More than scholarships, the Elevate Pathways Program also provides enrichment experiences, mentorship and opportunities to extend learning.
Supporting curious, capable and committed students to grow, thrive and contribute.
The Elevate Pathways Program offers opportunities across Academic, Arts and Sport for students entering Year 7 and Year 10 in 2028, who are ready to challenge themselves, deepen their interests and play an active role in our community.
The Elevate Program was developed in response to a simple observation: within every cohort, there are students who are ready for additional stretch. Students who are deeply curious. Students who are already demonstrating commitment to a discipline, whether academic, artistic or athletic.
The Elevate Pathways Program is our structured response to that readiness.
What is the Elevate Pathways Program?
Academic Excellence Pathway
Arts Pathway
Sports Pathway
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to domestic students (Australian citizens or permanent residents) who are entering Year 7 or Year 10 in 2028, including both current ELTHAM students and new applicants.
We welcome applications from students who:
- Show genuine interest and commitment in Academic, Arts or Sport pathways
- Are eager to contribute to College life
- Demonstrate alignment with ELTHAM’s values
- Are motivated, engaged and ready for challenge
What We’re Looking For
Across all pathways, we look for students who:
- Show initiative and a love of learning
- Willing to work closely with their mentors and coaches
- Display ELTHAM College values in their attitudes and actions
- Demonstrate strong personal character
- Have a proactive mindset that is excited by new opportunities
- Bring enthusiasm and curiosity to their chosen pathway
Participation is supportive, not burdensome — students are guided to grow, not pressured to perform.
Application Requirements
Additional Requirements by pathway
Sport
Applicants should be able to demonstrate a high level of sporting commitment and achievement, evidenced through at least one of the following:
- Participation in high level club or association competition
- Performance at a representative level, including State or National level competition
- Involvement in elite club programs
- Participation in recognised talent identification programs (for example AFL NGA or Cricket Victoria pathways)
Arts - Music (Year 7 Entry)
Applicants should typically demonstrate the following:
- Musical proficiency broadly equivalent to AMEB Grade 4–5 standard, or a comparable level of ability. Formal AMEB examinations or qualifications are not required.
- Strong evidence of commitment to regular practice, musical development and ongoing improvement.
- Active involvement in musical ensembles, performances or other collaborative musical activities.
- A demonstrated enthusiasm for music and a willingness to contribute to the College's music program.
Instrument-Specific Guidelines:
- Instrumental: Applicants should demonstrate musical proficiency broadly equivalent to AMEB Grade 4–5 standard, regardless of instrument.
- Voice: Applicants should typically have undertaken approximately three years of vocal tuition or demonstrate an equivalent level of vocal proficiency and performance experience.
The AMEB grade levels outlined above are indicative benchmarks only and are not mandatory prerequisites. Applicants will be assessed holistically, considering their musical ability, experience, potential and capacity to contribute to the College's music program.
Following a review of their application and supporting documentation, shortlisted students will be invited to attend an interview in April 2027, which will also include an audition.
Arts - Music (Year 10 Entry)
Applicants should typically demonstrate the following:
- Musical proficiency broadly equivalent to AMEB Grade 6–7 standard, or a comparable level of ability. Formal AMEB examinations or qualifications are not required.
- Strong evidence of sustained commitment to musical development, regular practice and ongoing improvement.
- Demonstrated experience in musical ensembles, performances or other collaborative musical activities.
- A willingness to actively contribute to and participate in the College's music program.
For specific instruments:
- Instrumental: Applicants should demonstrate musical proficiency broadly equivalent to AMEB Grade 6–7 standard, regardless of instrument.
- Voice: Applicants should typically have undertaken approximately five years of vocal tuition or demonstrate an equivalent level of vocal proficiency, performance experience, and musical development.
The AMEB grade levels outlined above are indicative benchmarks only and are not mandatory prerequisites. Applicants will be assessed holistically, considering their musical ability, experience, potential and capacity to contribute to the College's music program.
Following a review of their application and supporting documentation, shortlisted students will be invited to attend an interview in April 2027, which will also include an audition
Arts – Visual Arts
Applicants are required to submit a portfolio comprising photographs of five artworks as part of their application.
