The best schools at your fingertips

With so many scholarships and bursaries on offer from a variety of independent schools across NSW, the process of finding, comparing and deciding on the ideal opportunity for your child can sometimes be complex and daunting.

ISSB simplifies this process by bringing your options together into an online directory. Here, you can browse by school, scholarships type and/or location to discover and connect with the ideal school for your child’s unique talents. From art and music, to academic, science and sport – you’ll soon discover the perfect scholarship or bursary opportunity for your family, right here.

What are scholarships and bursaries?

A scholarship is an award of financial aid to a family to help their child further their education. Scholarships vary in detail between schools, with some awarding multiple scholarships covering different talents, achievements and behaviours. Most scholarships offer funding of all or part of the school’s tuition fees for a period of time with no requirement for repayment. A bursary is a means-tested scholarship to help families experiencing financial difficulties meaning they’re unable to meet the cost of tuition at their preferred school.

What are the benefits of a scholarship or bursary?

Smaller class sizes, state-of-the-art facilities, resources to support extensive extracurricular opportunities – the quality of education on offer within independent schools is unparalleled. However, this comes at a price. The cost of tuition puts independent schools out of reach for some families. With an independent school scholarship or bursary, access to this quality education is made possible through either fully or partially funded tuition fees for a period of a child’s education.

Why choose an independent education?

Independent schools offer everything a child needs to learn, discover and grow so they can be more than they ever imagined.

Diversity of choice

The diversity of educational experiences available at independent schools is impressive. Students are encouraged to try different activities outside the classroom, and outside their comfort zone so they can grow and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Sports

Independent schools offer the ideal environment to grow sporting talent. With sports on offer including; AFL, surfing, mountain biking, sailing and decathlons, and often coached by professional sportspeople. This provides the ultimate aspirational environment to foster the next generation of Australian sportspeople.

Co-curricular Programs

Independent schools feature many high quality, co-curricular programs to challenge and develop students. From debating teams, public speaking, sporting competitions, chess club, art, music, drama and literary programs.

Quality of Staff

Independent schools attract and employ highly skilled and innovative teachers who are passionate about their profession. With a focus on continuous improvement, they often work in teams to critically review each other’s lessons and identify opportunities for change and innovation.

Accountability

There is strong accountability within the teaching staff at independent schools, helping to maintain exacting teaching standards and attract motivated staff. Independent schools have control over who they employ, allowing them to build dedicated and talented teams of teaching professionals.

Academic Excellence

While independent schools offer a diverse range of programs to build a child’s strengths in many areas, they are focused on achieving exceptional academic outcomes. Many offer the International Baccalaureate, an internationally recognised education and testing program.

Nurturing goodness as well as excellence

Most independent schools have a religious foundation, ensuring children study in an environment supported by a set of defined values. These values nurture self-discipline, respect for authority, self-reliance, safety, structure and cultural traditions. Independent schools nurture the whole child in an environment underpinned by service and community.

How is a scholarship or bursary awarded?

Scholarships are open to both existing and prospective students. They are awarded on a variety of means from academic, boarding, character and skill-based aptitudes such as music, sports or performing arts. Students will be required to take a test to check that they meet the standards set out. Once awarded, there will be conditions to uphold in order to retain the scholarship for the given time.

What does the scholarship or bursary process involve?

The process varies between schools, usually an academic or practical exam, along with an interview or audition is a part of the application process. It is very important that you understand the specific requirements from the school, so you can prepare your child for what’s expected of them on the day. The ‘testing’ process is necessary so the school can more accurately gauge suitability for a scholarship or bursary.

Explore our schools and scholarships

Schools

An independent school education offers endless opportunities for your child to thrive. Browse our schools and find the right fit for your family.

Browse Schools

Scholarships

Independent schools offer a diverse range of scholarships and bursaries. Browse by scholarship to find the perfect fit for your child’s unique talents.

Browse Scholarships

Articles

Be inspired by stories from independent schools, and read latest NSW scholarship and bursary news.

12 Jan