St Vincent’s College is a Mary Aikenhead Ministry in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity. Mary Aikenhead was committed to service of the poor which continues to be upheld through the education ministry of St Vincent’s College.

Each year a variety of scholarships are offered to students based on academic merit, particular gifts and talents (i.e. music, drama), student leadership and other areas as deemed appropriate by the College Board.

When offering scholarships and bursaries, in addition to specific criteria, the following attributes are always favourably considered:

• Commitment to the College values of Generosity of Spirit, Hope, Justice, Respect, Service of the Poor
• Participation in co-curricular activities
• Commitment to academic achievement
• Contribution to Faith, Justice and Service in the community
• Familial support and commitment to the ethos of the College
• Financial need (for certain scholarships)

2026 Scholarship Opportunities

FOUNDATION BOARDING SCHOLARSHIP

A boarding scholarship covering full boarding fees is offered to a student commencing Year 7 in 2025 from a rural area to attend St Vincent's College. Tuition fees are not included.

The scholarship is awarded based on:

• Strong academic effort as reflected by their school reports and recommendation of the Principal of the school currently attending
• Academic merit, as demonstrated in the ACER Scholarship Examination (optional)
• Achievement in leadership, and sport, music, drama or social justice activities
• Demonstrated appreciation of, and affinity with the College values - generosity of spirit, hope, justice, respect and service of the poor
• Contribution and participation in a faith community

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview with the Principal after applications have closed.

Applications open: TBA for 2026

Applications close: CLOSED

MOTHER MARY AIKENHEAD SCHOLARSHIP

The Mother Mary Aikenhead scholarship is available to a current or new student entering Year 11 in 2025 and covers 50% of tuition fees.

The College Motto is Scientia cum Religione (Knowledge and Faith). Successful applicants will demonstrate the College motto through:

• Strong academic merit. The applicant will have strong reports and references. A demonstrated record of sound academic progress, effort and achievement will be required.
• Character and Justice attributes. The applicant will be independent in thought, compassionate in attitude and confident in action. A demonstrated ability to lead and a ready willingness to participate in a variety of co-curricular and social justice activities will be required.

Shortlisted Applicants will be invited for an interview with the College Principal after applications have closed.

Applications open: TBA for 2026

Applications close: CLOSED

PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS

St Vincent's College offers the following Performing Arts Scholarships to students in Years 7 - 11, 2025 of exceptional talent:

• Madame Christian (Vocal) Scholarship;
• Annie McPharland (Instrumental) Scholarship; and
• Ex-Students' Union Drama Scholarship.

These scholarships cover 50% remission of College tuition fees and subject area tuition.

They are awarded based on:

• An audition (22/02/2025)
• An interview for enrolment in the College conducted by the College Principal
• Quality of application

Shortlisted Applicants will be invited to Auditions after applications have closed.

Applications open: 13/09/2024

Applications close: 02/02/2025

Wilga Wilschefski Scholarship

The Wilga Wilschefski scholarship is available to Year 7 students in 2025 and covers 50% of tuition fees.

Wilga was a student at St Vincent’s and graduated in 1947. Her impressive career included being a university librarian and academic writer whose work and studies took her to Canada and the US. Her outstanding achievements were paired with a pioneering spirit and deep affection for her alma mater. She made a wonderfully generous bequest to the College, supporting an academic scholarship in perpetuity. Wilga’s gift will help future generations of compassionate and courageous women of action to follow their passions with faith, courage, and humour just as she did.

The Wilga Wilschefski Scholarship nurtures talent in writing and passion for literature. It is awarded to a student who, like Wilga, has exceptional potential and an enthusiastic love of learning.

• Strong academic merit, especially in English and History. The applicant will have strong reports and references from their current school. A demonstrated record of sound academic progress, effort and potential will be required.
• Character attributes - The applicant will demonstrate an appreciation of and an affinity with the College values – Generosity of spirit, Hope, Justice, Respect and Service of the Poor.

Shortlisted Applicants will be invited for an interview with the College Principal after applications have closed.

Applications open: TBA for 2027

Applications close: CLOSED

ELISABETH CAREY SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship, offered in memory of former student Elisabeth Carey, is available to a student entering Year 7 in 2025 and covers 50% of tuition fees.

The College Motto is Scientia cum Religione (Knowledge and Faith). Successful applicants will demonstrate this through:

• Strong academic merit, especially in Mathematics and Science. The applicant will have strong reports and references from their current school. A demonstrated record of sound academic progress, effort and potential will be required.
• Character and Justice attributes. The applicant will demonstrate an appreciation of and an affinity with the College values – generosity of spirit, hope, justice, respect and service of the poor.

Shortlisted Applicants will be invited for an interview with the College Principal after applications have closed.

Applications open: TBA for 2026

Applications close: CLOSED

INDIGENOUS STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Each year a full-boarding scholarship is offered in conjunction with the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (AIEF) to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student from rural New South Wales. This scholarship is for students entering Years 7 - 11, it covers full boarding and tuition fees.

They are awarded based on:

• Eligibility for ABSTUDY (tuition and boarding)
• Willingness to maintain enrolment as a full-time student and boarder
• Enthusiasm for learning
• Involvement in wider activities
• Ability and willingness to contribute to the life of the College and community

Details on how to apply, Application Forms and further information is available on the AIEF website or via the College Registrar

NB: Please complete a St Vincent's College Scholarship form when applying.

Applications open: TBA for 2025

Applications close: CLOSED