Frequently Asked Questions

In this section:

Why does the College offer Scholarships?
How does the College fund its scholarships?
Are scholarships based on merit or need?
What scholarships does the College offer?
Are all scholarships 100%?
How do I apply for a Scholarship?
How does the process work?
Are scholarships open to international and domestic students?
Can I apply for a scholarship if I have already begun the enrolment process?
What expectations does the College have of its scholarship students?
Does the offering of scholarships cost current Parents money?
What is the College doing to provide more scholarships at the College?
Who can I talk to if I have further questions?

1. Why does the College offer Scholarships?

To assist in making an independent education accessible. This allow students who would not otherwise be able to afford to attend the College, the opportunity to have an independent Christian education. This is key in our mission. This also ensures that the College has diversity.
To assist College families who are facing financial hardship
Attract students to the College especially those with special talents. Such special talents can enhance College performance in sporting, cultural and academic areas as well as act as role models for current students and provide opportunities for all students to reach their potential.

2. How does the College fund its scholarships?

Funding for scholarships comes from a number of sources. Some funds are invested by the Foundation which provide an annual income for the College, some scholarships are funded by tuition discounts and other scholarships are provided by benefactors. A good example of externally funded scholarships are the Strathmore and Victor Vito Scholarships which are funded by a College benefactor who wishes to provide the opportunity for students in our local community, who need support, the opportunity to attend the College.

3. Are scholarships based on merit or need?

The College offers a variety of scholarships some based on need and others on merit. In general needs based scholarships are funded by the Foundation or benefactors with some discretionary funds from the Board and merit based scholarships receive tuition discount. Approximately 60% of scholarships are merit based and 40% needs based.

4. What scholarships does the College offer?

Middle School

Year 7

Academic Scholarships – each year 1-2 scholarships are awarded on merit to students who excel in our scholarship entrance examination.
Music Scholarships – each year 1-2 scholarships are awarded to students who show outstanding merit in musicianship. Selection is based upon a practical performance and generally students who achieve these are studying at Grade 4 and above.
General Excellence – the College offers 1-2 scholarships to students who excel in one area – sport, academic, cultural, citizenship and show excellent character. These suit students who may not be the top in one area but would be considered good all-rounders. These are awarded on merit.

Year 9

Academic Scholarships – each year 1-2 scholarships are awarded on merit to students who excel in our scholarship entrance examination
Music Scholarships – each Year 1-2 scholarships are awarded to students who show outstanding merit in musicianship. Selection is based upon a practical performance and generally students who achieve these are studying at Grade 6 and above
General Excellence – the College offers 1-2 scholarships to students who excel in one area – sport, academic, cultural, citizenship and show excellent character. These suit students who may not be the top in one area but would be considered good all-rounders. These are awarded on merit.
Scots Collegians Association Scholarship – This scholarship of 33% is available to a good all round student and preference is given to applicants whose family are past pupils of the College.
Boarding – Boarding scholarships may be available to suitable applicants

Senior Scholarships

International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarships – available to current students as well as students new to school. Scholarships are awarded on merit based on academic achievement as outlined in students applications and an interview
Pipe Band Scholarship – available to a student new to school who shows outstanding merit in musicianship. Selection is based upon a practical performance
General Excellence – students who excel in one area – sport, academic, cultural, citizenship and show excellent character. These suit students who may not be the top in one area but would be considered good all-rounders. These are awarded on merit.
Boarding – Boarding scholarships may be available to suitable applicants
Hardship/financial assistance – These scholarships exist to support students who would otherwise not be able to attend the College and range from 25% to 100% of tuition fees. These scholarships are awarded on need and in many cases are funded by Corporates or Benefactors who support the College.
Sporting scholarships – these scholarships exist to support students who excel in sport and who would otherwise not be able to attend the College and range from 25% to 100% of tuition fees. These scholarships are awarded on need and in many cases are funded by Corporates or Benefactors who support the College.

5. Are all scholarships 100%?

No. The majority of scholarships offered by the College are merit based and are for a portion of tuition fees. The portion offered is at the discretion of the Principal, Headmaster or Board.

6. How do I apply for a Scholarship?

Details are available on the College website

7. How does the process work?

Applications are submitted by the due date
All Middle School scholarship applicants must sit the academic scholarship test
Shortlisted applicants are contacted and invited in for an interview.
After the closing date applications are considered and offers made
Scholarships are reviewed annually and in general students hold these scholarships for their time at the College, excluding the Year 7&8 scholarships. The Year 7&8 scholarships are only for these years and students continuing into Year 9 can apply for the Year 9 scholarships.
Unsuccessful applicants are notified

8. Are scholarships open to international and domestic students?

Yes, both domestic and international students are welcome to apply.

9. Can I apply for a scholarship if I have already begun the enrolment process?

Yes, you can apply for a scholarship at any stage of the enrolment and confirmation process. For example if you have already confirmed your place at the College but have not yet started you are welcome to apply as an external candidate.

10. What expectations does the College have of its scholarship students?

In essence these are no different to our expectations of all students; to behave well, contribute and work hard. Scholarships are reviewed annually and if there is an issue there is a process we work through to ensure expectations are being met. If these are not met a scholarship may be removed.

11. Does the offering of scholarships cost current Parents money?

No. In fact the additional revenue from scholarship students and the Government funding they attract reduces costs for all Parents

12. What is the College doing to provide more scholarships at the College?

The College holds numerous campaigns to raise funds for scholarships. These funds are lodged in the Foundation and income from these funds will allow us to continue to offer scholarships in the future to deserving or needy students to change their lives.

13. Who can I talk to if I have further questions?

This sounds exciting and worthwhile. How can I help?
If you wish to talk about how you could help with the scholarship program at the College please contact the College’s Development Officer, Stephanie Croft

General questions regarding applications
Prep School – Olive Mulcahy Principal’s Secretary
Middle School – Sharon Hedges Principal’s PA
Senior School – Maria Calcott – Headmaster’s EA

General questions regarding the scholarship program
Principal Prep School – Richard Kirk
Principal Middle School – Matthew Allen
Principal Senior School – Christian Zachariassen
Headmaster – Graeme Yule

Terms and Conditions

The College reserves the right not to award any particular scholarship and/or to reallocate funding to another scholarship.
The value of the scholarships is a proportion of the tuition fee. The tenure of the Scholarship is closely monitored, with a full review at the end of each academic year. The scholarship recipient is expected to contribute fully to all Scots College sporting events, trips, exchanges etc that they are selected for. Should a student not be committing properly to their studies and/or college wide commitments the scholarship could be withdrawn.
On receipt of the application form, the candidate’s present Principal may be asked to provide a confidential report to the Principal.
Successful candidates will be required to conform to the curriculum and rules of Scots College.
Scots College is a Presbyterian Church School and a successful candidate is expected to participate fully and willingly in the Christian aspect of its curriculum.
Examination scripts and the marks awarded will be the property of Scots College. Marks are not forwarded to the candidates.