Each year, the College awards a number of Academic and Music Scholarships. It is our aim to help students who, without our support, might not be able to avail themselves of the opportunities offered. We also understand that financial considerations may prevent boys from sharing in the experiences that we offer. In response to these considerations, the College also offer a number of bursaries, primarily for those parents facing financial hardship.
Scholarships
Applications for Academic and Music Scholarships for 2026 at The Scots College will open in September.
Scholarships Offered at The Scots College:
Academic
- Year 7 2026 Academic Scholarships – Level 1 (open to current Scots families and new enrolments)
- Year 8 2026 Academic Scholarships – Level 1 (open to new enrolments only)
- Year 9 and Year 10 2026 Academic Scholarships – Level 2 (open to new enrolments only)
- Year 11 2026 Academic Scholarships – Level 3 (open to new enrolments only)
Music
- Year 7 2026 Music Scholarships – Level 1 (open to current Scots families and new enrolments)
- Year 10 2026 Music Scholarships – Level 2 (open to new enrolments only)
- Applications for other year levels may be considered for a Music Scholarship in Years 8, 9 and 11 for new enrolments only.
Registrations
Registrations for Years 7 to 11 2026 Scholarships at The Scots College will open via the ACER Website Registration link in September.
Scholarship Process
Applicants for all 2026 Academic and Music Scholarships at The Scots College are required to undertake the ACER Cooperative Scholarship Examination in February 2025. The date will be confirmed by ACER later in the year.
The ACER scholarship examination will be held at The Scots College, Bellevue Hill. Testing venue information will be shared by ACER closer to the date of the exam.
The examination is conducted as part of the Cooperative Scholarship Testing Program (CSTP) administered by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER).
Academic Scholarships may be full or partial scholarships and are awarded as a result of the ACER examination and interview.
Music Scholarships
Music Scholarships may be full or partial scholarships and are awarded as a result of the ACER examination, portfolio submission, an audition and interview. A portfolio must be submitted to music@scots.college after the successful submission of the scholarship application via the ACER website. Email music@scots.college for specific information regarding a portfolio submission.
Academic and Music Scholarships at The Scots College are leadership positions. Scholars must demonstrate a deep commitment to their academics through a top ranking in the ACER examination results, strong performance in the interview and a portfolio of achievements and passions. Please note that the ACER exam is set above the current year level curriculum, and strong NAPLAN and classroom results are not necessarily an indicator of performance in the ACER examination.
ACER examination results will be communicated by ACER to registered families.
Bursaries
Parents can apply for the following bursaries:
- RM Farquharson Bursary
- The Scots College All-Rounder Bursaries
- Boarding Bursary
- Indigenous Bursary
For more information regarding each bursary, download Scots’ General Tuition and Boarding Bursaries.
Bursaries are available to boys entering Years 7 to 11 and provide exemption of tuition and/or boarding fees. Bursaries are awarded based on a range of criteria, including financial need (means tested), leadership qualities, academic performance, interview and co-curricular abilities.
Bursary applicants are required to complete and send to the College:
- Bursary Application form
- Evidence of Financial Need form, with required supporting documents
- Evidence of Scottish heritage (for RM Farquharson applicants)
Applications for boarding bursaries for 2024 remain open.
Please discuss with the Director of Boarding, Mr Justin McInnes at j.mcinnes@scots.college before completing an application form.
Enquiries
For Academic Scholarship enquiries please email admissions@scots.college.
For Music Scholarship enquiries including the portfolio submission deadline and the next steps in the scholarship process, please email music@scots.college.
For a Boarding Bursary please email Director of Boarding, Mr Justin McInnes at j.mcinnes@scots.college.
For more information on Indigenous Scholarships and Bursaries, contact Head of Indigenous Education, Ms Justine Kolliou at j.kolliou@scots.college.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, candidates applying for an Academic or Music Scholarship are required to sit the ACER Scholarship Examination.
Academic Scholarships may be full or partial scholarships and are awarded as a result of the ACER examination and interview.
Music Scholarships may be full or partial scholarships and are awarded as a result of the ACER examination, portfolio submission, an audition and interview. A portfolio must be submitted to music@scots.college after the successful submission of the scholarship application via the ACER website. Email music@scots.college for specific information regarding a portfolio submission and its scholarship process.
The $130 covers the ACER Scholarship Examination fee and costs such as supervisors for the examination.
Your son will learn of his application success by a written letter.
- Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by mail.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited in for an interview.
- Unsuccessful shortlisted applicants will be notified by mail.
- Successful scholarship applicants will be made an offer by mail.
The ACER Scholarships Examination test assesses acquired knowledge and intellectual ability. There is no short-term process that can provide a recipe for success. Here are some tips to assist him in preparing for the ACER exam:
- Allow your son to rest well prior to the test.
- Provide encouragement and not ‘driving’ him in the hope of gaining good results.
- Do not overburden him with unrealistic responsibilities and expectations.
- Ensure he is on time at the testing venue and equipped properly.
The Scot College is located on Victoria Road, Bellevue Hill, in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. The main entrance is the Phillip Mullens Memorial Gate, opposite the intersection of Ginahgulla Road with Victoria Road.
