We welcome applications from students who believe they can make a positive contribution to our school community. The number of scholarships awarded each year is dependent upon the quality of the applicants and the availability of places.
Community philanthropy has been integral to The Friends’ School and its core values since the school was founded in 1887. This community philanthropy and generosity continues to this day. Scholarships and fee assistance packages are funded by generous donations from the School community.
If you have any questions about scholarships or bursaries, please contact the Enrolments Manager, Jen Scharkie, on either +61 3 6210 2224 or jscharkie@friends.tas.edu.au
The Friends’ School is pleased to offer a Refugee or Humanitarian Entrant Needs-Based Scholarship opportunity for a new student entering the School in Year 11 in 2027.
Term: Tenable throughout the student’s enrolment time
Entry Level: a new student entering Year 11 in 2027
Value: Up to 95% of tuition fee support. Please note that Friends’ School needs-based scholarships are based on financial need and assistance varies depending on the individual family circumstances.
Applications closed: 9am Monday 9 November, but we encourage you to apply early as the scholarship may be awarded before the closing date.
1. Enquiry
Applicants are welcome to contact the School for support through this process or alternatively progress directly to stage 2 below.
2. Formal Scholarship Application – Applicants will be asked to provide:
3. Application for Enrolment
Shortlisted applicants must complete an online Application for Enrolment form prior to the interview.
4. Interview
The interview will work as an opportunity to assess the student’s readiness, motivation, and suitability for Friends’. Shortlisted applicants and their parent(s)/guardian(s) will attend an interview with relevant school staff, such as: the Principal or Deputy Principal, Head of School and/o Deputy Heads.
5. Offer and Acceptance
Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer outlining the scholarship terms and enrolment conditions. A signed Acceptance of Offer must be returned within the timeframe specified.
Additional Notes
Scholarships are reviewed annually and may be continued into Year 12, subject to satisfactory progress, attendance, and the family making a regular contribution to the fees agreed upon. Students and their families are expected to uphold the values and responsibilities of the School community.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss, please don’t hesitate to contact the Enrolments Office on either enrol.office@friends.tas.edu.au or +61 3 6210 2286.
This is a bursary available for a student from Years 7 to 12 from a rural area.
The Frances Parsons Bursary was created following the receipt of a bequest from Frances Parson’s estate in 2015. Frances had a passion for the education of women, particularly from rural areas, although the bursary is available to all rural students.
This bursary will be awarded to either an existing or prospective Friends’ School student entering into Years 7 – 12 from a rural area and will provide up to 50% of boarding costs for the tenure of the student’s enrolment.
Friends’ School bursaries are based on financial need and assistance varies depending on the individual family circumstances.
Applications closed: 11am, Tuesday 9 June 2026
If you have any queries or would like to discuss, please don’t hesitate to contact the Enrolments Office on either enrol.office@friends.tas.edu.au or +61 3 6210 2286.
The Friends’ Fellowship is a two-to-three year bursary, available for a new student entering in Year 10 or 11 in 2027. Applications for this bursary are now open for new students entering in 2027.
Established in 2018, and funded entirely by community donations during annual giving, The Friends’ Fellowship provides financial assistance to families who can least afford a Friends’ education, and who will benefit greatly from attending the School. The value of the Bursary depends on funds raised. Recipients do not sit an exam, rather they demonstrate their commitment to academic achievement, service, community and the values of the School through an online application, interview and references from teachers and community members.
Term: Two-to-three years
Entry Level: a new student entering Year 10 or 11 in 2027. Applicants must be an Australian Citizen.
Value: up to 75% of school fees. Friends’ School bursaries are based on financial need and assistance varies depending on the individual family circumstances.
Applications closed: 11am, Monday 11 May 2026
There is no examination for bursaries but families will be expected to make available a range of financial information to allow assessment of their application. Applications are assessed by the Fees Assistance Committee of the Board of Governors and all details are held in confidence.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss, please don’t hesitate to contact the Enrolments Office on either enrol.office@friends.tas.edu.au or +61 3 6210 2286.
Visit The Mather Endowment Trust for more information about the history of the Trust and its benefactors.
