Murrumba State Secondary College Engineering Excellence: HAST entry and how to prepare

Quick answer: Murrumba State Secondary College in Murrumba Downs selects students for its Engineering Excellence program using ACER's HAST, an on-site STEM testing day and a video of a building project. In the most recent published round, applications closed in late June, with HAST and STEM tasks on site in early August.

Murrumba State Secondary College at a glance

Murrumba also runs Spanish Acceleration (by interview), and Dance, Football and High Performance Music programs selected by audition or trial. Students in any program must keep up high results, effort and behaviour to stay in it.

The entry test

Murrumba uses HAST for Engineering Excellence, sat on an on-site testing day alongside STEM tasks.

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

These are the most recent dates the college has published. Always confirm on the school's program page before you apply.

What else counts

• HAST results
• Performance in on-site STEM tasks
• A video of a building project
• Maintaining high academic results, effort and behaviour once in the program

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 Murrumba use for Engineering Excellence?

HAST, plus on-site STEM tasks and a building-project video.

Does Murrumba have other excellence programs?

Yes: Spanish Acceleration, Dance Academy, Football Academy and High Performance Music, each with its own selection process.

Other Queensland schools using HAST

• Albany Creek State High School
• Narangba Valley State High School (HAST)
• Kelvin Grove State College
• Brisbane State High School

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 Murrumba State Secondary 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.