Abbotsleigh Scholarships provides a wide variety of opportunities to celebrate and nurture excellence in academics, music, sports, leadership, and the arts.
Abbotsleigh recognizes and rewards outstanding achievement by offering various scholarships to day and boarding students in Years 5, 7, 10, and 11. Scholarship awards are determined by a range of criteria, including academic performance, financial need, personal interviews, and, for music scholarships, audition performances.
“Abbotsleigh’s scholarship program changed my daughter’s life completely. The opportunities, supportive community, and academic excellence have helped her flourish in ways we never imagined possible.” — Parent of Year 10 scholarship recipient
Available Abbotsleigh Scholarships
Year 7 Scholarships at Abbotsleigh
Abbotsleigh offers several Year 7 scholarships that provide up to 100% tuition fee remission. Students must take the scholarship exam in August 2025.
Current Year 5 students (2025) can sit the exam for Year 7 2027 entry on Saturday, August 23, 2025. Registration opens mid-May and closes August 14, 2025.
Open Academic Scholarship
Two full academic scholarships covering 100% of tuition fees for remaining school years.
Betty Archdale Scholarship
Needs-based academic scholarship providing up to 100% tuition fee remission for remaining school years.
Jubilee Scholarship
Academic scholarship specifically for daughters of Abbotsleigh Old Girls, offering up to 100% tuition fee remission from Year 7 onward.
Mollie and Nancy Douglas Scholarship
Needs-based academic scholarship covering up to 100% of tuition fees. This biennial scholarship will next be available for Year 5 students entering Year 7 in 2028.
Fiona Gaye Parsons Scholarship
All-rounder, needs-based scholarship open to both new and current students, providing 100% tuition fee remission from Year 7 onward.
Music Scholarship
Academic scholarship for exceptional orchestral instrumentalists (excluding piano), offering up to 100% tuition fee remission. Auditions required for selected candidates. Minimum requirements:
- Strings: Grade VI for violin, viola, cello; Grade III for double bass
- Brass/Woodwind: Two years’ prior school tuition for bassoon, oboe, French horn, tuba
- Other brass/woodwind instruments: Grade IV
Indigenous Scholarships
Boarding scholarships for Indigenous students from rural and remote areas, offered in partnership with Yalari. These needs-based scholarships cover up to 100% of both tuition and boarding fees. Applications close April 30 of the student’s Year 6.
Abbotsleigh Years 7-11 Scholarships
Boarding Bursaries
Abbotsleigh offers various boarding bursaries providing partial fee remission for families from country NSW. Year 7 applicants must attend the scholarship exam in August of Year 5.
Endeavour Performance All-Round Scholarship
This scholarship recognizes students who will enhance school life through all-round excellence in academics and performance areas like sport, drama, music, or public speaking.
Available for students entering Years 7-11, it provides up to 50% tuition fee remission for remaining school years.
Application requires:
– Personal achievement summary
– Two reference letters supporting chosen activity
– Latest school report and NAPLAN results
– Interview with the Headmistress and relevant department head
Year 7 applicants must attend the August scholarship exam in Year 5. For Years 8-11 entry, applications with academic records and achievements must be submitted before the end of Term 2, 2025 for 2026 entry.
Sports Performance Scholarship
For exceptional athletes competing at national or state level in sports offered through Abbotsleigh’s program.
Available for students entering Years 7-11, it provides up to 50% tuition fee remission for remaining school years.
Application requires:
– Sporting achievement summary with performance proof
– Two supporting reference letters
Year 7 applicants must attend the scholarship exam. For Years 8-11, submit academic records and achievements before the end of Term 2, 2025 for 2026 entry.
Year 10 Scholarships
Foundation Scholarships
Needs-based academic scholarships for new and current students entering Year 10, providing up to 50% tuition fee remission. Applications open April 2025, close end of June 2025.
The Kathleen McCredie Scholarship
Enables financially disadvantaged students to attend Abbotsleigh in Year 10. Recipients demonstrate involvement in spirituality, service, culture, sport, and academics. Applications open April 2025, close end of June 2025.
Everett Scholarship
For current Abbotsleigh students moving from Year 9 to Year 10, providing 50% tuition fee remission in Year 10. Applications open September 2025, close October 27, 2025.
Year 10 and 11 Scholarships
The Royle Scholarship
Biennial scholarship for Year 10 or 11 students with Old Girl affiliations (daughter, granddaughter, or great-granddaughter of an Abbotsleigh alumna).
This academic and/or general merit scholarship provides up to 50% tuition fee remission, with needs-based criteria possibly applying. Next assessment in 2026 for 2027 entry.
Year 11 Scholarships
Centenary Scholarship
The Centenary Scholarship is exclusively for current Year 11 Abbotsleigh students who are daughters of Abbotsleigh Old Girls. This award recognizes all-round participation and achievement, providing 25% tuition fee remission for the remainder of schooling. Assessment takes place annually in May.
