Scholarships and Bursaries

Academic Scholarships are known at BGS as Trustees’ Scholarships. Academic Scholarships have been offered in some form at BGS since the School’s foundation in 1868. Academic Scholarships are offered to boarders and day students entering Years 7 and 10.

The provision of Academic Scholarships is funded by the School and is reviewed annually in the context of the budget approved by the BGS Board of Trustees.

To be eligible for an Academic Scholarship, a candidate must:

• be in Year 6 or Year 9 (for entry into Year 7 or Year 10 the following year) when they sit the Australian College of Educational Research (ACER) Scholarship Examination;
• perform at an exceptional level (as determined by the Headmaster) in the ACER Scholarship Examination;
• submit their two (2) latest academic reports and NAPLAN results; and
• submit two (2) letters of reference concerning academic performance and behavioural profile.

The ACER Scholarship Examination is held at BGS each year in February. Academic Scholarships are awarded by the Headmaster after shortlisted candidates are interviewed. Please note that NO further application or documentation is needed at this stage once you have registered online for the exam via the ACER link above.

The value of Academic Scholarships vary depending on the student’s performance in the ACER Scholarship Examination.

Each year in August, Academic Scholarship recipients’ progress is reviewed by the BGS Review Panel, comprising the Headmaster, Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School, Deputy Headmaster Teaching and Learning, Head of Middle School and the Director of Enrolments. A student’s ongoing scholarship eligibility is dependent upon the following:

• Compliance with the School’s Code of Expectations;
• Exemplary academic standards;
• Participation in a broad range of cocurricular activities; and
• Positive contribution to BGS culture.

Sports Scholarships may be awarded to students who have demonstrated excellence or exhibit the requisite talent to compete in one or more of The Great Public Schools’ Association of Queensland (GPS) sports. Sports Scholarships are offered to boarders and day students entering Years 7 to 11.

The twelve (12) GPS interschool activities are: Basketball, Chess, Cricket, Cross Country, Debating, Football, Rowing, Rugby Union, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, and Volleyball.

The provision of Sports Scholarships is funded by the School and reviewed annually in the context of the budget approved by the BGS Board of Trustees.

To be eligible for a Sports Scholarship, a candidate must:

• exhibit talent in one or more GPS sports (this may include Regional, State or National performance or selection);
• submit their two (2) latest academic reports and NAPLAN results;
• show evidence of exemplary standards of effort, progress and behaviour at school;
• submit two (2) referees’ reports outlining suitability for a Sports Scholarship. One reference must be from an academic staff member, the other from a suitably qualified coach or mentor; and
• attend an interview with the Headmaster or delegate.

The value of Sports Scholarships vary depending on the family’s financial circumstances and the student’s potential to enhance the School’s performance in nominated activities.

Each year in August, Sports Scholarship recipients’ progress is reviewed by the BGS Review Panel, comprising the Headmaster, Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School, Deputy Headmaster Cocurricular and Director of Enrolments. A student’s ongoing Sports Scholarship eligibility is dependent upon the following:

• Compliance with the School’s Code of Expectations;
• Demonstrable academic progress;
• High-level commitment to two (2) nominated GPS sports each year; and
• The student’s commitment to the nominated GPS sports being prioritised over any other club or representative activities.

Cultural Scholarships may be awarded to students who have demonstrated excellence or the requisite talent to contribute to the BGS Art, Drama or Music programs. Cultural Scholarships are offered to boarders and day students entering Years 7 to 11.

The provision of Cultural Scholarships is funded by the School and reviewed annually in the context of the budget approved by the BGS Board of Trustees.

To be eligible for a Cultural Scholarship, a candidate must:

• demonstrate talent in the performing and/or visual and graphic arts;
• provide evidence of relevant high-level accreditation (such as AMEB grades);
• have the capacity to skillfully contribute to the School’s program of music ensembles and concerts, or dramatic productions, or art exhibitions;
• submit their two (2) latest academic reports and NAPLAN results;
• provide evidence of exemplary standards of effort, progress and behaviour at school;
• submit two (2) referees’ reports outlining suitability for a Cultural Scholarship at BGS. One reference must be from an academic staff member, the other from a suitably qualified instructor or mentor; and
• attend an interview with the Headmaster or delegate.

The value of Cultural Scholarships vary depending on the family’s financial circumstances and the student’s potential to enhance the School’s performance in nominated activities.

Each year in August, Cultural Scholarship recipients’ progress is reviewed by the BGS Review Panel, comprising the Headmaster, Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School, Deputy Headmaster Cocurricular and the Director of Enrolments. A student’s ongoing Cultural Scholarship eligibility is dependent upon the following:

• Compliance with the School’s Code of Expectations;
• Demonstrable academic progress;
• High-level commitment to two (2) nominated BGS activities each year; and
• The student’s commitment to the nominated BGS cultural activities being prioritised over any other external commitments.

Brisbane Grammar School has a longstanding tradition of providing financial support to well-rounded students whose families would not otherwise have the financial means to afford a BGS education. All bursaries are means tested, and all applicants are required to complete an external financial assessment, with links provided to families after the application deadline.

BGS has partnered with an organisation that assesses bursary applications, and all applications are reviewed by an external assessor. Bursaries are offered annually to students entering Years 7 to 11.

The provision of bursaries is funded by the BGS Bursary Fund, and the amount is reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees. Donations to the BGS Bursary Fund are invested under the governance of the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees with a view to preserving the underlying capital and funding bursaries from investment earnings.

The BGS Bursary Fund is a Deductible Gift Recipient for taxation purposes and receives donations from generous supporters to provide broader access to a BGS education.

To be eligible for a bursary, a candidate must:

• complete a financial assessment (details provided after the application deadline);
• submit two (2) of their latest academic reports and NAPLAN results;
• provide evidence of exemplary standards of effort, progress, and behaviour at school;
• demonstrate evidence of potential to commit to the School’s academic, cocurricular and leadership programs;
• provide two (2) letters of reference. One reference must be from an academic staff member, the other from a suitably qualified instructor or mentor who can vouch for the applicant’s character; and
• attend an interview with the Headmaster or delegate.

Bursaries are offered annually to students:

• within the Greater Brisbane region;
• who are from regional, rural and remote communities;
• of Indigenous heritage; and/or
• of refugee status.

The value of bursaries vary depending on the family’s financial circumstances and the student’s capacity to contribute to the School’s academic, cocurricular and leadership programs.

Bursaries are subject to annual review by the Headmaster, Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Enrolments. A student’s ongoing bursary eligibility is dependent on the following:

• Compliance with the School’s Code of Expectations;
• Satisfactory academic progress;
• Demonstrable contribution to the School’s cocurricular and leadership programs; and
• Substantiation of continuing financial need.