Students are selected based upon their demonstrated desire to learn and their involvement in their current school and community. Students entering Year 7 to 12 may be considered for assistance through the Mather Endowment Trust.
Students would need to be interviewed by the relevant Head of School and Principal.
Applications are now open for new students entering Years 7 to 11 in 2027.
Applications closed: 11am, Friday 17 April 2026
If you have any queries or would like to discuss, please don’t hesitate to contact the Enrolments Office on either enrol.office@friends.tas.edu.au or +61 3 6210 2286.
A Merit Scholarship provides a 25% reduction in tuition fees only. All scholarships are tenable throughout the student’s enrolment time. Additional financial assistance may be available for families that demonstrate a financial need in order to attend The Friends’ School.
These scholarships are offered to students entering Year 7 and Year 11 in 2027, who demonstrate that they have strong abilities across a range of key learning areas.
Students who are offered a Merit Scholarship for entry into Year 7 are required to agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the Year 7 Merit Scholarship agreement
Students who are offered a Merit Scholarship for entry into Year 11 are required to agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the Year 11 Merit Scholarship agreement.
The 2027 Scholarship Application, Criteria and Process Guidelines are located here.
Please ensure all applicants have read and understood the terms and conditions and 2027 Scholarship Guidelines before applying.
Applications closed on Monday 23 February 2026 at 12.00pm (no late applications accepted).
The Merit & Boarding Scholarship Exam will be held on Saturday 28 February 2026.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss, please contact the Enrolments Office on either enrol.office@friends.tas.edu.au or +61 3 6210 2286.
A Music Scholarship provides a 25% reduction in tuition fees only. All scholarships are tenable throughout the student’s enrolment time. Additional financial assistance may be available for families that demonstrate a financial need in order to attend The Friends’ School.
Music Scholarships are offered to students who demonstrate outstanding musicianship and the ability to make an ongoing, strong and varied contribution to the musical life of the School.
Students who are offered a Music Scholarship for entry into Year 7 are required to agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the Year 7 Music Scholarship agreement
Students who are offered a Music Scholarship for entry into Year 11 are required to agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the Year 11 Music Scholarship Agreement.
The 2027 Scholarship Application, Criteria and Process Guidelines are located here.
Please ensure all applicants have read and understood the terms and conditions and 2027 Scholarship Guidelines before applying.
Applications closed on Monday 23 February 2026 at 12.00pm (no late applications accepted)
Music Scholarship auditions will be held on Friday 6 March 2026.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss, please contact the Enrolments Office on either enrol.office@friends.tas.edu.au or +61 3 6210 2286.
A Boarding Scholarship provides a 25% reduction to tuition and boarding fees. All scholarships are tenable throughout the student’s enrolment time. Additional financial assistance may be available for families that demonstrate a financial need in order to attend The Friends’ School.
A Boarding Scholarship provides a 25% reduction to tuition and boarding fees. All scholarships are tenable throughout the student’s enrolment time. Additional financial assistance may be available for families that demonstrate a financial need in order to attend The Friends’ School.
Applications for Boarding Scholarships are invited from students entering Year 7 and Year 11 in 2027, who would otherwise be unable to attend the School because of their remote residential location or other circumstances related to their residential arrangements.
Students who are offered a Boarding Scholarship for entry into Year 7 are required to agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the Year 7 Boarding Scholarship agreement
Students who are offered a Boarding Scholarship for entry into Year 11 are required to agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the Year 11 Boarding Scholarship agreement.
The 2027 Scholarship Application, Criteria and Process Guidelines are located here.
Please ensure all applicants have read and understood the terms and conditions and 2027 Scholarship Guidelines before applying.
Applications closed on Monday 23 February 2026 at 12.00pm (no late applications accepted).
The Merit & Boarding Scholarship Exam will be held on Saturday 28 February 2026.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss, please contact the Enrolments Office on either enrol.office@friends.tas.edu.au or +61 3 6210 2286.
Shortly after the First World War, a group of Friends’ alumni set up a trust fund to support a student moving into Year 11, whose family had been adversely affected by war. This worthy cause has been modified over the years, extending the support to students who simply have an alumni connection in their extended family and omitting “War” from the title.
