How to get a high school scholarship in Sydney

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Below are five high-performing high schools that are offering scholarships in 2025.

Sydney Grammar School

One of the oldest schools in Australia with significant experience providing a comprehensive education to boys, Sydney Grammar School offers up to a cumulative 20 academic scholarships per year for boys entering year 7 (form I). These scholarships award students a 90% discount of tuition fees. The school does not offer scholarships for entrance to years 8 to 11. 

Registration dates for 2026 scholarships open on Friday 1st November 2024, and close on Monday 25th January. The exam date is Sunday 2nd February 2025.

The scholarship exam is an assessment of English and Mathematics, with shortlisted candidates invited for an interview, after which successful candidates will be awarded a scholarship. The school website states that those who are unsuccessful in the competitive process of acquiring a scholarship will be notified by email as soon as possible. 

There are also a range of music scholarships available, with an application process taking into consideration performance on audition, results in the academic scholarship assessment test, as well as character. For further information, prospective students and parents are encouraged to contact the music department on 9332 5895 or email foms@sydgram.nsw.edu.au. 

Abbotsleigh

Located on Sydney’s North Shore, Abbotleigh is a Pre-K to Year 12 girls day and boarding school, with a number of scholarships on offer to students in years 5, 7, 10 and 11. To determine suitable candidates for scholarships, the school considers factors such as examination results, financial need, interview and music performance (for music scholarships) 

Year 5: Fiona Gaye Parsons Scholarship: an all-rounder, needs-based scholarship available to prospective students or current Abbotsleigh students entering year 5 in 2025. Applications have now closed for the 2025 academic year and details for 2026 are yet to be published on the school website, keep an eye on the space!  

Year 7: Multiple scholarships offer up to 100% off tuition fees, with online applications open until Thursday 12th September 2024. Prospective recipients undergo an examination in September (Saturday 21st September 2024).      

Interested parents and prospective applicants are encouraged to review the scholarship application page and keep an eye out for the school’s updates. 

St Aloysius’ College

A Catholic independent day school located in Kirribilli, St Aloysuis’ College is dedicated to developing and guiding students’ intellectual and life skills, with an emphasis on forming a strong sense of social justice. 

The application and enrolment process for all students has a focus on ensuring that the student will be a suitable fit for the school in a range of aspects. As such, all prospective students are required to undergo an entrance examination. On Friday 27th September 2024, registrations for this exam will open for years 3 and 5 for entrance in 2026, and year 7 for entrance in 2027. Applications close on Friday, November 15th 2024.

The examination dates are: 

Year 3, 2026 entrance examination – Wednesday, 26 February 2025

Year 5, 2026 entrance examination – Thursday, 27 February 2025

Year 7, 2027 entrance examination – Tuesday, 25 February 2025

The College offers no form of talent-based scholarship (academic, music or sporting). Instead, the Bursary Program provides means-tested bursaries to prospective students. 

Reddam House

A co-educational school for students from ages 1 to 18, Reddam House is committed to providing an individualized approach to learning to ensure students thrive. Academic Scholarships are offered to students entering Years 7 to 11. Scholarships allow for partial or full remission of tuition fees throughout a student’s secondary education

Scholarships are awarded to students on the basis of considering the scholarship exam results and the information and documentation provided during the registration process. Exams are held annually in March for entry the following year, and registrations open in mid-January on the school’s website. 

Registration for Scholarships in 2026 will open Monday 20th January 2025 and the exam will be held on Sunday 9th March 2025. The exam is organized on the college’s behalf by Academic Assessment Services; parents and students are advised to review the website to familiarize themselves with the examination format. 

Meriden School

Committed to nurturing academic excellence and personal growth, Meriden School offers a range of scholarships to support and recognise exceptional students, in domains including Academics, Music, Sporting and General Excellence. These awards are designed to help grow talent, reward incredible achievements, and encourage students who excel in their chosen fields. 

Academic Scholarships cover full or part tuition fees for up to six years and are open for students wishing to enter the school in year 7. Applications for entrance in 2026 open on November 1st 2024 for the various scholarships on offer for students in years 7, 9 and 10. 

Overview of the typical scholarship application process: 

Generally, scholarship exams aim to assess a broad range of skills, including maths, reading comprehension, and writing and some tests will test abstract reasoning ability. The application process starts with an application (usually online), and then an exam will be conducted. After this, shortlisted applications are invited to an interview with key members of the school. Offers are made shortly after. 

Overview of key areas tested in the exam, key skills required, a brief outline of process (application, exam, interview, rounds of offers).

Scholarship exam preparation guides

• The ultimate guide to EduTest scholarship exams
• The ultimate guide to ACER scholarship exams

Need help preparing for a high school scholarship interview? Check out our top tips for passing a high school scholarship interview.

FAQs

Where do I apply for a high school scholarship?

The school website will usually have a link to the application portal when registrations are open. 

What types of students receive a scholarship?

Scholarships are typically awarded to students based on merit and outstanding achievement, including outstanding academic performance. Scholarships can also be available to students who demonstrate exceptional ability in sports, music and arts. 

How long does getting a scholarship take?

From registration to sitting the exam to awaiting results and undergoing an interview process, it generally takes cumulatively several months. 

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Written by KIS Academics Tutor, Sue Nguyen. Sue is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from The University of Adelaide and has been tutoring for over 5 years. You can view Sue’s profile here and request her as a tutor.