Kelvin Grove State College Academic Achievers program: entry exam, dates and fees

Quick answer: Kelvin Grove State College's Academic Achievers: Global Leaders program takes students in Year 7 through an academic entry exam. For 2027 entry, applications closed on Friday 8 May, the exam was on Thursday 14 May, and offers were emailed at the end of Term 2. There's a $350 non-refundable processing fee. ACER lists Kelvin Grove as a HAST school.

Kelvin Grove State College at a glance

Kelvin Grove is a P to 12 college, so its own Year 6 students can also sit the exam. It runs several other excellence programs with their own auditions and trials, including art and design, dance, music, football, golf, tennis and volleyball. All excellence applicants need strong effort and behaviour on their latest school report.

The entry test

Kelvin Grove's timeline describes an academic exam without naming the provider. ACER lists Kelvin Grove State College as a HAST participating school at junior secondary level, so expect a HAST-style format, but confirm with the college.

HAST is ACER's Higher Ability Selection Test, used by schools to select students for gifted and academic programs. The junior secondary version has Reading Comprehension (45 minutes), Mathematical Reasoning (40 minutes), Abstract Reasoning (30 minutes) and Written Expression (25 minutes), although schools can choose which sections to use. It's paper-based, with no calculators and no penalty for wrong answers.

More on HAST: HAST-P vs HAST · HAST results explained

Key dates

Kelvin Grove's dates come from its 2027 excellence program timeline. Always confirm on the school's program page before you apply.

What else counts

• Academic exam results
• Documents uploaded through the online portal
• Strong effort and behaviour on the latest school report

How to prepare

• Sit one full timed HAST-style test a couple of months before the exam to find the weakest section.
• Practise abstract reasoning if the school uses it. Most students have never seen these picture-pattern questions, and familiarity alone saves time.
• Practise 25-minute writing from a picture or statement stimulus, in different styles: a story, a description or an argument.
• Keep reading widely and talk about what writers suggest, not just what happens.
• Answer every multiple-choice question. HAST has no penalty for wrong answers.

HAST-style practice tests

Our HAST-style practice tests are built around the HAST format, including abstract reasoning in the Year 6 sets, with worked explanations, a skill breakdown and writing marked by a human teacher. They're independent practice materials, not official HAST papers, and they don't predict selection outcomes.

Frequently asked questions

What test does Kelvin Grove use for Academic Achievers?

An academic entry exam. ACER lists Kelvin Grove as a HAST school, so expect a HAST-style test.

How much does it cost to apply?

A $350 non-refundable processing fee. Current Kelvin Grove Year 6 students pay $100 to sit the exam.

When are Academic Achievers offers made?

At the end of Term 2, by email.

Other Queensland schools using HAST

• Brisbane State High School
• Albany Creek State High School
• Murrumba State Secondary College
• Queensland Academies (QASMT, EduTest)

See which test every Queensland school uses in our Queensland school scholarships guide.

Practice Tests & Exams is an independent provider and is not affiliated with Kelvin Grove State College, ACER or the Queensland Department of Education. Details are from the school and ACER as published by 27 October 2026. Always check the school's website for current dates and requirements.