Established through the generosity of the Wesley community in our 160th anniversary year, the Founders' Day Scholarships support students entering Year 7 and who merit financial assistance.
Founders' Day scholarships recognise academic excellence, assessed through the academic test and interview, together with exceptional achievement in one of the following areas: leadership, music, performing arts, visual arts, sport or community service.
Eligibility
Two Founders’ Day Scholarships are available for 2028 entry: one for a student entering Year 7 at the St Kilda Road or Elsternwick Campus, and one for a student entering Year 7 at the Glen Waverley Campus.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- be a new student entering Year 7 in 2028
- show strong academic performance and excellence in one or more of the following areas: leadership, music, performance, art, sport, and community service
- complete and submit the scholarship application form
- register for the EduTest assessment after submitting the scholarship application form
- attend the EduTest assessment at our St Kilda Road Campus on Saturday, 6 February 2027 at 8.30am
- If shortlisted, complete and submit the Wesley College means-testing form
Required documentation
The following documents are required for your application to be reviewed. All documentation must be submitted by 5.00pm on Friday, 29 January 2027.
- the applicant’s Semester 1 and 2 school reports for 2026
- the applicant’s most current NAPLAN results
- a recent photograph of the applicant
- birth certificate
- Visa or other relevant information for candidates who are a permanent resident
Selection criteria
Applicants are assessed using a combination of the following selection criteria:
- strong academic records as evidenced by school reports, NAPLAN and the results of the EduTest Assessment and supporting documentation provided at the time of application
- interview with the Head of Campus (or delegate)
- demonstrated outstanding achievement in one or more of the following areas:
Applicants are assessed using a combination of the following selection criteria:
- evidence of leadership role, for example at current school and/or in a community club or organisation
- a passion and potential for contributing to Wesley College
- participation and outstanding achievement in music
- depending on the age of the applicant, participation in ensembles, performance experience and/or composition would be highly regarded
- shortlisted applicants may be required to audition as part of the scholarship selection process
- a passion and potential for contributing to Wesley College
As a guide applicants should have completed the minimum AMEB grade or equivalent as outlined in the table below:
- a passion for performing arts
- participation and outstanding achievement in one or more of the stage crafts, (acting, singing, dancing and movement, choreography, directing, role creation, set design, costume design, lighting and/or sound) as evidenced by a leadership role in a school or community production
- leadership qualities as evidenced by setting the standards for others to follow, encouraging and supporting team members, and collaborative creation
- industry experience in TV, film, dance troop or theatre will also be considered
- potential for contributing to Wesley College
- a passion for the arts outside of school and potential for contributing to Wesley College
Artwork
- evaluation of the art and artistic skills in the chosen medium including painting, drawing, fiber art, sculpture, photography, digital media or mixed media measured through material and conceptual practice
Folio
- age-appropriate documentation of the art making and theory of the artists and their art
- outstanding sporting achievements (state, national level or international level)
- a passion and potential for contributing to Wesley College
Below is a guide of what sporting achievement can involve for different age groups:
- Year 5: local sports club, individual ranking, age-level championship
- Years 6 to 7: local sports clubs, individual ranking, age-level championships, inter-league team, state programs
- Years 8 to 9: local sports clubs, individual ranking, age-level championships, inter-league team, state representation, national representation
Applicants are assessed using a combination of the following selection criteria:
- participation and contribution to the community such as volunteering
- a passion and potential for contributing to Wesley College
Applicants are assessed using a combination of the following selection criteria:
- participation and outstanding achievement in an area such as debating, chess, e-sports or other unique skills
- a passion and potential for contributing to Wesley College
Application process
Step 1. Complete the Scholarship Application Form
Complete and submit the scholarship application form along with supporting documentation.
The scholarship application form, including supporting documentation, must be completed and submitted by 5.00pm Friday, 29 January 2027.
A one-off scholarship application fee of $30 applies to each child you are applying for.
Step 2. Register for the EduTest Assessment
After you submit your Wesley College scholarship application, you will be provided with a link to the EduTest registration page on the confirmation screen and in your confirmation email. In order to be considered for a Wesley scholarship, you must complete the EduTest Assessment registration. Students who are not registered with EduTest cannot be considered for a scholarship.
The EduTest registration fee is $104.50 and paid directly to EduTest when you register for the assessment.
Step 3. Sit the EduTest Assessment
The assessment covers a range of disciplines including numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, written expression, reading comprehension and mathematics.
Please visit the EduTest website or call 03 9014 1411 to find out about:
- how to prepare using practice tests
- the remote testing service for students who are interstate, overseas or remote from the testing venue
- what happens if your child is sick on testing day
Students sit the test at the relevant testing centre.
Step 4. Means-Testing
All Wesley College scholarships are awarded on merit, recognising students’ existing talents, achievements and academic performance as well as their potential to contribute to the College community.
You may apply for means-testing as part of your scholarship application. The means-testing component of our scholarship program seeks to provide additional support for families with demonstrated financial need and relevant personal circumstances seeking the opportunity of a Wesley education.
The means-testing form will be emailed to shortlisted candidates. The means-testing form must be completed and returned promptly in order to progress the scholarship application.
Step 5. Interview
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview with the Head of Campus (or delegate). Interviews are held both in person or via video conference, depending on the applicant’s location.
Step 6. Scholarship Offer and Outcome
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted after the academic assessment date with advice on next steps.
Successful applicants will be sent a letter of offer via email. To formally accept, applicants must sign the letter of offer and pay a one-off confirmation fee of $1,200 and a Tuition Contribution fee of $2,800. These fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Unsuccessful applicants will be notified via email during Term 2 2027. Families are welcome to reapply for a scholarship in future years, where eligibility criteria are met.
Please note that EduTest assessment results are not released to families.
