The Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment (OCPSE) is proud to launch a Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Scholarship Program which offers 11 scholarships to give public sector employees across key diversity groups access to leadership development programs.

Applications are now open for 10 full scholarships for the Manager Essentials Program and one full scholarship for the Executive Excellence Program

The program reflects the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy (external site) which outlines the public sector’s continued commitment towards building a diverse, equitable and inclusive South Australian public sector workforce where everyone belongs and is valued for their uniqueness.

Diversity and inclusion underpins creating a contemporary and innovative public sector, which can better serve the needs of the community. We aim to develop an equitable and responsive public sector through providing learning and professional development opportunities to support the career progression of our current and aspiring SA public sector leaders from diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility

Scholarships are available to South Australian public sector employees who are AS05 to AS07 (or equivalent) for the Manager Essentials Program, and SAES level (or equivalent) and above for the Executive Excellence Program and identify as belonging to one or more of the following groups:

  • Autistic
  • Neurodiverse (other than Autistic)
  • LGBTIQA+
  • Women
  • With disability
  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
  • From a culturally and linguistically diverse background
  • Youth (under 25 years of age) or mature aged worker (over 60 years of age)

Cost

There is no cost to agencies for staff to undertake the scholarships.

The Manager Essentials Program is valued at $3,300 (+GST) per participant and the Executive Excellence program is valued at $12,900 (+GST) per participant.

The costs are covered in full by OCPSE for the successful scholarship recipients.

Timeline

Applications will open Monday 1 September 2025 and close Tuesday 30 September 2025.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in late 2025.

Selection process

The selection panel will use a Scholarship Selection Matrix to assess applications.

The matrix criteria is based on the three Leadership Excellence Framework fundamentals: Advance - govern well; Inspire - lead well; and Deliver - manage well.

Time and investment

Manager Essentials Program

The Manager Essentials Program is a four-month commitment requiring in person attendance for a half day open and close and four full day workshops.

To view the program schedule, visit the OCPSE website.

Executive Excellence Program

The Executive Excellence Program is a four-month commitment requiring in person attendance for a half day open and seven full day workshops. Virtual attendance will also be required for three ninety-minute webinars and three 1hr coaching sessions.

View the program schedule, visit the OCPSE website.

Frequently asked questions

To view the Frequently Asked Questions for the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Scholarships, please click here.

Apply now

Check list before submitting your application:

  • Confirm you have your managers support and are available to attend all aspects of the program for the time required to complete the program.
  • Complete all details in the online application form. The online system accepts documents in certain formats and sizes, please follow the instructions displayed within the online form.
  • Review your scholarship application and make sure your application succinctly covers the selection criteria (Scholarship Selection Matrix).
  • Upload your peer, mentor or manager’s recommendation letter.
  • Ensure you select ‘SUBMIT’. A confirmation with an application receipt number will be sent to your nominated email address to confirm receipt of your application.

To apply for the scholarships please complete the application form.

  1. Complete the initial screening form
  2. Upload your application which addresses how the program would assist in your leadership journey and your career in the South Australian public sector, through one of the following: a:
    • a statement of maximum 250-words
    • 2-minute video
    • 2-minute voice recording
    • 1-page visual document
  3. Provide a letter of recommendation from a manager, peer or mentor.

Applicants are encouraged to use leadership characteristics and behavioural examples from both the workplace and external to the workplace, such as community leadership.

Complete the Application Form(external site)