The Victorian government is scrapping tuition fees for secondary school teaching programs starting in 2024. 

The state has announced the new measure as part of a broader $229.8 million package aimed at addressing the shortage of teachers.

Under this scheme, scholarships will be accessible to all students enrolling in secondary school teaching degrees during 2024 and 2025. 

Notably, these scholarships will provide financial support for students throughout their studies and extend additional benefits to those who commit to working in government schools for two years post-graduation.

“Teachers change lives - it’s as simple as that. This will mean one less barrier for Victorians thinking of a career in teaching, and more great teachers for the education state,” Premier Daniel Andrews said. 

The government estimates that these scholarships will offer assistance to approximately 4,000 aspiring teachers. 

The initiative responds to concerns regarding teacher shortages, especially in Melbourne's rapidly growing areas, where some schools have resorted to offering $10,000 cash bonuses to attract applicants.

The Australian Education Union Victorian branch welcomed this development, highlighting the 2,600 teaching vacancies in Victoria. 

They consider financial support for student teachers and reduced teaching workloads for new teachers as essential elements of their Ten Year Plan for Staffing in Public Education.

While this initiative is seen as a positive step, the union stressed that more actions, including retention payments, are required to retain teaching professionals. 

The strain on school staff due to teacher shortages has led to burnout, extended leaves, and departures from the profession.

The independent schools sector also expressed support for measures that attract young people to teaching careers, recognising that increasing the supply of teachers benefits all school sectors, including non-government schools.

Education Minister Natalie Hutchins highlighted a nearly 5,000 increase in registered teachers in Victoria between 2020 and 2022.

In addition to the scholarships, the government plans to allocate $27 million to incentivize teaching in rural and remote schools, offering incentives of up to $50,000. 

An expansion of the Career Start initiative and a trial of employment-based degrees are also part of the comprehensive package aimed at addressing critical workforce challenges.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto, while acknowledging the need for action on teacher shortages, criticised the government for not acting sooner and suggested a more comprehensive approach to attract and retain teaching professionals.

The initiative follows the government's commitment to cover the cost of nursing degrees, marking a significant investment in the education sector to address pressing workforce issues.