What Even Is a Scholarship Exam?
A scholarship exam is a test that some schools use to offer students discounted or free tuition based on their academic ability. These exams usually happen in Years 5 and 6 (for Year 7 entry), and sometimes in Year 8 or 9 too.
They’re competitive—like, really competitive—so you’ll need to go in with a game plan. You don’t need to be a genius or top of your class. You just need to prepare smart and practice the right way.
What’s Actually In the Test?
There are two main exam providers in Australia for high school scholarship tests— ACER and Edutest. If you know which one you are taking already, be sure to read our detailed guide for each one so that you go in super prepared!
Regardless of whichever test you are taking though, most scholarship exams will usually involve:
- Abstract Reasoning
- Numerical Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing Task
Yep, it’s a lot—but that doesn’t mean it has to be scary. Let’s break each one down.
Abstract Reasoning (aka “Pattern Wizardry”)
What it is: Shape patterns, sequences, and matrices. You’re tested on your logic and speed.
How to prep:
- Get familiar with common pattern types (rotation, flips, shading etc.)
- Work on speed—most students lose marks from running out of time
- Practise, then review your mistakes. Repeat
Numerical Reasoning (Maths with a Twist)
What it is: Maths questions that test your ability to problem-solve fast—think patterns, sequences, logic puzzles, and word problems.
How to prep:
- Brush up on basic numeracy: percentages, ratios, area, averages
- Try puzzle-style questions—like Sudoku or number grids
- Focus on timed practice (you don’t get a calculator!)
Resources:
- Maths is Fun for concepts
Verbal Reasoning (Logic but with Words)
What it is: You’ll get questions like “Which word doesn’t belong?” or “Cat is to Kitten as Dog is to ___”. It’s testing how you think with language.
How to prep:
- Build your vocabulary (apps like Quizlet are great for this)
- Learn root words, prefixes and suffixes
- Practice analogy and logic puzzles regularly
Reading Comprehension
What it is: You’ll read a passage and answer questions on meaning, tone, author intent, and inference.
How to prep:
- Read every day—try newspapers, fiction, essays, etc
- Practise identifying main ideas, arguments, and tones
- Time yourself when answering practice questions
Resources:
Writing Task
What it is: Usually a short persuasive or narrative piece. The catch? You have around 25–30 minutes, and it’s marked on structure, ideas, grammar, and creativity.
How to prep:
- Know what markers want: clarity, originality, and structure
- Write short pieces regularly (aim for 400–500 words under time pressure)
- Learn how to plan in under 2 minutes and save time to edit at the end
Resources:
- Search up images or random writing prompts online!
Our Two-Phase Prep Method
Phase 1: Build the Basics (3–4 weeks)
- Work on each test section individually
- Use resources to learn why you're getting questions wrong
- Start building your writing stamina
Phase 2: Practice Papers and Timing (2–3 weeks)
- Do full practice exams under real conditions
- Learn to manage time per question
- Review and fix weak points (don’t just do more for the sake of it)
Final Tips & Tricks
- Start early. Even just 30 mins a day over 6–8 weeks makes a huge difference.
- Make a plan. Use a schedule to track what you’re studying and when.
- Don’t cram. Scholarship exams reward consistency, not last-minute panic.
- Work with a tutor. KIS Academics has some of the top tutors in Australia, and we’ve helped hundreds of students ace their scholarship exams.
FAQs
How hard are high school scholarship exams?
They’re tough. Most people don’t get offered a scholarship—not because they’re not smart, but because they don’t prep properly. The good news? With smart preparation, you can stand out.
Can I use a calculator in my high school scholarship exam?
Nope—almost all scholarship exams are calculator-free. You’ll need to get comfy with mental maths and estimating.
When should I start preparing for my high school scholarship exam?
Ideally, 2-3 months in advance. But even if you’ve only got a few weeks, focus on strategy: learn the sections, do targeted practice, and review your mistakes.
Want help from someone who’s been there?
At KIS Academics, our scholarship tutors are in the top 3% of students Australia-wide, and we’ve sat the same tests you're facing. Whether it’s detailed feedback on your writing or someone to keep you accountable, we’re here to help you get your best result.
Manoj Arachige
Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!
Written by KIS Academics Tutor for HSC, VCE, IB and A-Level English, Chemistry and Biology, Tristen Lee. Additionally, he is available for scholarship and selective test tutoring and other assignment assistance. Tristen is currently in the Sydney Medical Program at the University of Sydney. He has outstanding credentials as a tutor, and you can view Tristen’s profile here and request him as a tutor.
