ACER Scholarship Exam Information & Practice Tests

Basic Information about Exam

Schools across Australia use the ACER Scholarship Tests to reliably identify academically talented students for scholarship opportunities.

Key Features of the ACER Scholarship Program

• Reliable, skills-focused tests created to recognise exceptional student performance.
• Carefully developed, high-quality questions tested through extensive trials.
• Open to both Australian and international students seeking entry into Australian schools.
• Assistance from the ACER Scholarships team throughout the entire process, from registration to results.
• Quick and straightforward online registration.

Scholarship test for Secondary Level 1.

The ACER scholarship test for Secondary Level 1 is conducted for children entering year 7 or 8.

Students who are in year 6 or 7 may appear in the exam.

• Mathematics

  This test focuses on assessing mathematical and scientific skills rather than classroom achievement. Question material is drawn from a wide range of sources and may not always align with typical school curriculum content.

  • 32–36 multiple-choice questions
  • 40 minutes

• Humanities – Comprehension and Interpretation

  This test requires students to respond to questions based on written and visual material. Content may come from areas like English, Art, History, Geography, and Social Studies. No prior specialist knowledge is expected — all necessary information will be provided. Students are expected to think critically and evaluate a variety of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, cartoons, diagrams, and maps.

  • 40–45 multiple-choice questions
  • 40 minutes

• Written Expression

  Two writing topics will be provided, allowing students to demonstrate different writing styles. The Written Expressions test assesses a student's ability to clearly communicate their thoughts and ideas in writing.

  • Two writing topics (25 minutes each)