Scholarships

Our Scholarship Program

Each year Pittwater House offers a limited number of scholarships that cover a percentage of the recipient's tuition fees. The two types of scholarships Pittwater House offers are academic scholarships and general excellence scholarships. General excellence scholarships are for students who excel academically but also consider a broader criteria such as ability in sport or performing arts (music, dance, drama).

Scholarships are open to existing students and new students entering Years 7, 9 and 11 in 2026.

2026 Scholarships - Important Dates

Monday 23 September 2024ACER Online Applications Open to Register for Scholarship Test
Sunday 2 February 2025
(midnight AEDST)
ACER Online Applications Close
Saturday 22 February 2025Applicants sit ACER Scholarship Test at Pittwater House
Friday 4 April 2025Individual Test Reports Available to Parents Online
During April 2025Principal Shortlists Applicants and Commences Interviews/Auditions
April - July 2025Successful Applicants Offered Scholarships to Commence at
Pittwater House in 2026

Application Requirements

  • For students entering Years 7, 9 or 11 in 2026.
  • Applicants need to be Australian residents.
  • ALL scholarship applicants (Academic and General Excellence applicants) need to sit the scholarship test.
  • Apply to sit the scholarship test by registering online with ACER (Australian Council for Education Research) between 23 September 2024 and 2 February 2025.
  • In addition to sitting the ACER test, General Excellence applicants are also required to complete a General Excellence Scholarship Application Form and may also be required to participate in an audition at Pittwater House.
  • Applicants short-listed for a scholarship will be invited to interview, and audition if applicable, at the School.
  • Students offered scholarships then go through the enrolment process to confirm their place at the School.


Application Process

  1. Families apply online via the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) website. Applications cost $150 (as at September 2024).
  2. General Excellence Applicants complete the GE Application Form and submit to Pittwater House before applications close.
  3. Applicants sit the ACER Scholarship Exam.
  4. Shortlisted candidates invited to interview/audition at Pittwater House.
  5. Successful candidates enrol at Pittwater House (unless they are already current students) and commence their scholarship in 2026.



Frequently Asked Questions

What does the scholarship cover?
Pittwater House offers partial scholarships for tuition fees only. Incidentals and all other expenses are charged at the usual rate. Please see our School Fees for more information.
How much does it cost to sit the ACER scholarship test?
The cost to sit an ACER Scholarship Test is $150 (for Scholarships commencing in 2026). This fee may change each year. Additional costs may be applicable for an applicant requiring an overseas or non-standard test centre. Phone ACER for more information on +61 3 9277 5555.
Why do I have to pay a fee to sit the scholarship test?
The application fee covers administration costs incurred by ACER (Australian Council for Education Research), an external provider of service, and Pittwater House.
Why do you use ACER for scholarship tests?
Pittwater House works with an independent company to manage the scholarship process and administer scholarship test papers. They are used by the majority of private schools in Sydney to assess students for scholarships.

Research has shown that ACER scholarship tests recognise and measure students’ capabilities more effectively than other methods.
What should our child bring to the test?
Your child should bring:

  • Pens (black or blue)
  • Food and drink for the recess break
Make sure they arrive 15 minutes before the test starts. Entry for late arrivals is solely at the discretion of the test supervisor.