How to apply for a scholarship - and get it!

The word ‘scholarship’ has connotations to it. It speaks of exclusivity and an invitation into a world of privilege. This misconception can often halt families in their tracks before they even consider the process.

Scholarships, bursaries and selective entry criteria are part and parcel of how many Brisbane high schools operate. If you are considering a private school – or selective entry school – experience for your child, you would do well to consider if a scholarship could be a potential course of action for your family.

Let’s break down some of those preconceived ideas and unpack what a scholarship is and how you would go about securing one for your child.

The difference between a scholarship, a bursary and selective entry

Many private schools offer both scholarships and bursaries for families, but it can be difficult to identify the difference.

A scholarship is a competitive process (meaning that the number of students vying for a place is higher than the number of available positions) wherein students must demonstrate merit. Your child may excel in a particular field, like academics, music, or sport, or may do very well on an entrance exam.

A bursary is a non-competitive process that is usually based on financial need but can sometimes be related to distance for rural families. Bursaries mean that the school can provide education for a wider student body and award equal opportunities to community members.

You’ll find that many schools offer both assistance packages. Brisbane Girls Grammar, for example, has several options available for girls who demonstrate the characteristics of a “Grammar Girl” – curious, principled, adventurous, balanced and independent - and might otherwise be unable to attend the school for financial reasons.

Selective entry refers to the process at certain state schools (sometimes known as an Excellence Program) where students from outside the catchment may be granted enrolment if they fulfil certain criteria.

Scholarships, bursaries and selective entries are great for the school and the student. Not only does it mean that children have access to a wider range of education options, but it also promotes diversity within the student population and culture. It’s a great example of social justice in action and increases the breadth of the school community.

The types of scholarship assistance available

Your school of choice may offer full or partial scholarships depending on a variety of factors.

Many schools offer academic scholarships. Your child will have to participate in an entrance exam (more on that a little later) and demonstrate academic capabilities across a range of subjects.

Your child may be interested in a sporting scholarship. Typically speaking, to qualify one would expect that your child has participated in their sport at a high representative level. There would be a similar expectation that your child would continue to participate in the sport throughout their tenure at the school.

Similarly, a music scholarship may be an option. A certain level of competency and commitment in the study of the instrument would have to be demonstrated. There would also be an expectation that your child would continue to study their instrument of choice. The inclusion of such specialised scholarships guarantees the growth of a rich, varied and disciplined educational environment that acknowledges individual skill and talent.

Lastly, you may well find that your school of choice offers an ‘all-rounder’ scholarship (or something similar). If your child is a consistently high performer across a range of areas but is not considered a specialist in any particular one, they still may well be in the running.

IES College in Spring Hill provides a new approach to high school for years 11 and 12. They offer the International Baccalaureate Program in a multi-cultural and diverse college setting, with no uniform and a later start time to the day. The scholarships available include Academic Excellence, Diversity & Belonging, and Leadership.

The process involved in getting a scholarship, bursary or being granted selective entry

The vast majority of school scholarships involve students sitting for either an ACER test or an Edutest. Both tests are digital and are based on ability and achievement. Preparation for these tests can be done, but for the most part the questions are ‘general knowledge’. The best way to prepare your child is to have them read widely, think critically, and review their common core curriculum concepts prior to testing.

Some schools will have their own testing process, which may involve a short answer exam and a timed written response component. If this is applicable to your school of choice you will receive information on it beforehand so that your child may have time to prepare.

All school scholarship applications will involve an interview after application as part of their process, as well as the opportunity for your child to provide evidence of their achievements and merit. Ideally, the interview will be an informal conversation where the school attempts to ‘get to know’ your child. This works best if your child is relaxed and feeling confident – try to help settle their nerves instead of increasing them.

Decisions about scholarship recipients will be made with great consideration. You will not receive an immediate answer but the school will contact you to let you know either way once they have made their decision.

St Peters Lutheran College offers a variety of scholarships, some of which, like their Excellence Scholarship, are merit based. The Excellence Scholarship covers tuition fees and is awarded to children entering years 7-11 who show strong general ability plus a high level of excellence in at least one co-curricular area. Applications need to be made by June 1 of the previous school year. They also offer Academic Scholarships, Boarding Scholarships, and Rural Leadership Scholarships.

When to start applying for scholarships

Scholarships are usually open to a number of student year levels. As a result, the process begins sooner than you may think.

Testing and interviews will typically take place in the first two terms for entry in the following school year. Awarding scholarships and bursaries is not a decision the school takes lightly – it needs to be a considered process to ensure that the funds are going to the right family.

Your best bet would be to get in contact with your school of choice early and to work with them towards the timeline that they have set.

How do you ensure you get a scholarship?

There’s no secret formula to success. If your child can demonstrate that they are:

Exceptional in their specific area of speciality

A significant ‘all-rounder’ with the potential to value add to their cohort

From a family whose financial situation is precluding them from a private school education

then you are in with a chance. There’s nothing to lose – give it a go! Get in contact with the school of your dreams today.

To find out more about the types of scholarships offered at state and private schools in Brisbane and Ipswich, visit this link:

www.familiesmagazine.com.au/types-of-scholarships-brisbaneschools