per Recipient, subject to availability.

9. Breach

9.1 If a Recipient fails to comply with these terms or is found to have submitted false or misleading information, IPAA NSW reserves the right to withdraw the Scholarship.
9.2 Any associated enrolments or program participation may also be cancelled.

10. General

10.1 These Scholarship Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales.
10.2 IPAA NSW reserves the right to amend these terms at any time, with updates published on its website.

Schedule 1 – Valid Application

1.1 A Valid Application means:
(a) All mandatory fields in the application form are completed;
(b) Responses address the required questions, including examples of contribution, impact and capability development;
(c) Information provided is accurate and not misleading.

1.2 Applications that are incomplete, submitted after the closing date, or otherwise non-compliant may be rejected at the discretion of IPAA NSW.

Schedule 2 – Eligibility and Selection Criteria
2.1 Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

(a) Be currently employed in a public sector organisation in New South Wales (including local, state or associated government entities), on an ongoing or fixed-term basis;
(b) Be 18 years of age or older;
(c) Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident;
(d) Not be currently enrolled in or receiving funding for IPAA NSW courses at the time of application;
(e) Be able to participate in and complete approved training within the required timeframe.

2.2 Selection Criteria

Initial eligibility checks will be undertaken based on the criteria above. Applications that do not meet the eligibility requirements will not proceed to assessment.

All eligible applications will be assessed by a selection panel against the following criteria:

(a) Demonstrated contribution to public sector outcomes, including clear and specific examples of impact;
(b) Evidence of measurable outcomes, improvements or value delivered to an organisation, community or stakeholders;
(c) Demonstrated alignment with public sector values, including behaviour in challenging or high-pressure situations;
(d) Evidence of recent capability development and a commitment to continued growth;
(e) Alignment between the applicant’s development needs and the proposed use of the Scholarship.

All applications will be reviewed by an independent panel. Only applications meeting the eligibility criteria will be assessed for merit.

Here are some resources and tools to effectively promote the "IPAA NSW Scholarship Program" within your own department.

Message Communication Kit

The Scholarship Comms Kit is a concise document that outlines the core messages and talking points of the 2025 IPAA NSW Scholarship Program. You can use this as a reference when crafting your own communications so that they align with the program's overarching goals and resonate effectively with your audience.

• Download the kit here

Promotional Assets

We have included some promotional assets, such as digital banners, tiles and a flyer for distribution in your office kitchens, bathrooms and noticeboards. We can also help you create custom content if you have a particular asset that you'd like to create that isn't included in the existing materials.

• Download Flyer
• Download Tile
• Download Banner

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding this Scholarship program please contact us for more details.

Our 2026 judging panels will include senior leaders from across NSW Government portfolios. With diverse experience and a shared commitment to developing future public sector leaders, they will guide the selection of this year’s scholarship recipients.

The IPAA NSW Scholarships for Public Purpose Excellence are designed to support individuals who are already making a meaningful contribution and are ready to extend their impact further.

By participating in this program, you will strengthen your capability in areas critical to public sector performance, broaden your perspective and apply new skills directly to your role.

The scholarship provides access to targeted learning, professional networks and senior leaders across the public sector, supporting you to accelerate your development and deliver greater value to your organisation and community.

It’s about becoming the best version of you—for your own growth, for your team, and for your future career.

You’re already starting to make a difference in the public sector, this is your opportunity to build on that.