Are you wondering which schools offer Gold Coast scholarships to families with kids that live locally? Private school scholarships are available in the Gold Coast but they’re highly sought after and things can get very competitive. Full scholarships and bursary grants largely come down to your child’s results in the ACER scholarship examinations that are held in February or March each year. So how can you try to take advantage of this opportunity? Read on to find out the facts.
What is the difference between a scholarship and a bursary?
To get a scholarship (a set fee paying program) the student must be able to meet specific criteria. Usually they excel academically and get a very high ACER exam score. Scholarships can also be based on sporting or cultural achievements. A bursary is funding offered by elite schools at the discretion of the Principal on a case-by-case basis. Usually, this will go to a student who is already at the school and doing extremely well but who lacks the financial means to cover their full fees. This might mean they receive discounts on their school fees or even free tuition if the school wants them to stay.
What is the ACER exam?
ACER is a nationwide test that happens in February or March to help schools decide their scholarship candidates. Skills tested include the student’s ability to interpret, infer, deduce and think critically. Tests are NOT curriculum based. After you enrol your child as a candidate you will then be able to access resources, mock exams and teaching materials to use to prepare. ACER online offers prep testing to any enrolled students. Once you have registered, you then apply for scholarships through the website. You might want to consider focusing on your desired school – applying for ALL the scholarships means your child will have to sit ALL of the tests.
Tests are available for students entering elite schools from grade five up to senior. Some schools will only choose you if you list their scholarship as your first choice so think carefully. Each test usually costs around $100.
What’s the ACER test? Check out these ACER sample questions
Gold Coast private schools offering scholarships
How to get a scholarship will depend on the criteria set by each individual school. It’s vital to read up on the best school scholarship options for your child before listing your preferences through the ACER system. Take your time, call or email them to ask questions and be as informed about your decision as possible. This needs to be the right choice for your child and an atmosphere where they will be able to do well.
A.B. Paterson College
Scholarship Name: Academic and Music Excellence Scholarships(years 6, 9 and 10), Performing Arts Excellence Scholarship (year 10 for study in 11 and 12), E.J. Klimowicz Voice Excellence Scholarship(years 6-11), The Alan Rickard Scholarship (current year 11 students)
Bursary Options: Foundation Bursary for Study 2018 (students in year 6 who do not currently attend), Sport Bursary (years 9-12 who have gained sporting recognition at either state or national level competition)
King’s Christian College
Scholarship Name: Academic or Music scholarships for students in years 4 – 11 in the year following when they take the examination. Find details about scholarships at King’s College here.
All Saints Anglican School
Scholarship Name: Academic Excellence, Music Excellence and General Excellence for students in years 7, 10 and 11. All Saints Anglican School scholarship registration via the ACER exam are now open. Hillcrest Christian College
Scholarship Name: Academic (years 4, 7 and 10), Excellence in Sport or The Arts (years 5 – 12). Online applications for Hillcrest Christian College are now open.
Rivermount College
Scholarship Name: Academic Scholarships (year 6, 7-9, 10-11), Scholarships of Excellence (year 6-12), Indigenous Education Scholarship (prep-12)
Saint Stephen’s College
Scholarship Name: Saint Stephen’s College Scholarship (years 7-12 for students who excel in music, sport or academics)
Somerset College
Scholarships are available at Somerset College and the College website will update with relevant information as it is released.
St Andrew’s Lutheran College
Scholarship Name: Academic Scholarship (7-12), Performing and Creative Arts Scholarship (7-12), Sporting Scholarship (7-12). More for detail on each of these categories and application forms see the St Andrew’s Lutheran College scholarship website page.
Bursary Options: Awarding of bursaries will take into account objective information (test results), supporting information and an interview process. All decisions are made at the discretion of the Principal.
Trinity Lutheran College
Scholarship Name: Academic Excellence, Sporting Excellence, Performing Arts Excellence (all year 6-11).
Bursary Options: Year 10, 2017. Current year 9 students with consistently strong NAPLAN results may apply for a Year 10 2017 scholarship at Trinity Lutheran College.
If your family is interested in a private school scholarship on the Gold Coast there are many choices and opportunities available. Your best bet is to visit websites and campuses, call and email Enrolment Officers and make the most informed decision possible based on what works for your family. Good luck!
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