Scholarships
Mernda Hills
Scholarships
The promotion of excellence is an important part of the Mernda Hills Christian College vision and scholarships are one way that excellence across a range of areas can be promoted. Scholarships are available for current students and those applying for entry into the College.
Scholarship Program
Mernda Hills Christian College aims to nurture the overall development of each student. The Scholarship program at Mernda Hills recognises student excellence and includes opportunities across various elements of our students' growth – Academic, Leadership and Co-Curricular. Scholarship recipients demonstrate excellence in one or more of these areas and commit to contributing to college life while supporting its Christian ethos.
All Scholarship applicants are required to complete an online application form. From there, shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview at the school. They may also be asked to sit a test at that time.
Scholarships are awarded based on merit, judged by the strength of the candidate's application, references and school records. Successful applicants receive a reduced tuition component of their school fees for the duration of the scholarship period at a value defined by the level of award, with this being determined by the scholarship committee. Recipients of a Mernda Hills Christian College scholarship are required to maintain consistently high academic efforts and display College values through their behaviour.
Scholarship Levels
| Level | Value |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | $1,000 per year for up to three years (Year 7-9 or Year 10-12). Scholarship value is provided as a reduction of tuition fees. Maximum total scholarship value of $3,000. |
| Level 2 | $2,500 per year for up to three years (Year 7-9 or Year 10-12). Scholarship value is provided as a reduction of tuition fees. Maximum total scholarship value of $7,500. |
| Level 3 | $5,000 per year for up to three years (Year 7-9 or Year 10-12). Scholarship value is provided as a reduction of tuition fees. Maximum total scholarship value of $15,000. |
Scholarship Categories
Academic Excellence Scholarship
Academic Excellence Scholarships are aimed at students entering Year 7 and Year 10, and provide a 50% discount on tuition fees until the end of Year 9 and the end of Year 12 respectively.
Open to both internal and external students.
Applicants must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement, as evidenced by previous academic results, referrals, awards and testing.
Recipients must maintain an 'Above Standard' academic performance across all core subjects (ie. English, Mathematics, Biblical Studies, Science and Humanities).
Recipients must also continuously display College values through their behaviour.
Co-Curricular Excellence Scholarship
Co-Curricular Excellence Scholarships are aimed at students entering Year 7 and Year 10, and provide a 50% discount on tuition fees until the end of Year 9 and the end of Year 12 respectively.
Open to both internal and external students.
Applicants must demonstrate a significant level of achievement in a particular co-curricular or social justice activity. They should excel in a wide range of interests and talents (normally at an elite level) or contribute exceptional value to their school or church community.
Recipients must maintain an 'At Standard or Above' academic performance across all core subjects (ie. English, Mathematics, Biblical Studies, Science and Humanities).
Recipients must also continuously display College values through their behaviour.
Leadership Excellence Scholarship
Leadership Excellence Scholarships are aimed at senior students who are passionate about leadership and are looking for opportunities to grow their skills and understanding of leadership. It provides a 50% discount on tuition fees for up to three years.
Open to both internal and external students.
Applicants are expected to be actively leading in a club, project or initiative, and preferably will be currently involved in leadership roles within their school.
Recipients are expected to be actively involved in the leadership culture of the school. This includes attendance and involvement at lessons, assemblies, chapels and specified events as required.
Recipients must maintain an 'At Standard or Above' academic performance across all core subjects (ie. English, Mathematics, Biblical Studies, Science and Humanities).
Recipients must also continuously display College values through their behaviour.
Scholarship Assessment Process
1. Application
Applications open for all Scholarships approximately 12 months prior to the award year (ie. If your child is applying for a scholarship in 2026, registrations will open from January 2025). Once registrations open, the link to register will be found on the College website. Applications close at the end of May each year.
In order to be considered eligible for consideration to receive a scholarship, students must be currently enrolled or have an active application for future enrolment. If you have not yet applied to enrol at the school, you can do so HERE.
2. Interview
Applicants will be shortlisted based on their applications. Those who are shortlisted will receive an invitation for interview at the school. Applicants for the Academic scholarship may also be asked to sit an academic test at this time.
Applicants who do not make it to the shortlist will be notified in writing before the interview period.
3. Outcome
All shortlisted applicants will receive a written notification of the outcome of their application approximately 4-6 weeks after the interview period.
PLEASE NOTE: Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the Scholarship committee. All decisions from the committee are final and no further discussion or consultation will take place.
How to Apply
To apply for a scholarship, click the button below and complete the online application form. It is expected that students take the initiative in submitting their own application, rather than a parent applying on their behalf.
- Sections 1 and 2 may be completed by the student or parent.
- Sections 3-6 must be completed by the student in their own words.
- Applicants must submit a 30-60 second video supporting their application.
- Applicants must provide two most recent academic reports.
- Applicants must obtain three written references. Referees may use the Referee Statement template or address the subject in their own way. For existing students, one of these referees can be a teacher from the College.
- References should address the following criteria:
- Two references regarding the scholarship category
- One education behavioural reference (a statement about the student's school-based behaviour from an educator)
- The following people may be used as referees:
- Church Pastor or Elder
- Professional
- Employer
- Coach or Club Leader
- Community Leader
- Teacher or Principal
- Mentor or Manager
- References should address the following criteria:
For further enquiries, contact scholarships@merndahills.vic.edu.au