The portfolio should:
- Include photographs of work completed within the past two years
- May contain a combination of school based projects and work produced outside the classroom
- Demonstrate experience working across a range of media
The portfolio provides insight into each student’s creative thinking, technical skill and approach to visual arts practice.
All application components are considered together. No single element is assessed in isolation.
Application process and next steps
Applications for the Elevate Pathways Program are now open. To apply, families must complete both steps outlined below.
Step 1: Complete the Edutest Registration Form
All applicants must register for the academic assessment through Edutest by 19 February 2027. A registration fee of $120 is payable directly to Edutest.
First-time users will need to create an Edutest account, verify their email address, then return to the Edutest homepage to log in and complete registration.
Register for the Edutest assessment
Step 2: Complete the Elevate Supporting Information Form
Families must also complete the Elevate Supporting Information Form and submit all required supporting documents, including academic evidence, a student introductory video and materials relevant to their chosen pathway.
Please note this form is separate from the Edutest registration platform.
Elevate Supporting Information Form
How to submit your introductory video
Students are asked to record a short video (maximum three minutes) introducing themselves, their interests, aspirations, chosen Elevate pathway (Academic, Arts or Sport), alignment with ELTHAM College values and reasons for applying.
- Upload the video to YouTube (select 'Unlisted') or a similar video-sharing platform.
- Copy the shareable video link.
- Paste the link into the designated field in the Elevate Supporting Information Form.
Please ensure the video can be viewed without a password or special permissions.
Important: Both Step 1 and Step 2 must be completed by 11:59pm on Friday 19 February 2027 for an application to be considered.
What happens next?
Once both steps have been completed:
1. Standardised academic assessment
All applicants sit the Edutest academic assessment on the scheduled testing date.
2. Review and shortlisting
Applications are reviewed by the selection panel, with consideration given to academic potential, pathway specific strengths and alignment with the College values.
3. Interview
Shortlisted applicants are invited to attend an interview.
4. Outcome and offer
Successful applicants receive an offer outlining their place in the Elevate Pathways Program, including confirmation of the tuition fee reduction component.
Families are kept informed throughout the process, with clear communication at each stage.
Selection decisions are made following a holistic review of each application. The Principal reserves the right to make the final decision in all cases
Key Dates for 2028 Entry
| Date | Entry and Application Stage |
|---|---|
|
Friday 16 October 2026
|
Applications open.
|
|
Friday 19 February 2027
|
Applications close at 11:59pm. Edutest registration and all supporting information must be submitted.
|
|
Saturday 27 February 2027
|
Academic Testing Day at ELTHAM College (8.40am arrival for a 9:00am–12:00pm assessment)
|
|
Late March 2027
|
Shortlisting and interview invitations
|
|
April 2027
|
Interviews conducted for shortlisted applicants
|
|
Early May 2027
|
Offers released
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elevate a traditional scholarship?
No. While the Program includes a tuition reduction for successful applicants, Elevate focuses on mentoring, enrichment and authentic learning opportunities.
What does the Program offer?
- Individual academic or pathway mentoring
- Enrichment and extension opportunities
- Experiences linked to student interests
- Support for tours, competitions or qualifications
- A tuition fee reduction (amount confirmed in offer)
Who can apply for Elevate?
Both current ELTHAM College students and new applicants entering Year 7 or Year 10.
What should students include in their introductory video?
A brief introduction, alignment with College values, passions, interests, and academic or pathway goals. We want to learn more about you!
What is the Elite and Emerging Athletes Program?
Sport Pathway students are guaranteed entry to the ELTHAM College Elite and Emerging Athletes Program. The program is open to athletes from any sport and will be designed to complement their specific training for that discipline.
The Elite and Emerging Athletes Program works with students during the school week, allowing them to continue with their evening and weekend sport activities for local and regional clubs.
We map a personal course that will support, challenge and motivate each student to achieve their definition of sporting success. Our distinct approach develops physical fitness and strength conditioning, nutrition and recovery, goal setting and mental focus, all within an environment that prioritises strength of character and wellbeing.
