St Catherine’s School leads the way for girls’ education in Australia. St Catherine’s School occupies an enviable position, distinguished by its reputation for embracing an innovative and outstanding academic program and the richness and depth of opportunities offered to our students.

Through exceptional educational opportunities, we prepare our students to become globally responsive women of the future. Scholarships provide learning and life opportunities that benefit not only the recipients themselves but provide great value to our School community.

2026 Scholarship applications are now closed

The range of scholarships available and criteria are outlined below.  The Scholarship exam will be held on Saturday 8 February 2025.

Scholarship applications close Monday 27 January 2025.  Please note that we do not accept late applications.

Academic Excellence

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of proven outstanding academic achievement and is subject to the student maintaining a high level of academic achievement.

• Eligible for current and prospective students entering Years 5 to 11 in 2026.
• Applicants must demonstrate strong academic ability.
• Academic scholarships may only be awarded to students who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Scholarships to be awarded on the basis of the results of a written examination, previous school reports, and an interview with the Principal

Year 7 Dr Sylvia Walton AO Award for Academic Excellence

Dr Sylvia Walton AO was the Principal of St Catherine’s School from 2007 to 2013. An outstanding educational leader, the Scholarship recognises her contribution to both the School and the Australian educational landscape.

• Eligible for current and prospective students entering Year 7 in 2026.
• Applicants must demonstrate strong academic ability.
• Scholarships will be awarded based on results from the written examination, previous school reports and an interview with the Principal
• Recipients will be expected to maintain a commitment to studies and make a significant contribution to St Catherine’s School through academic endeavour and leadership.
• Academic scholarships may only be awarded to new students who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.

General Excellence Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate strong academic ability AND who demonstrate excellence in areas such as Sport, Performing Arts, Public Speaking, Leadership and Service, Visual Arts.

• Eligible to both current and prospective students entering Years 5 to 11 2026.
• Scholarships to be awarded on the basis of the results of a written examination, previous school reports and an interview with the Principal.
• Scholarships may only be awarded to students who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.

VCE Excellence

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of proven outstanding academic achievement and is subject to the student maintaining a high level of academic achievement.

• Eligible for current and prospective students entering Years 10 or 11 2026
• For students who have demonstrated high achievement in academics
• Scholarships to be awarded on the basis of the results of a written examination, previous school reports and an interview with the Principal
• Scholarships may only be awarded to students who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Music Scholarships

Music Scholarships are offered for entry into Year 5 to 10 in 2026.

• Eligible to both current and prospective students entering Years 5 to 10 in 2026.
• Awarded on the basis of the academic excellence examination, previous school reports, interview with the Principal, and an audition with the Head of Music.
• Candidates must perform two stylistically contrasting pieces in a music audition.
• Students will be asked to play one or two examples of their own technical work and they should expect to sight-read a short musical excerpt on their instrument/s.
• Students will be required to complete brief aural exercises.
• If the student is a multi-instrumentalist, scales and exercises must be prepared for each instrument.
  • Two contrasting pieces must be prepared for each instrument. St Catherine’s may choose to hear all or any part of the material that is being prepared.
• The scholarship will provide free instrumental tuition (16 lessons per semester) on one instrument for the duration of study at St Catherine’s School. (The duration of the instrumental lessons provided will be determined at the discretion of the Head of Music based on the particular ability level of the student each year.)
• As a guideline, the following AMEB Grade levels or equivalent are suggested for entry at each year level. However, the School also encourages potential, with a particular focus on girls wishing to contribute to the School on specific instruments, such as Brass and Woodwind instruments.
  • • AMEB Grade 4 level for Years 5 and 6 entry
    • AMEB Grade 5 level for Year 7 entry
    • AMEB Grade 6 level for Year 8 entry
    • AMEB Grade 7 level for Year 9 and 10 entry
• Musicality and a willingness to be a part of a thriving program are of most interest to the School and recipients will be expected to be involved in both the school ensemble program and as solo performers.
• The scholarship will be reviewed yearly. This brief process may involve a written response and a brief interview with the Head of Music. 
• Music Scholarships will cover tuition with St Catherine’s instrumental staff only. In cases where the instrument is not offered by the school, lessons will be covered to the value of the scholarship with an external teacher. 
• Applicants will be shortlisted for an audition.
  • Candidates will be advised of their audition time once Scholarship applications close.
  • Music candidates are to provide their own accompanist at the audition.
• Scholarships may only be awarded to students who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.

