Applications for the 2023-24 Hardie Fellowship Program are now open.
Hardie Fellowships provide teachers who are employed by the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) with financial support to pursue professional learning and tertiary study in the United States.
The honour is awarded to individuals or groups of teachers who have demonstrated excellence in their practice. The study will benefit recipients, learners and the education system.
Hardie Fellowship Program applicants must be:
- a citizen of Australia
- permanent employee of the DECYP, employed in accordance with the Teaching Service (Tasmanian Public Sector) Award
- fully registered teacher with the Teachers Registration Board Tasmania.
Applicants from previous years may re-apply.
Hardie Fellowship Program Applications for travel in 2024 are to be submitted via the online application form. Before you can fill in the form, you will be asked to register with SmartyGrants (the platform the application is on).
Applicants (individuals studying alone and individuals who are part of a group study) must respond to a series of questions.
Responses should clearly explain your study focus and rationale, how the study can support learner outcomes and DECYP, as well as positively impact your personal capability.
Applicants must also provide the names and contact details of two referees (one being your manager) and a resume outlining your qualifications, accreditations and roles that are relevant to your proposed study.
Before applying, please read the Guidelines and FAQs below.
Professor Charles Dunn Hardie was a long-serving Dean of Education at the University of Tasmania who was internationally recognised for his contribution to the field. His generous bequest of $7.5 million enabled the Hardie Fellowship Program to be established in 2002.
Income from the Trust, which is administered by TPT Wealth, is used to provide annual fellowships. The number awarded is determined by the Trustee, in consultation with the Hardie Fellowship Selection Panel, after considering the annual income available.
Before starting an application, be sure to read the Hardie Fellowship Program Guidelines here.
What does the fellowship fund?
The Hardie Fellowship Program covers the following costs:
- A base salary while the recipient is in the United States.
- Expenses for course fees, living, travel, accommodation and other necessary costs (such as a visa if you are in the United States for more than 90 days) to successfully complete the course or research.
The recipient’s salary will continue to be paid fortnightly by DECYP. Long-service leave, sick leave and superannuation will continue to be paid and accrued. The Trust funds DECYP to cover this cost.
The non-salary component of the grant is paid directly to the recipient. Each recipient should seek their own independent advice as to how the non-salary component of the fellowship may impact their tax obligations.
How many fellowships are awarded – and for how much?
The number awarded is determined by the Trustee, in consultation with the Selection Panel, after considering the annual income available. Fellowship amounts will depend on the individual’s circumstances (their salary, length of study, travel destination and course) and the exchange rate. The People Capability and Development team will work with successful applicants on a reasonable and detailed budget that will enable study to be undertaken.
How long can recipients study in the United States for?
Recipients can use the fellowship to pursue studies, research or professional development at a university in the United States for up to 12 weeks. Recipients must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their travel dates and obtain the necessary visa.
Who selects recipients and when?
The fellowships are selected by a panel composed of individuals in the following positions (or their delegate):
- Director of People Capability and Development, DECYP
- Deputy Secretary, Schools and Early Years, DECYP
- Director Teaching and Learning, DECYP
- Dean of Education, University of Tasmania
- A representative from the teaching profession
Applicants will know if they have been successful by the end of October.
Are there any tips to help me apply?
- Understand the process. Read the Guidelines and FAQs. If you still have questions, email pli@decyp.tas.gov.au
- Gather support. Secure your two referees early on and find someone who can provide feedback on your application. If you are part of a group that is applying, work together to ensure consistency (each person must submit a separate application).
- Stay focused. The application form has been designed to elicit key and compelling information, so answer the question directly and make every word count. Use bullet-points, where appropriate.
- Give yourself time. Read over the questions, firm up your study goals and plan your response. Start well before the closing day. Late applications will not be accepted.
If you have a question that has not been answered in the FAQs or Guidelines, please email People Capability and Development (PCD) at pli@decyp.tas.gov.au