The Rennie Coutts STEM Scholarship for Girls provides an extraordinary opportunity for girls and young women to nurture their passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Wesley College is one of Australia’s largest coeducational schools, with unique curriculum opportunities and access to programs designed to develop and sustain girls’ interest in STEM. Read more about Rennie Coutts' generous gift to the College in support of girls' education in the sciences and maths here.
Scholarships may be awarded between 25%-80% reduction in tuition fees for the duration of the student’s time at the College.
The Rennie Coutts STEM Scholarship for Girls is next available for entry in 2027. Applications for 2027 entry will open in late 2025.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Rennie Coutts STEM Scholarship for Girls, applicants must:
- be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident visa holder
- be a new female student entering Years 7 or 9 at the Elsternwick Campus, or entering Years 7, 9, 10 or 11 at the St Kilda Road or Glen Waverley Campus
- demonstrate an interest in, and aptitude for, STEM
- sit the academic test and the supplementary 30-minute science-based written exercise in February 2026. Applicants sitting the test will be in Year 6, 8, 9 or 10
All applicants should register for the academic test to apply for the Rennie Coutts STEM Scholarship for Girls. Applicants entering Year 7 or 10 will also be considered for an Academic Excellence scholarship should they be unsuccessful in receiving a Rennie Coutts STEM Scholarship.
Required documentation
The following documents are required for your application to be processed:
- the applicant’s most recent school report
- a recent photograph of the applicant
- For students applying for years 7, 9 or 10, their most current NAPLAN results
- a birth certificate
- Visa or relevant documentation for candidates that are permanent residents
- a statement from the applicant outlining their motivation for applying for the Rennie Coutts STEM Scholarship for Girls. Accepted file formats include: PNG, JPG, PDF, DOC and DOCX
- Evidence of participation and achievement in STEM related programs and activities eg relevant clubs or competitions
- A letter of reference from a teacher, mentor or tutor outlining the candidates skill and potential in STEM.
These documents will be submitted with the online application on the Edutest website. Please ensure all documents are saved with the applicant’s name.
Selection criteria
The Rennie Coutts STEM Scholarship for Girls is awarded on the results of the academic test and written science task, academic records, letter of reference and an interview with Head of Campus (or delegate). Interviews are held both in person and via video conference, depending on the applicant’s location. No other supporting documentation or testing/academic results will be considered.
Applicants are assessed using a combination of the following selection criteria:
- academic test and written science task
- excellent academic records
- participation and achievement in STEM related programs and activities
- letter of reference
Application process
Please note that the application process outlined below is valid for the next available Rennie Coutts STEM Scholarship for Girls, commencing in 2027. Applications for 2027 entry will open in late 2025.
Step 1. Complete the Scholarship Application Form
When Academic Excellence Scholarships open, click on the APPLY NOW button to complete and submit the scholarship application form along with supporting documentation. A one-off registration fee of $90.00 is payable for each candidate for whom you are applying.
We encourage candidates to apply for all relevant scholarship categories to increase the opportunity for consideration across all available scholarships. These include:
- Academic Excellence scholarships
- General Excellence Scholarships including all categories of excellence
The Scholarship application form, including supporting documentation must be completed and submitted by the closing date.
Step 2. Register for the Academic Test
Upon submission of the scholarship application form, the scholarship confirmation email will direct you to the Edutest website to create an Edutest account. This step registers your child/ren to sit the Academic Excellence exam. A one-off Edutest registration fee of $10.00 is payable for each candidate for whom you are applying.
Step 3. 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 link to the optional means-testing form will be emailed to eligible candidates upon completion and submission of the Scholarship application form. The means-testing form must be completed by the scholarship closing date.
Step 4. Sit the Academic Test
The academic test covers a range of disciplines including numerical reasoning, 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 (St Kilda Road Campus or Elsternwick Campus).
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 within three weeks of the academic testing date with advice on the outcome of their application. Please note, results from the academic testing are unable to be released to families.
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 Tuition Contribution fee of $2,800. These fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to reapply for a scholarship in future years, where eligibility criteria are met.
