Scholarships

The Santa Sabina College Foundation is pleased to announce two life-changing scholarship opportunities for new Year 10 students commencing in 2026. Both scholarships will help young women who might not otherwise be able to experience the wonderful education and opportunities that Santa Sabina College offers. Applications for the Sr Judith Lawson OP Leadership Scholarship and the Mother M Bertrand OP Scholarship are now open.

Both scholarships cover 100% of tuition fees 2026-2028 (Years 10-12).

The Sr Judith Lawson OP Scholarship for Leadership is open to a girl who has demonstrated significant leadership within her school and wider community. Sr Judith began her association at the College as a boarder in 1957 and in 1961 was School Captain. She went on to become our Principal from 1987 to 2007. Under her leadership, the College grew and transformed into the incorporated, physically enlarged educational institution with international links which we know today. Her leadership cemented our College as one of Sydney’s leading independent Catholic schools. Sr Judith was the last Dominican Sister to be Principal and has been awarded an OAM for Services to Education.

The Mother M Bertrand Walsh OP Scholarship is named after a Santa Sabina College pioneering Sister who was the First Prioress of the Dominican Order of Eastern Australia (from 1882) and an outstanding educator of three generations of Dominican students. Mother M Bertrand Walsh OP, together with Mother M Pius Collins OP, alternated terms as Prioress, bravely guiding the congregation for 30 years. Together, they founded Santa Sabina College, building the school up from a solitary house in a scrubby field with a roll call of seven students, to a thriving educational community. Mother Mary was also our first benefactor. She established the College’s first bursary in 1930 when she used the gift of £25 given to her by the Dominican Ex-Students’ Association in recognition of her Diamond Jubilee to establish a fund so that a girl could complete her education at a Dominican secondary school. This Scholarship is means-tested and will be awarded to a student who otherwise would not be able to attend Santa Sabina College.

Years 5 & 7 – Needs-based scholarships closing soon

A small number of needs-based scholarship opportunities for new students are available for enrty in Years 5 and 7 in 2026. Enquire via enrolment@ssc.nsw.edu.au or 9745 7030.

A Santa Sabina education is a gift and a privilege. There is no doubt that the educational experience on offer at our school can set a person up for life. It is transformational, it offers diverse and exceptional opportunities. Our teachers continue to be totally committed to knowing our students and inspiring them to do more and be more than they ever imagined possible. Not everyone can access a Santa education and that is why we offer scholarships to young students who are passionate about being a part of our College community. Our scholarships can make dreams become reality for young people who would otherwise not have the chance to attend our school.

Santa Sabina College offers several scholarships each year, including academic, all-rounder and music for new and current Year 7 students and new Years 5 and 10 students. The scholarships vary in covering both full and a percentage of tuition fees. Students who receive scholarships can benefit from the best possible education the school has to offer, while further developing their own unique talents. 

Applications for scholarships for 2027 entry are now open.

SCHOLARSHIP TESTING

Applicants for all scholarships sit the ACER Scholarship Tests in February of the year preceding desired entry to the College. results are released to the College in late March. Individual reports are made available to parents in April. The families of successful applicants are usually contacted by the College in early April to make arrangements to proceed to the next stage of the enrolment process – in-person interviews. Please see the exact timeline below. All scholarships are awarded at the Principal’s discretion.

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Santa Sabina College offers several scholarships to girls with exceptional academic ability and potential. Scholarships are open to new or current students. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit – using the results of our Scholarship Tests in February as well as applicants’ academic records.

ALL ROUND EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS

Santa Sabina College offers several scholarships to girls who demonstrate general excellence across their studies, involvement in community and co-curricular activities, character and leadership. Scholarships are open to new or current students.

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Santa Sabina College Music scholarships are available to girls who, in addition to performing well in the scholarship selection examination, show evidence of outstanding musical achievement or show potential in one of the following areas: Strings, Choral, Brass/Woodwind or Organ. Scholarships are open to new or current students.

Music Scholarship pre-requisite

AMEB 5th grade (or equivalent) or above on one or more musical instruments.

Music Scholarship Audition

• If auditioning on one instrument a maximum of two pieces are to be performed. If auditioning on multiple instruments a maximum of three pieces combined are to be performed. Pieces should best display the student’s musicality and technical proficiency and it is strongly advised that these pieces be drawn from within an established syllabus such as AMEB, Suzuki, Trinity College London or ABRSM.
• Students will be asked to sing a short unaccompanied song of their own choice.
• Students will undertake a brief aural/listening test. 
• Students will be given a short time slot before their audition to tune and warm up. 
• The audition panel may choose not to listen to all of each piece due to time constraints.

For further information regarding scholarships please contact Carla Roberts, the College Admissions Manager, by email at enrolment@ssc.nsw.edu.au or by phone on +61 2 9745 7030.

To visit the College please register to join one of our Discovery Tours which are held throughout the year. 

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2027 ENTRY

• 1 October 2025 – Applications for all 2027 Scholarships open
• 30 January 2026 – Applications close
• 3 February 2026 – Scholarship applicants receive an invitation to attend Scholarship Examination Day
• 28 February 2026 – Scholarship Examination Day (TBC)
• April 2026 – Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend an interview with the Principal. Individual reports from the Scholarship Examination Day are made available to parents of all applicants.
• June 2026 – Scholarship offers are made to successful candidates.

We kindly request that parents and carers await our communication at each stage of the scholarship process. Rest assured, we will provide timely updates and necessary information as soon as it becomes available.