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Australia, Gold Coast
Let the school know you're thinking of applying — they can share their prerequisites and help you through the process.
It's best to ask — circumstances can change at any time.
1. Determine catchment eligibility using EdMap. Enter the full address and check the Secondary Catchment to see if the home is in the school's local catchment. If within catchment, visit the Enrolments page to complete the online enrolment application. The enrolment process will require original documents to verify local residence.
2. If within catchment, complete the online enrolment application on the Enrolments page. The school will ask to see a number of original documents with the enrolment application to confirm local residence.
3. If out of catchment, there are avenues for Out of Catchment enrolments through Excellence Programs.
4. Excellence Programs include Academic Excellence Programs (French Excellence, STEM, Steiner, Benowa Scholar), The Arts Excellence Programs (Music, Dance, Drama, Visual Art), and Sports Excellence. Academic Excellence Programs require all applicants to sit the Academic Exam; The Arts Programs require an audition or portfolio; Sports requires sport trials.
5. Applicants seeking enrolment within an Excellence Program must have school reports that reflect continued excellence in academia, behaviour and effort.
6. For further information, read the Enrolment Management Plan gazetted by the Department of Education, which the school references.
7. General enrolment links are available for 2025 and 2026 enrolment applications.
8. Transferring from another school: If your child is enrolling from a non-state school to a state school (or vice versa) in Queensland, the new school can request a transfer note from the previous school; there is no need for parents to complete additional forms. If moving from interstate, the new school can request consent to obtain information from the previous school; a transfer note is not required for transfers within Queensland.
9. When transferring, consider the timing of the move and involve your children; gather documentation outlining student achievement and education history; consider subject choices, transport, and other needs.
10. If there are further questions, fill out the Enquiry form and the Enrolment Officer will respond with answers.
11. The school publishes online enrolment applications for 2025 and 2026 to begin the process.
Scholarship opportunities are made available from time to time in the French Immersion program; students are encouraged to apply; Benowa SHS French Immersion students have previously gained scholarships to study in New Caledonia, Quebec and Switzerland. Scholarships are also mentioned as part of the Aerospace Gateway Schools program.
Benowa State High School is a public secondary school on an 18‑hectare campus, with over 2,000 students in Years 7–12. Opened in 1980, it serves a diverse community drawn from 50 nationalities. The school delivers the Australian Curriculum with a bespoke framework, featuring Junior Secondary pathways and Senior Secondary program. Excellence Programs span Academic, Sport and Arts, including Academic STEM Excellence, Academic French Immersion Program (FIP), French Excellence, Dance Excellence, Drama Excellence, Music Excellence, Sports Excellence, Visual Art Excellence and Steiner Excellence; dual programs are available from 2026. Vocational Education offers certificates such as Barista and Hospitality, plus Visual Arts-Photography and Dance certificates. The campus includes a 21st‑century library and sport facilities; sport is coordinated with Gold Coast Sport Central and district events. Around 40 clubs operate across academic, cultural and wellbeing areas, with collaboration spaces to support study. The school emphasises international programs and partnerships to provide diverse pathways.