St Catherine’s ADA Sports Scholarship

Athlete Development Academy Sports Scholarships are awarded to students commencing in Years 9 & 10 in 2026 who demonstrate strong academic ability AND who show exceptional sporting promise and a commitment to achieving in sport at a high level.

• The value of this scholarship is variable and will be discussed with the Principal at the time of the interview.
• The Scholarship will include access to the Athlete Development Academy, including a personalised Strength and Conditioning program and access to athlete education sessions including sports psychology, nutrition, recovery strategies, injury prevention and goal setting.
• The scholarship will be reviewed yearly. This brief process may involve a written response and a brief interview with the Head of Sport. 
• Scholarships may only be awarded to students who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Criteria for entry

• Scholarship applications are open to both current and prospective students entering Years 9 and 10 in 2026.
• Scholarships to be awarded on the basis of the results of a written examination, scholarship application (including criteria as outlined below), previous school reports and an interview with the Principal and Head of Sport.
• Students who have demonstrated strengths in one or more of the below listed, and who are already competing at a state or national level.
• Successful applicants must demonstrate a commitment to participating in one School based sport per term, including their chosen sport.

Boarding Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded to students who can demonstrate their capacity to contribute to the life of the boarding house, particularly to excellence in academic endeavour and leadership.

• Eligible for current and prospective students entering Years 7–11 in 2026
• Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of the academic examination, previous school reports and an interview with the Principal
• Recipients will be expected to maintain a commitment to studies and make a significant contribution to boarding life at Illawarra House.
• Scholarships may only be awarded to students who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Hardship Bursary (Means Tested)

We are proud to offer Hardship Bursaries to eligible students entering Years 5 – 10 in 2026 who would not ordinarily have the opportunity to attend the School. These Bursaries are means-tested and provide partial financial support to families on limited income.  To be considered for a Hardship Bursary, applicants must register for the scholarship exam with Edutest and also complete the Hardship Application Form

Criteria for Entry

• Eligible to both current and prospective students entering Years 5 – 10 in 2026.
• Hardship Bursaries are awarded on the basis of financial circumstances, results of the scholarship examination, previous school reports and an interview with the Principal.
• Applicants will be required to submit the last two income tax returns and assessments, Hardship Application Form, along with other relevant financial documentation to support the application.
• Applications are treated as strictly confidential.
• Recipient students must have no familial links to any St Catherine’s Scholarship Fund or Hardship Fund donors.
• Scholarships may only be awarded to students who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Additional Scholarships

The following scholarships are offered throughout the year outside of the Academic and General Excellence Scholarships program.

The Dorothy Newman Scholarship – Perpetual Scholarship

Mrs Dorothy Newman, was a much-loved teacher at St Catherine’s School from 1948 to 1953. Within this time Mrs Newman taught Chemistry, Biology and General Science. Mrs Newman held a Bachelor of Science from London University and a Teaching Certificate and Graduate Diploma from Cambridge University.

Known for her caring and encouraging approach, Mrs Newman was committed to educating the ‘whole-child’ across the School’s wide range of academic and co-curricular programs, leading study tours for St Catherine’s girls to Magnetic Island, Heron Island and Central Australia. Mrs Newman also held the position of Chief of Staff at St Catherine’s during her time at the School.

The Dorothy Newman Scholarship seeks to enable a young girl to reach her full potential through the academic and co-curricular opportunities offered by the School, including participation in the Arts, Drama, Sport, Music, Debating and Public Speaking.

Donated by a past student of the School, the perpetual Scholarship will be awarded to an applicant who would not otherwise be able to attend St Catherine’s School due to financial restraints, and has a diagnosed health condition or physical challenge.

All shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview with the Principal and her nominated committee, comprising a member of the Senior Leadership Team and medical advisor. All applicants will be required to complete an online Application for Enrolment and contact the Registrar to express interest in consideration of this Scholarship.

This Scholarship is awarded to a student who is capable of academic achievement through to VCE studies in Years 11 and 12, based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated financial need
• Diagnosed health condition or physical challenge
• Demonstrated strong academic ability

Consideration will be given for a number of factors, including:

• Family support
• Life experiences
• Practical issues including distance from School.

Indigenous Scholarship

The St Catherine’s Indigenous Scholarship Program provides full boarding and academic scholarships to Year 7 Indigenous students from regional Aboriginal communities across Australia. This program is a vital component that enriches our culturally diverse School community. Please contact the Registrar to express interest in consideration for this Scholarship.

• Eligible to Indigenous students from regional Aboriginal communities across Australia
• Scholarships for students entering Year 7, open from January to April each year.

Scholarships FAQs