About PLC scholarships
At PLC, we’re proud of our rich academic tradition and our commitment to nurturing confident, capable young women who excel in diverse fields. We warmly invite applications for a variety of scholarships, which offer students the opportunity to become part of a supportive learning community that values excellence, courage, curiosity and personal growth.
PLC accepts applications for scholarships for entry into Years 7 to 11.
PLC scholarships are highly sought-after and may cover up to 50% of the basic annual tuition fees.
Scholarship entry exams are generally held in February of the year prior to entry. Applications open three months prior to the exam.
Types of scholarship
PLC offers academic, general excellence, music, boarding and means-tested scholarships to students entering our secondary school.
Academic scholarships
Academic scholarships are awarded on the basis of outstanding achievement in the ACER scholarship examination, the candidate’s most recent school report and in some cases, an interview.
General excellence scholarships
General excellence scholarships are awarded on the basis of high achievement in the ACER examination, the candidate’s most recent school report, evidence of co-curricular involvement, leadership, sporting activities, membership of clubs and in some cases, an interview.
Music scholarships
Music scholarships cover a proportion of the academic tuition fees and may also cover a private lesson in either one or two instruments. These scholarships are tenable for the duration of secondary studies (maximum of six years) and are open to candidates who show outstanding talent in an orchestral or band instrument, piano or voice.
As a general guide, candidates who apply for a music scholarship should have achieved the following minimum AMEB grades (or equivalent):
- Woodwind - AMEB Grade 3
- Brass - AMEB Grade 3
- Voice - AMEB Grade 3
- Strings - AMEB Grade 6
- Piano - AMEB Grade 6
Music scholarship recipients are required to learn from a member of the PLC music staff and are expected to play a full and meaningful role in the life of the College in general, and the Music School in particular.
Boarding scholarships
Boarding scholarships are awarded on the basis of strong performance in the ACER scholarship examination, financial need and, in some cases, an interview. Applicants who are able to demonstrate a capacity for leadership and participation in co-curricular activities are favoured.
Boarding scholarships cover up to a maximum of 50% of the boarding fees to the end of Year 12 (maximum of six years).
Means-tested scholarships
A limited number of means-tested scholarships are awarded to candidates who would not otherwise be able to attend PLC. Additional information (including ATO tax statements) will be requested separately, once applications have been received.
Eligibility
- Current PLC Year 6 students are eligible to apply.
- Students currently attending PLC Senior School are not eligible to apply.
- Candidates must be Australian citizens or hold a Permanent Resident visa for Australia.
- Late applications will not be accepted.
Scholarship FAQs
Can my daughter still apply for a PLC scholarship for 2026 entry?
No. Applications for 2026 entry have now closed. No late applications can be accepted.
When can my daughter apply for a PLC scholarship for 2027 entry?
Applications for 2027 will open in late 2025.
When is the PLC scholarship exam held?
The entry exam is typically held in February of the year prior to entry.
What is the value of a PLC scholarship?
A PLC scholarship may cover up to a maximum of 50% of the student’s basic annual tuition fees.
Is my daughter more likely to receive a scholarship if I haven't already enrolled her at PLC?
The enrolment status of your daughter will not impact the decision to award her a scholarship. Scholarships are awarded both to girls who have already confirmed their enrolment at PLC for the future, and also to those who have not applied. Some families wish to confirm their daughter's place at the College ahead of sitting the scholarship exam; others prefer to take a chance and wait, knowing that it could be too late to secure a place after scholarship results are received. This is an individual choice that each family must make.
Does PLC offer means-tested scholarships?
Yes, PLC offers a number of means-tested scholarships, which take financial need into consideration. If you wish to apply for a means-tested scholarship, you can select this as an option when you complete the PLC scholarship application form. You will be contacted after your application has been submitted to provide additional information including copies of tax returns.
How long is a PLC scholarship valid for?
Scholarships are held from the year of entry until the completion of Year 12.
Can current PLC students sit the scholarship exam?
Current Year 6 PLC girls are eligible to sit for a Year 7 scholarship. Students already attending PLC Senior School are not eligible to sit for the Years 8 to 11 scholarships.
Can my daughter sit the scholarship exam on another day?
If your daughter is unable to sit the exam on the specified date, we are unfortunately unable to offer alternative arrangements.
Can my daughter be awarded a scholarship if she misses the exam?
No. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must sit the ACER exam.
If my daughter sits the ACER exam for another school, does she still have to sit the ACER exam for PLC?
Your daughter is required to sit the ACER scholarship exam specifically set for PLC. We do not share results with other schools.
Does PLC offer scholarships for sport and art?
Achievements in these areas are considered for General Excellence scholarships.
I am an International Student or holding a Temporary Resident Visa. Can I apply for a scholarship?
PLC scholarships can only be awarded to Australian citizens or Permanent Residents.
Can I send in an application and supporting documents via post?
No. All supporting documents must be submitted via the ACER application form. If you wish to submit multiple files, we request that you combine these into a single PDF. We do not accept hard copies of applications or supporting documents.
Who can I contact for more information about PLC scholarships?
For any other questions regarding PLC scholarships, please contact our friendly Admissions team on + 61 3 9808 5811 or email: admissions@plc.vic.edu.au
Scholarship conditions
PLC may offer remission of up to a maximum of 50% of the annual tuition fees to the end of Year 12.
- Acceptance of a Scholarship holds the expectation that the student will remain at PLC until the end of Year 12.
- A non-refundable enrolment fee will be required on acceptance of a scholarship.
- Successful candidates are expected to play a full and meaningful role in the life of the College in general.
- Successful music candidates are expected to play a full and meaningful role in the life of the College in general, and the Music School in particular.
- Under no circumstances will a candidate be allowed to sit for the examination or music audition other than on the date specified.
- On receipt of a scholarship any concessions or bursaries already held by the student are cancelled. A family would not be entitled to a younger sibling discount.
- Current PLC Year 6 girls are eligible to sit for a Year 7 scholarship.
- Students currently attending PLC Senior School are ineligible to sit for scholarships in Year 8 to 11.
- Any scholarship may be withdrawn if the student’s behaviour or application to her studies are considered unsatisfactory.
- Should a scholarship recipient leave PLC before the end of Year 12, the full amount of the scholarship received must be repaid to PLC within 21 days of notice of withdrawal.
- A full list of conditions will be provided at the time of offer, and prior to acceptance.
Presbyterian Ladies’ College acknowledges the Wurundjeri, Woiwurrung and Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians, by God’s gracious providence, of the land on which our school stands.