Cultural (Visual Art) Selective Entry
Applications open: Friday 2 May 2025
Applications close: Monday 16 June 2025
Applications received after the closing date will NOT be considered.
Submit the Visual Art Application Checklist and Student Summary, via the Selective Entry Online Application Form, to apply for Cultural (Visual Art) Selective Entry.
Students must submit a folio of 10 original works that best demonstrate their artistic ability. The work should be no larger than A3 size (photographs of larger works, 3D and sculptural work and USB's of time-based/digital media work may be included in the folio). Please note, a physical copy of the folio is required to be submitted in person to H Block Reception by the closing date.
Folios will be assessed on a student’s:
- analytical and interpretative drawing skills (ability to draw from life and to express and interpret through the drawing medium)
- experimentation with concepts, subject matter or materials (willingness to go beyond the standard convention of the medium and strive for innovation and originality)
- ability to interpret, express and communicate ideas (clarity and intent of ideas and aesthetic achievement).
Students in Year 6 applying for Cultural (Visual Art) Selective Entry into Year 7 may also be required to attend a workshop to demonstrate their skills.
A non-refundable and non-transferable processing fee of $420.00 applies for all Cultural (Visual Art) Selective Entry Applications.
Cultural (Instrumental Music) Selective Entry
Applications open: Friday 2 May 2025
Applications close: Monday 16 June 2025
Applications received after the closing date will NOT be considered.
Submit the Instrumental Music Application Checklist and Student Summary, via the Selective Entry Online Application Form, to apply for Cultural (Instrumental Music) Selective Entry. This form provides information on the enrolment and audition process for the Cultural (Instrumental Music) category.
It is important to note; the need for numbers of students and instruments required varies each year.
A non-refundable and non-transferable processing fee of $420.00 applies for all Cultural (Instrumental Music) Selective Entry Applications.
Year 7 minimum requirements
- AMEB Grade 6 for violin
- AMEB Grade 5 for flute
- AMEB Grade 4 for most other instruments.
Cultural (Instrumental Music) Selective Entry
Updated details for Years 8-11 Selective Entry will be available on the school website in July 2025.
Entry to the school through the Selective Entry categories for Years 8-11 is very limited and always heavily oversubscribed.
Applications received after the closing date will NOT be considered.
Submit the Instrumental Music Information and Student Summary, via the Selective Entry Online Application Form, to apply for Cultural (Instrumental Music) Selective Entry.
It is important to note; the need for numbers of students and instruments required varies each year.
A non-refundable and non-transferable processing fee of $420.00 applies for all Cultural (Instrumental Music) Selective Entry Applications.
Years 8 – 11 minimum standards
- Cultural (Instrumental Music) Selective Entry applications for entry in Years 8 – 11 must be of an exceptional standard. For example, the minimum standard for Violin is AMEB Grade 8 or equivalent, for entry into Years 8 – 11.
- Applicants should demonstrate outstanding technical and musical abilities and a commitment to future improvement on their instrument. Students should also demonstrate a commitment to ensemble performance and be prepared to prioritise school Instrumental Music Ensembles as their primary school based extra-curricular activity. Priority will be given musicians playing an instrument where there is an identified need within the BSHS Instrumental Music Program.
- Entry to the school through the Cultural Selective Entry category for Year 8 – 11 is very limited and always heavily oversubscribed.
Enrolment application due dates are listed in Year 8 – 11 Enrolment Timelines.
Selective Entry Equity Bursary (Cultural)
The school acknowledges that the enrolment application processing fee of $420.00 may pose a challenge for some families facing genuine hardship. In response to this concern, the School Council has approved the establishment of Selective Entry Equity Bursaries to support families experiencing financial difficulties.
These bursaries aim to ensure that the application fee does not serve as a barrier for students seeking a place at Brisbane State High School under the Selective Entry category. By offering financial assistance through these bursaries, the school demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity and providing equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Families facing sustained hardship can now apply for the Selective Entry Equity Bursary, which can potentially cover or alleviate the cost of the enrolment application processing fee. This initiative reflects the school's dedication to making education accessible and removing financial barriers for those in need.
We invite families for whom this fee presents an insurmountable barrier to application, to submit interest in this bursary by the closing dates listed below:
To prepare the bursary application for submission, please download the Selective Entry Equity Bursary application form.
Contact enrolmentenquiry@brisbaneshs.eq.edu.au for Selective Entry Equity Bursary enquiries.
Submitting your application for Year 8 – 11, 2026
1. Before you applyBefore you start the application, please ensure that you have reviewed the following information:
Enrolment Management Plan for the conditions under which students may be enrolled in this category.
Enrolment Timelines – including application submission dates and audition dates (if applicable).
Download the Qkr! app for payment of Selective Entry application fees – refer to the Qkr! Guide. Please add your child's current school year level (i.e., Year 6 2024) when adding a student profile in Qkr!
2. Completing an application- Complete the Selective Entry Online Application Form and upload all necessary documents, including the Instrumental Music Information and Student Summary.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
The processing fee is required to be paid via an app called Qkr!
Download Qkr! for free from the Apple app store for iPhones (iPads to download iPhone version) or from Google Play for Android phones and tablets.
Refer to the Qkr! Guide
Enter your child's current year level (for e.g. Year 8 2025) when adding a student profile in Qkr!
Submit evidence of payment with the online application form.
4. Submitting your application
Upload the completed Instrumental Music Information and Student Summary (PDF, 170 KB) via the Selective Entry Online Application Form, in the section titled Documents 4. Additional Supporting Documentation.
For further information regarding Cultural Selective Entry enrolment, please contact the Enrolments Office.
Contact our Enrolment Office:
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