Eligibility Requirements for Abbotsleigh Scholarships
Abbotsleigh scholarships are granted based on several key criteria, which can differ depending on the specific scholarship:
• Academic Excellence
Most scholarships look for strong academic performance.This is usually evaluated assessed through entrance exams and school reports
NAPLAN results might also be taken into account as additional evidence
• Musical or Sporting Talent
Music scholarships require you to show proficiency at certain grade levels
For sports scholarships, you’re typically expected to have experience in state or national-level competitions
Auditions or proof of performance will be necessary
• Leadership and Character
This is usually demonstrated through involvement in school and community activities
Evidence of taking initiative and commitment to extracurricular activities is essential.
Reference letters supporting your character traits can strengthen your application.
• Financial Need
Several scholarships are means-tested, which means they consider your financial situation.
You’ll need to provide financial documentation
The scholarship committee will assess this confidentially
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
1. Research Available Scholarships
Check out the Abbotsleigh website for comprehensive scholarship details. Identify scholarships that align with your daughter’s strengths and situation.
Make a note of the specific requirements and deadlines for each opportunity.
2. Register for the Scholarship Examination
Fill out the online registration form.
Pay the examination fee (fee waivers are available for those facing financial hardships).
Once registered, you’ll receive confirmation and details about the examination.
3. Prepare Application Documentation
Collect recent school reports from the last two years.
Compile any certificates of achievement and awards that you have
Get reference letters from teachers or mentors
Write a personal statement that addresses the scholarship criteria
Submit Your Application
4. Complete the online application portal
Upload all necessary documentation
Double-check that all sections are filled out before the deadline
5. Attend Examinations and Auditions
Participate in the scholarship examination for academic scholarships
Attend musical auditions if applying for a music scholarship
Prepare for interviews or assessments for sports and all-rounder scholarships
6. Interview Process
If you’re on the shortlist, we’ll reach out to invite you for an interview.
Be ready to chat about your achievements, goals, and how you connect with our school values.
We might also hold interviews with parents
7. Notification and Acceptance
You can usually expect offers to come out in April.
If you get an offer, be sure to accept it within two weeks.
The enrollment steps will begin right after you accept.
Key Dates for 2025-2026 Applications
Planning in advance for your scholarship application is super important for success. Make sure to circle these key dates on your calendar:
Mid-May 2025: Time to submit those scholarship applications
June-July 2025: Get ready for scholarship examinations
Thursday, August 14, 2025: Most scholarship applications are due
Saturday, August 23, 2025: Scholarship examination day for Year 7 entry
September 2025: The shortlisting and interview process kicks off
October 2025: Extra scholarship auditions and assessments happening
April 2026: Offers for scholarships are sent out
April-May 2026: Deadline to accept offers and start the enrollment process
Preparing a Standout Application for Abbotsleigh scholarships
1. Academic Preparation
Start reviewing important subjects at least 3-6 months before exam time
Put extra focus on English, math, general ability, and writing skills
Get some practice in with sample questions from selective school tests
Check out educational assessment books that target scholarship preparation
2. For Music Scholarships
Make sure you’re technically proficient at the required grade levels
Put together a varied repertoire that shows off your skills
Get in some regular sight-reading practice
Arrange some mock auditions with your music teachers
3. For Sports Scholarships
Gather evidence of your competition results
Request letters from your coaches and sports organizations
Create a portfolio showcasing your achievements, complete with photos/videos
Be ready to chat about your training commitments and future goals
4. All-Rounder Tips
Stay actively involved in a variety of activities
Keep track of your leadership roles and community service
Highlight the depth of your commitment over just the number of activities
Be prepared to explain how you reflect the school’s values
Application Documentation
Make sure all your documents are clearly labeled
Submit high-quality copies of any certificates and awards
Have teachers or mentors review your personal statements
Review all application materials carefully before hitting submit
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my daughter apply for multiple scholarships?
A: Absolutely! Students can apply for several scholarships, but they’ll need to meet the specific criteria for each one. You might also have to fill out separate applications for them.
Q: Are scholarships guaranteed for the duration of schooling?
A: Generally, scholarships continue throughout a student’s education at Abbotsleigh, provided they maintain satisfactory academic progress and good conduct. Just keep in mind that some scholarships are reviewed every year.
Q: What costs do scholarships cover beyond tuition?
A: Most scholarships only cover tuition fees. Costs like uniforms, textbooks, excursions, and co-curricular activities usually aren’t included, except in some Indigenous scholarships.
Q: How competitive are Abbotsleigh scholarships?
A: Competition is significant because hundreds of applications come in every year. Academic scholarships usually attract the most applicants, while specialist scholarships for music and sports get fewer, but very qualified candidates.
Q: Can international students apply for scholarships?
A: Yes, international students can apply for both academic and talent-based scholarships. However, some needs-based scholarships are limited to Australian citizens and permanent residents.
Q: Is there an advantage to applying early?
A: While all applications submitted by the deadline get equal treatment, applying early means you have enough time to tackle any issues with documentation that might pop up.
Q: How should we prepare for the scholarship examination?
A: It’s a good idea to get familiar with similar exam formats, develop regular study habits, and practice critical thinking and problem-solving questions. You might find commercial preparation books and practice tests for selective schools to be useful resources.
Q: What happens if my daughter is awarded a partial scholarship but we need additional financial support?
A: Families can apply for extra financial assistance through the school’s bursary program. These applications are kept confidential and are assessed based on financial need.