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 Primary Level P.

The ACER scholarship test for Primary Level P is conducted for students of years 4 and 5 entering year 5 or 6.

• Reading and Viewing

  This test provides a single measure of achievement reflecting comprehension and interpretation of written and visual material from a range of curriculum areas. No prior specialist knowledge is expected - all necessary information will be provided within the test.

  • 25 multiple-choice questions
  • 30 minutes

• Mathematics

  Students apply mathematical skills and knowledge to solve problems, including short calculations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Questions are designed to assess mathematical reasoning rather than rote classroom knowledge.

  • 20 multiple-choice questions
  • 30 minutes

• Writing

  Two extended response tasks are provided, each requiring a different genre of writing. Students are assessed on the quality of their content and ideas, as well as the structure and clarity of their expression.

  • Two extended responses in different genres
  • 20 minutes each (40 minutes total)

The ACER scholarship test for Secondary Level 1 is conducted for students of years 6 and 7 entering year 7 or 8.

• 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)