Patricia Long Conservatorium High School Scholarship

Helping talented young musicians access quality public music education

This scholarship was established through the estate of the late Patricia Long to support gifted students who wish to attend the Conservatorium High School and whose financial situation would benefit significantly from assistance.

The recipient will receive up to $2,500 per year for each year they are enrolled at the Conservatorium High School. The scholarship may continue for a maximum of six years, as long as the student remains enrolled, makes satisfactory academic progress, and maintains an acceptable attendance record.

What the Scholarship Covers

Funds can be used for educational and musical expenses such as:

  • Purchase of a relevant musical instrument
  • Musical tuition
  • Uniforms and other equipment
  • Stationery and books
  • Laptop
  • Course or study-related software
  • Printer
  • Excursions and camps

Important Notes:

  • The scholarship will lapse if the student leaves the Conservatorium High School.
  • If attendance falls below an acceptable level, the scholarship may be withdrawn.
  • Any unused funds at the end of the scholarship period must be returned to the Public Education Foundation.

Before applying, please read the scholarship terms and conditions.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Usually enrolled in Year 6 (in 2025), or a secondary student transferring to the Conservatorium High School
  • Applied to commence studies at the Conservatorium High School from 2026
  • Australian citizen or permanent resident

Selection Criteria

  • Demonstrated musical potential and the ability to benefit significantly from the scholarship
  • Assessment of musical potential based on the Conservatorium High School’s audition and evaluation process
  • A commitment to study at the Conservatorium High School

Selection Process

A panel including representatives from the Public Education Foundation, the Conservatorium High School, and independent experts will review all applications against the criteria. The panel will recommend a successful applicant for Board approval.

Applicants will be notified by December 2025. The school principal will also be informed of the outcome.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s online portal. Create a PEF-Apply account to access the form.

Important: All sections of the application, including the Principal’s Supporting Statement, must be completed before submission.

Applicants must select the Conservatorium High School Music Scholarships option.

Information You Will Need

  • Student details:
    • Full name
    • Gender
    • Date of birth
    • Phone number
    • Address
    • Email (must be regularly checked)
  • Residency status: Visa or citizenship certificate (if born overseas)
  • Parent/Guardian details (one or two):
    • Name
    • Phone number
    • Relationship to student
    • Email (must be regularly checked)
  • School details:
    • Name of school
    • Address
    • Principal’s name and email
  • School point of contact: Name, phone number, and email
  • Family background:
    • Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, or Pacific/South Sea Islander status
    • Mob/family/language group
    • Non-English-speaking background
    • Country of birth (student and parents)
    • Languages spoken at home
    • Number of adults and children in the household
    • Employment status of adults
    • Primary caregiver information
    • Education level of immediate family
    • Disability or learning difficulty status
    • Out-of-home care experience
    • Socio-economic background
    • How you found out about the scholarship
  • Which instrument(s) you play
  • Statement addressing selection criteria and your musical goals (max. 400 words)
  • Your most recent school report (all pages, ready to upload)
  • Reference from your music teacher (PDF or Word, max. 400 words)
  • Principal’s supporting statement (initiated via the online form and submitted separately by your current principal)

Note for Applicants: The Principal’s statement must be from your current school principal, not the Conservatorium High School.

Note for Principals: Your supporting statement is vital. Generic responses or copy-pasted text will disadvantage the applicant. Provide detailed insight into the student’s suitability for this scholarship.

Submitting Your Application

Once your application is complete (including references and statements), you can submit it online.

Applications close at 5:00pm on Friday, 26 September 2025.

Need Help?

Contact the Public Education Foundation:
📞 02 7814 2806
✉️ scholarships@publiceducationfoundation.org.au