There is one grant of $4,000 for a Year 10 student continuing to Year 11 at The Friends’ School. The grant is paid in Term 1. Students with an alumni connection in the previous generation (such as parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts) are encouraged to apply.
The application form outlines the areas on which students will be evaluated. We are looking for a student who is academically sound, an active participant in the life of the School and strong in service.
A panel comprising the Head of Senior School and Alumni Representatives will shortlist the applicants and then conduct interviews.
Applications for the Old Scholars’ Memorial Grant closed on Thursday 29 January at 4pm. For more information please contact Adam Chambers at achambers@friends.tas.edu.au
The Friends’ School offers needs-based Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Bursary opportunities for new students of entering the School in Years 7–12.
Term: Tenable throughout the student’s enrolment time
Entry Level: a new student entering Years 7-12 in 2026
Value: Friends’ School bursaries are based on financial need and assistance varies depending on the individual family circumstances
Applications closed: 12pm, Friday 5 September 2025 but we encourage you to apply early as bursaries may be awarded before the closing date
Applicants are welcome to contact the School for support through this process or alternatively progress directly to stage 2 below.
2. Formal Bursary Application – Applicants will be asked to provide:
3. Application for Enrolment
Shortlisted applicants must complete an online Application for Enrolment form prior to the interview.
4. Interview
The interview will work as an opportunity to assess the student’s readiness, motivation, and suitability for Friends’. Shortlisted applicants will attend an interview with relevant School staff, such as: the Principal or Deputy Principal, Head of School and/or Deputy Heads.
5. Offer and Acceptance
Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer outlining the bursary terms and enrolment conditions. A signed Acceptance of Offer must be returned within the timeframe specified.
Bursaries are reviewed annually and may be continued into Year 12, subject to satisfactory progress, attendance, and the family making a regular contribution to the fees agreed upon. Students and their families are expected to uphold the values and responsibilities of the School community.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss, please don’t hesitate to contact the Enrolments Office on either enrol.office@friends.tas.edu.au or +61 3 6210 2286.
Applicants must be Australian Citizens or holders of an Australian Permanent Resident Visa (you will be required to upload a copy of your PR status, in the application process if this is the case).
Please submit your online application and accompanying documents by 12pm, Monday 23 February 2026. Applications will not be considered after this date.
Applicants will be contacted about the scholarship exam and/or music audition closer to the audition and exam dates. All Merit and Boarding Scholarship applicants are required to sit an exam on Saturday 28 February 2026. Music Scholarship applicants will be shortlisted to audition. Applicants will be notified on Thursday 26 February 2026 if they have been shortlisted so that an individual audition time can be arranged. Music Scholarship auditions will be held on Friday 6 March 2026. We suggest families make tentative arrangements with an accompanist (if required) prior to knowing if their child has been shortlisted.
Those that have completed a merit or boarding scholarship application will receive an email outlining all the details of the exam. See below.
The Merit & Boarding Scholarship Exam will be held on Saturday 28 February 2026.
Music Scholarship auditions will be held on Friday 6 March 2026.
All scholarship papers and audition results will be reviewed by the School and further information from applicants may be sought.
Shortlisted Merit and Boarding applicants will be interviewed by the Principal and respective Head of School. Music applicants will be interviewed by the selection panel during their audition. Successful applicants will be awarded scholarships.
For any enquiries or to discuss with the School, please contact our Enrolments Office on either 6210 2286 or enrol.office@friends.tas.edu.au
Subject to a range of factors, such as levels of funding and available spaces in relevant year groups, limited needs-based scholarships for boarding and tuition are available from time to time. These may be offered to students who demonstrate qualities that will enrich the entire school and contribute to the School’s mission. Needs-based scholarships are based on financial need and the assistance varies depending on individual family circumstances.
There is no examination for needs-based scholarships, but families will be expected to make available a range of financial information to allow assessment of their application. Applications are assessed by the Fees Assistance Committee of the Board of Governors and all details are held in strict confidence.
The Board may, from time to time, offer targeted scholarships to assist students from certain special groups. These are advertised online, on social media and via this website.
For more information on scholarships, please contact the Enrolments Office.
