Vibrant and full of life, The Arts and Culture is a spirited display of the heart and soul of Fairholme College.

Excellence in The Arts and Culture Scholarships are available for students entering Year 7 or Year 10 annually. Eligible applicants will have evidence of achievements and examinations at a high-level in their chosen discipline — Drama, Music, Drama, Dance, Visual Arts, Debating, Chess or Public Speaking.

Explore each of The Arts and Culture Scholarships and their individual eligibility and application requirements below.

Marjorie Milliken Music Scholarships

Merit based | Entering Year 7 in 2027

Lead by dynamic and experienced Specialist Music Teachers, Fairholme students are immersed in the world of Music both in the classroom and on the stage.

The Marjorie Milliken Music Scholarship is offered to new and existing students entering Year 7 in 2027 for a three-year period from Year 7 until Year 9.

Scholarship benefits:

• 75% remission of Tuition Fees
• Private Music lessons in auditioned instrument to the value of $2000 per annum
• The cost of the annual music camp (instrumental or choral depending on the Scholarship instrument)
• The cost of associated sheet music (up to a value of $200 per annum)
• The cost of examinations (for the Scholarship instrument)
• Eisteddfod entry for Scholarship instrument (up to $200 per annum).

Lindsay Statham Music Scholarships

Merit based | Entering Year 10 in 2027

Lindsay Statham Music Scholarship is offered to new and existing students entering Year 10 in 2027 for a three-year period from Year 10 until Year 12.

Scholarship benefits:

• 75% remission of Tuition Fees
• Private Music lessons in auditioned instrument to the value of $2000 per annum
• The cost of the annual music camp (instrumental or choral depending on the Scholarship instrument)
• The cost of associated sheet music (up to a value of $200 per annum)
• The cost of examinations (for the Scholarship instrument)
• Eisteddfod entry for Scholarship instrument (up to $200 per annum).

Bob Balsillie Memorial Senior School Music Scholarships

Merit based | Entering Year 10 in 2027

The Bob Balsillie Memorial Senior School Music Scholarship is offered to new and existing students entering Year 10 in 2027 for a three-year period from Year 10 until Year 12.

Scholarship benefits:

• 50% remission of Tuition Fees
• Private Music lessons in auditioned instrument to the value of $2000 per annum
• The cost of the annual music camp (instrumental or choral depending on the Scholarship instrument)
• The cost of associated sheet music (up to a value of $200 per annum)
• The cost of examinations (for the Scholarship instrument)
• Eisteddfod entry for Scholarship instrument (up to $200 per annum).

Dance Scholarships

Merit based | Entering Year 7 or Year 10 in 2027

Applicants will be short-listed for an audition, on the basis of Dance experience and achievements, including examinations.

All Dance Scholarship applicants are required to:

• submit the Scholarship Application Form
• register for the ACER Scholarship Exam
• submit the different dance styles in which they are proficient, their Dance School experience as well as evidence of Dance examinations and achievements. All supporting documentation must be submitted by the close of registration date
• shortlisted applicants will be required to complete an audition at the College at a time organised with the applicant during the week of 23 February, 2026. The audition will involve the performance of two contrasting pieces – each 2 to 3 minutes in length. 

Registrations for 2027 Scholarships are open. Applications close Midnight AEDST (11pm QLD AEST) Sunday 8 February 2026.

Drama Scholarships

Merit based | Entering Year 7 or Year 10 in 2027

It would be expected that a student will have reached a minimum level of:

• AMEB Grade 2 (or equivalent) for students entering Year 7.
• AMEB Grade 5 (or equivalent) for students entering Year 10.

Applicants will be short-listed for an audition, on the basis of Dramatic proficiency and achievements, including examinations.

All Drama Scholarship applicants are required to:

• submit the Scholarship Application Form
• register for the ACER Scholarship Exam
• submit evidence of Drama examinations and achievements. All supporting documentation must be submitted by the close of registration date
• shortlisted applicants will be required to complete an audition at the College at a time organised with the applicant in the week of 23 February, 2026. The audition will involve the performance of two contrasting pieces – each 2 to 3 minutes in length. 

Registrations for 2027 Scholarships are open. Applications close Midnight AEDST (11pm QLD AEST) Sunday 8 February 2026.

Visual Arts Scholarships

Merit based | Entering Year 7 or Year 10 in 2027

Applicants will be short-listed for an interview and will be required to complete a drawing task, on the basis of evident artistic expertise. 

All Visual Arts Scholarship applicants are required to:

• submit the Scholarship Application Form
• register for the ACER Scholarship Exam
• submit a digital portfolio (e.g. PowerPoint, Prezi presentation) showcasing at least six pieces of work. The digital presentation must provide a brief description of the process, including date, media, timeline, context, and inspiration for the artwork. This can be provided as a Youtube or Vimeo link, or via USB. Evidence of any external artwork prizes can also be submitted. All supporting documentation must be submitted by the close of registration date
• shortlisted applicants will be required to complete a drawing task at the College during the week of 23 February, 2026
   
  

Registrations for 2027 Scholarships are open. Applications close Midnight AEDST (11pm QLD AEST) Sunday 8 February 2026.

Public Speaking and Debating

Merit based | Entering Year 7 or Year 10 in 2027

This scholarship recognises students with outstanding talent and commitment in debating and public speaking, both within school and the wider community.

Applicants will be short-listed for an interview and will be required to deliver a prepared speech, on the basis of evident public speaking and/or debating expertise. 

All Public Speaking and Debating Scholarship applicants are required to:

• submit the Scholarship Application Form
• register for the ACER Scholarship Exam
• provide supporting documentation showcasing achievements and active involvement in debating and or public speaking (e.g. awards, competition results, community contributions)
• shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview and asked to deliver a two minute prepared speech in response to a provided stimulus during the week of 23 February, 2026
   
  

Registrations for 2027 Scholarships are open. Applications close Midnight AEDST (11pm QLD AEST) Sunday 8 February 2026.

Chess

Merit based | Entering Year 7 or Year 10 in 2027

Applicants will be short-listed for an interview and will be required to submit evidence of relevant achievements.

All Chess Scholarship applicants are required to:

• submit the Scholarship Application Form
• register for the ACER Scholarship Exam
• submit evidence of achievements in Chess and competition rankings. All supporting documentation must be submitted by the close of registration date
• Interviews for short-listed applicants will occur in the week of 23 February, 2026
   
  

Registrations for 2027 Scholarships are open. Applications close Midnight AEDST (11pm QLD AEST) Sunday 8 February 2026.