What this guide covers
iWhat exactly is a scholarship test?
Why private schools test, and what's really at stake.
Many private schools across Australia offer partial or full-fee scholarships to a small number of academically gifted students each year. These places are awarded mostly on the strength of a competitive scholarship examination — often combined with an interview, and sometimes an audition or portfolio for creative and performing-arts scholarships.
Each school sets its own testing day, usually held at the school or a nominated venue. While a few schools (such as Sydney Grammar) write their own exams, the large majority use one of three external providers. The amount awarded varies widely with how well a child performs — it's rarely 100% of fees, but tuition scholarships commonly range from 25% to 50%, which can be worth many thousands of dollars over the school years.
★The big three test providers
Most scholarship exams in Australia come from one of these.
ACER
Runs the Cooperative (CSTP) and alternative-date programs. Offers separate primary and secondary formats with writing tasks.
EduTest
One standard five-part format mixing two ability tests and three achievement tests. Generally one sitting per semester.
AAS
Customises tests to each school. Four timed papers focused on higher-order critical thinking and reasoning.
AACER scholarship tests
Two distinct formats — one for primary, one for secondary entry.
Primary Level
The primary exam has three tests: a reading & viewing comprehension test, a mathematics problem-solving test, and two short writing pieces in different genres.
Secondary Level
The secondary exam is built from a maximum of four parts: two extended writing tasks, a humanities comprehension & interpretation paper, and a mathematics paper (which adds science reasoning for Year 9 and above). It tests judgement and critical thinking rather than memorised curriculum content.
EEduTest scholarship tests
One standard five-part format — ability tests plus achievement tests.
EduTest standard format
EduTest splits into ability tests (which don't rely on prior knowledge and measure reasoning) and achievement tests (which assess learned skills in reading, maths and writing). Students generally sit only one EduTest per semester, and results are shared with the schools they've applied to.
SAAS scholarship tests
Academic Assessment Services — higher-order reasoning, customised per school.
AAS standard format
AAS (formerly Robert Allwell & Associates) builds tests customised to each school's needs, available for students entering Years 3 to 11. The format is similar to ACER's secondary test but with a single writing piece. Questions are usually arranged in increasing order of difficulty.
+Other formats worth knowing
Beyond the big three, several specialised exams appear for selective and gifted entry.
AGAT
Pure reasoning, no writing: abstract, kinetic, numerical, spatial and verbal reasoning. Used by schools like Strathfield Girls and Aitken College.
ASET / GATE
Quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning and reading comprehension, plus a writing task. Used for Perth Modern, Comet Bay, Duncraig and more.
HAST
Maths, abstract reasoning, reading comprehension and science reasoning (middle/senior), with writing. Used for SEAL and similar high-school programs.
Newman
Abstract reasoning, qualitative reasoning and verbal reasoning, plus a writing task. Used by various Catholic schools in Sydney.
◎The skills these tests measure
Most scholarship exams sample from this common set of abilities.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding meaning, tone and key details in written and visual texts.
Mathematics / Maths Reasoning
Arithmetic, fractions, percentages, ratios and applied problem-solving.
Abstract Reasoning
Pattern recognition with shapes and symbols — no language or numbers required.
Numerical Reasoning
Using logic and number patterns to solve problems beyond basic calculation.
Quantitative Reasoning
Interpreting graphs and numerical data through logical analysis.
Verbal Reasoning
Working with language using logic, word patterns and relationships.
Science Reasoning
Applying scientific logic to interpret data, patterns and experiments.
Written Expression
Narrative or persuasive writing scored on structure, clarity, ideas and grammar.
≡Side-by-side comparison
A quick reference across the main scholarship and selective exam formats.
| Exam / Provider | Core sections assessed | Writing task | Example schools / use |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACER (standard) | Reading/Humanities, Mathematics | Yes | Wide range of private schools |
| ACER (Melbourne selective) | Maths & quantitative, reading & verbal reasoning | Yes | Melbourne High, MacRob, Nossal, Suzanne Cory |
| AGAT | Abstract, kinetic, numerical, spatial, verbal reasoning | No | Strathfield Girls, Aitken College |
| EduTest | Verbal & numerical reasoning, reading, maths | Yes | Haileybury, Geelong Grammar, Beaconhills & more |
| EduTest (science) | Maths, numerical & science reasoning | Yes | John Monash, Elizabeth Blackburn |
| AAS | Abstract reasoning, maths & reasoning, reading | Yes | Lauriston, Firbank, Genazzano, Ruyton |
| ASET / GATE | Quantitative & abstract reasoning, reading | Yes | Perth Modern, Comet Bay, Duncraig |
| HAST | Maths, abstract reasoning, reading, science | Yes | Brentwood Secondary, Balwyn (SEAL) |
| Newman | Abstract, qualitative & verbal reasoning | Yes | Catholic schools in Sydney |
✓How to prepare your child
These places are won against well-prepared peers — strategy matters.
Know the exact format first
Confirm which provider your target school uses, then study that specific structure and timing before anything else.
Practise under timed conditions
Many students never finish. Train pacing — and teach your child to skip and return to hard questions.
Use realistic mock papers
Providers don't release past papers, so quality teacher-written practice exams that mirror the real format are the closest substitute.
Build reasoning, not just recall
Ability sections reward clear thinking. Logic puzzles, wide reading and problem-solving help more than rote drilling.
Register early & track deadlines
Apply directly to each school and pay each fee before the closing date — late entries usually can't sit the exam.
Rest, eat, and bring supplies
A rested, well-fed child thinks more clearly. Pack water and snacks for the breaks between sections.
One format mastered beats ten skimmed
The single most useful first step is identifying which test your child will actually sit, then preparing deliberately for that structure. Understand the sections, rehearse the timing, and practise reading complex questions carefully — that clarity is what turns ability into a scholarship offer.
Formats, timings and participating schools change over time and vary by school. Always confirm current details directly with the school and the relevant testing provider before applying.