Are you looking for a scholarship to help your daughter attend Strathcona Girls Grammar in Australia? The school offers Academic, Music and Special Scholarships for eligible students, with awards designed to recognise achievement or help families access a Strathcona education.
The next general scholarship round is for 2029 entry, and applications are expected to open in Term 3 of 2027. Although the exact dates have not yet been announced, parents can begin preparing the necessary school records and supporting documents.
This Nkedugists guide explains the available scholarships, eligible year levels, application process and important conditions to understand before applying.
Strathcona Scholarship Dates for 2029 Entry
Strathcona’s official website states that its 2028 scholarship programme has been completed and that applications for the 2029 programme will open in Term 3 of 2027. The school has not yet published the exact opening and closing dates.
The published Academic Scholarship entry pathways are based on the school’s current scholarship information and should be reconfirmed when applications open which is listed below.
| Student’s year level in 2027 | Intended entry year in 2029 |
|---|---|
| Year 3 | Year 5 |
| Year 4 | Year 6 |
| Year 5 | Year 7 |
| Year 6 | Year 8 |
| Year 7 | Year 9 |
Types of Strathcona Scholarships
1. Academic Scholarships
Academic Scholarships are awarded to a limited number of girls based on their performance in an academic examination administered.
Successful students receive a partial reduction in tuition fees. They are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress, participate fully in the school’s co-curricular activities and uphold Strathcona’s values.
Applicants must complete the EduTest academic application and submit a scholarship portfolio to the Registrar. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview.
2. Music Scholarships
Strathcona offers Instrumental Music Scholarships to students who demonstrate musical ability and the potential to contribute to the school’s music programme. The school particularly encourages applications from low brass, low woodwind and string instrumentalists.
Music applicants must complete both the academic scholarship application through EduTest and the separate Music Scholarship application. Audition performance, academic results and an interview may form part of the selection process.
For an audition using one instrument, the current published requirements include two contrasting pieces with a combined performance time of no more than eight minutes, together with technical examples in at least three different key tonalities. Applicants using two instruments follow a different format, with a maximum total performance time of ten minutes.
Music application: Strathcona Music Scholarship Application
3. Beth MacLaren Smallwood Scholarship
The Beth MacLaren Smallwood Scholarship supports a girl with significant hearing impairment who would benefit from an education at Strathcona.
The scholarship’s value depends on the family’s financial circumstances and may cover up to 80% of tuition fees in a year. It is available for the student’s period of enrolment, subject to satisfactory conduct and progress.
Unlike the main annual scholarship round, applications may be submitted at any time of year. Applicants must complete the scholarship application and an enrolment application, and provide supporting documents about the student’s educational background and hearing impairment, including relevant audiology or medical reports.
4. Centenary Scholarship
Established following Strathcona’s centenary celebrations in 2024, the Centenary Scholarship is intended to help a student who would not normally be able to afford a Strathcona education. The school advertises the award as potentially covering up to 100% of tuition fees.
The scholarship is means-tested. Its published requirements include evidence of family finances, a letter explaining the student’s circumstances and a scholarship portfolio. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, and current Strathcona students are not eligible.
Current status: The school’s website says the Centenary Scholarship is closed for applications. It has not confirmed a new opening date.
How to Apply for a Strathcona Academic Scholarship
When applications open, prospective applicants should follow these steps.
Step 1: Complete the EduTest application.
Submit the Application for Academic Scholarship form using the link provided by Strathcona.
Step 2: Prepare the scholarship portfolio.
The school’s current instructions ask for copies of:
- A letter from the student explaining why she wants to attend Strathcona, preferably handwritten and in her own words.
- The student’s birth certificate.
- For students born overseas, the relevant Australian passport, citizenship certificate or permanent resident visa specified by the school.
- The student’s two most recent school reports.
- The student’s most recent NAPLAN summary.
- For Music Scholarship applicants, documents supporting their musical achievement.
Do not send original documents or display folders, as the school says submitted materials cannot be returned.
Step 3: Submit the portfolio.
The current Academic Scholarship instructions require the portfolio to be sent to the Registrar by post:
Mrs Julie Drew, Registrar
Strathcona Girls Grammar
34 Scott Street
Canterbury VIC 3126
Australia
Step 4: Attend the assessment.
Candidates must sit the academic examination. Shortlisted students may then be invited to an interview. The exact assessment dates and arrangements for the 2029 round have not yet been announced.
What Should Parents Know Before Accepting a Scholarship?
A scholarship is not simply a fee discount without conditions. Strathcona states that Academic and Music Scholarship holders are expected to maintain consistent academic progress, take part in co-curricular activities and demonstrate the school’s values.
The amount awarded can change, and families should read the scholarship agreement carefully before accepting an offer. Check the tuition-fee concession, acceptance deadline and any other conditions stated in the offer letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Strathcona scholarships open for 2029?
The school says applications will open in Term 3 of 2027. Exact dates have not yet been announced.
Which year levels are eligible for the 2029 Academic Scholarships?
The currently published pathways cover students in Year 3 through Year 7 in 2027, for entry into Years 5 through Year 9 in 2029, respectively.
Does Strathcona offer Music Scholarships?
Yes. Applicants must complete the academic scholarship process and a separate Music Scholarship application, and meet the audition requirements.
Can families apply for the Beth MacLaren Smallwood Scholarship throughout the year?
Yes. Strathcona states that applications for this scholarship may be submitted at any time of year.
Is the Centenary Scholarship currently available?
No. The school’s official page currently lists it as closed and does not provide a confirmed date for another round.
Where can I find the application details?
Visit the official Strathcona Scholarships page. For Music Scholarships, use the separate Music Scholarship application page.
Nkedugists will update this guide when Strathcona publishes confirmed dates and requirements for the next scholarship round. Find out about Strathcona Girls Grammar Scholarships for 2029, including eligible year levels, academic and music awards, requirements and application dates.
Find out about Strathcona Girls Grammar Scholarships for 2029, including eligible year levels, academic and music awards, requirements and application dates.
