St Joseph's Nudgee College scholarships: the ACER test, dates and value

Quick answer: St Joseph's Nudgee College awards academic scholarships for entry to Years 7 to 10, worth a 25% concession on tuition fees, using the ACER scholarship test. For 2028 entry, the ACER test is on Saturday 27 February 2027, with registration opening in Term 4 2026.

St Joseph's Nudgee College at a glance

Nudgee looks well beyond the test score. Its assessment includes school reports, diligence, achievement in areas such as the arts, music, sport and debating, community spirit and leadership. Sitting the test doesn't guarantee an offer, which also depends on the enrolment application.

Which test does Nudgee use?

Nudgee uses the ACER scholarship test, through ACER's cooperative sitting. Year 7 and 8 applicants sit Level 1; Year 9 and 10 applicants sit a later secondary level.

The ACER scholarship test is set by the Australian Council for Educational Research. Year 7 and 8 entry uses Level 1, with Written Expression (two 25-minute tasks), Humanities (about 40 to 45 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes) and Mathematics (about 32 to 36 questions in 40 minutes). Primary entry (Years 4 to 6) uses Level P, with Reading and Viewing, Mathematics and Writing. Later secondary entry uses Levels 2 and 3.

Many Queensland schools use ACER's cooperative sitting, where your child sits the test once and the results go to each school you've registered with. For 2028 entry, the cooperative sitting is on Saturday 27 February 2027, with registrations closing on Sunday 7 February 2027.

More on this test: The ACER scholarship test explained · Which ACER level your child sits

Key dates for 2028 entry

Dates change each year and schools sometimes switch providers, so always confirm on Nudgee's scholarship page before you register.

What else counts

• ACER test results
• Academic performance and potential, from school reports
• Diligence in academic studies
• Achievement in areas such as performing arts, visual arts, sport, music and debating
• Community spirit and leadership capacity
• Australian citizenship or permanent residency

How to prepare

• Start about three months out. For a February test, that means November.
• Sit one full timed practice test in the right format to find the weakest section.
• Practise writing under time, with feedback on one thing at a time. Writing is the section families find hardest to judge at home.
• Build reading stamina with a mix of fiction, non-fiction and poetry, and talk about what writers imply, not just what happens.
• Keep the last week light. Familiarity and rest matter more than cramming.

Practice for the ACER scholarship test

Our ACER Level 1 practice tests are designed for Year 7 entry, with Humanities, Mathematics and Written Expression. Check the product page for the available mocks and writing-marking options.

These are independent practice materials, not official test papers, and they don't predict scholarship outcomes.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a Nudgee academic scholarship worth?

A 25% concession on annual tuition fees.

What test does Nudgee use?

The ACER scholarship test.

Which years can apply?

Entry to Years 7, 8, 9 or 10.

Does a high test score guarantee a scholarship?

No. Nudgee also considers school reports, co-curricular achievement, community spirit and leadership.

Other Queensland schools

• St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace
• Churchie
• Brisbane Grammar School
• Brisbane Boys' College

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 St Joseph's Nudgee College, ACER, EduTest or AAS. Details are from the school, the test providers and published sources as of 27 October 2026. Always check the school's own website for current dates and conditions.