Scholarships

Somerset College offers academic, general excellence and music scholarships every year for children that excel, have a love of learning and are enthusiastic to embrace the co-curricular life offered at the College.

Scholarships will be available for entry into:

  • Year 7 in 2024
  • Year 10 in 2024
  • Year 11 in 2024

For specific details for The Craig Bassingthwaighte Scholarships see the tab below.

Somerset College scholarship testing is conducted by Academic Assessment Services (AAS). Registration and payment for scholarship applications can only be made online by following the link on this page.

For 2024 entry, Academic, Music and General Excellence Scholarships will be awarded. All applicants will complete the Academic Scholarship application and the testing associated with this. Additional applications for General Excellence or Music need to be lodged as well. There is no charge for these additional applications.

Scholarships offered by Somerset College will usually provide for a remission of the tuition fee of between 25% and 75%. All other fees and charges are payable by the scholarship recipient’s family.

Scholarships are awarded for the duration of secondary education, providing the student makes satisfactory progress and meets the College’s expectations regarding involvement and commitment to supporting the College values.

In applying for and accepting a Scholarship to attend Somerset College parents and students undertake to support the rules, regulations and programmes of work of the College, as they may be determined from time to time and to be responsible for the payment of fees and charges should the application be successful.

Please note that Somerset College reserves the right to recover any financial assistance provided for a student if the recipient leaves the College, other than because of relocation from the Gold Coast region, before completing Year 12.

Only students who are Australian Citizens or have Permanent or Temporary Residency are eligible to apply. Students on Student Visas are not eligible to apply.

Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the College and the College’s decision is final.


Important Dates for 2023

Testing will be conducted on Saturday 18 February 2023.

The closing date is Friday 10 February 2023. Any late applications will incur an addition fee.

For students wishing to sit the exam remotely the closing date is Friday 3 February.

Results

It is anticipated that results will be available in early March and interviews for shortlisted applicants will be conducted after this.
Parents will be advised by the end of Term One, 2023 of the outcome of the Scholarship process. Please note, we do not provide a report on the applicant’s performance.


Academic Scholarships

Applications are open to students in Year 7, 10 and 11 in 2024.

Academic Scholarship recipients will have demonstrated a high standard of academic achievement and it is the College’s expectation that the students will continue to do this. In addition, scholarship recipients will be expected to contribute to the Somerset College community with enthusiasm and commitment.

Selection will be based on academic merit and will consider the results of the AAS testing, school reports and information supplied by the applicant at interview. Only shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Scholarships are awarded at the Headmaster’s discretion and any remission of fees applies to the tuition fee only.

Scholarships are awarded for the duration of the student’s Senior School education at Somerset College provided the recipient continues to be fully involved in College activities and meets all expectations. This forms part of the agreement signed between the parents and the College.

Applicants will be required to provide the following documents at the time of online registration:

  • A copy of the student’s most recent school report
  • A copy of the student’s most recent NAPLAN results
  • Details of the student’s other co-curricular activities at school or in the community (volunteer work, leadership positions held etc.)
  • Photo ID
General Excellence Scholarship

Applications are open to students in Year 7, 10 and 11 in 2024.

General Excellence Scholarships are awarded to students who achieve excellence in areas such as sport, cultural activities, leadership and service. Applicants are assessed on the outcome of the testing completed, supporting reports and their submitted Curriculum Vitae.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Scholarships are awarded at the Headmaster’s discretion and any remission of fees applies to the tuition fee only.

Scholarships are awarded for the duration of the student’s Senior School education at Somerset College provided the recipient continues to be fully involved in College activities and meets all expectations. This forms part of the agreement signed between the parents and the College.

Music Scholarship

Applications are open to students in Year 7, 10 and 11 in 2024.

Music Scholarships will be awarded to applicants who sit the academic testing followed by a music test – theoretical and aural.

Preference may be given to applicants who can demonstrate an ability to play one or more of the following instruments: Clarinet, Bassoon, French Horn, lower brass instruments, lower Saxophones, and Double Bass.

Applicants are also assessed on their submitted Curriculum Vitae.

Following the testing the Head of Department - Performing Arts will invite a number of students to audition with their preferred instrument.

Scholarships are awarded at the Headmaster’s discretion and any remission of fees applies to the tuition fee only unless otherwise specified.

Scholarships are awarded for the duration of the student’s secondary education provided the recipient continues to be fully involved in College activities, especially the Performing Arts Programme and meets all expectations. This forms part of the agreement signed between the parents and the College.

When applying online, applicants will be required to upload the following:

  • AMEB certificates
  • Supporting material providing specific details of the applicant’s musical experience and achievements.
  • Years studying the instrument
  • Examinations passed
  • Performance highlights
The Craig Bassingthwaighte Scholarship

The Craig Bassingthwaighte Scholarship was established by the College in 2021 to mark Mr Bassingthwaighte’s Headship which has always prioritised student outcomes and opportunities.

With a focus on identifying and enrolling talented first-generation students whose family circumstances would preclude enrolment at Somerset, Bassingthwaighte Scholars are eligible to receive financial support up to the full cost of tuition.

The goal of the Bassingthwaighte Scholarship is to allow high achieving students from a low income family with no current affiliation with the College, to participate fully in the Somerset Experience.

The Scholarship is open to students currently in Years 9 or 10. This scholarship will be in place until the normal time of graduation in Year 12.

This scholarship is awarded to students who are well-rounded and able to provide evidence of exemplary standards of effort, progress, and behaviour at school. Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of potential to commit to the College’s academic, cocurricular and leadership programmes.

Somerset College’s financial assistance programme hinges on parents financing their children’s education to the extent they are able.

Click here for more information and to apply.