Successful students will demonstrate a breadth of involvement in school and community life and a sound level of academic achievement. Family circumstance will be a significant factor in awarding a bursary.
Bursaries
At Aquinas College, we believe that every boy deserves the opportunity to receive a holistic education, regardless of their family's financial situation. This commitment is deeply rooted in our heritage and reflects our belief that education has the power to transform lives in extraordinary ways. By providing boys with an inspiring education, we empower them to make a positive difference in the world and give them the tools they need to succeed.
Our approach to education goes beyond academics. We focus on developing well-rounded young men who are socially adept, emotionally mature, and spiritually grounded. Our goal is to partner with parents in nurturing these qualities in our students and helping them grow into men of great character.
At Aquinas College, we are proud to offer a transformative educational experience that opens doors for all boys, regardless of their background or financial circumstances. We believe that by investing in their future today, we can create a brighter tomorrow by growing good men, who strive to do their best for others as well as themselves.
Bursaries are awarded based on need and will vary in value depending on each family’s circumstance. All bursaries are supported by the Aquinas College Foundation.
The following bursaries will be available for students to attend Aquinas each year
Bursary applications for 2026 are now open. Close date: Monday 28 April 2025Click below to apply
Br WG Hall Bursary for Year 7 students
Old Aquinians’ Association Bursary for a Year 7 student
The Old Aquinians’ Association Bursary provides support for the son or grandson of an Old Aquinian. The successful student will demonstrate a breadth of involvement in school and community life and a sound level of academic achievement. Family circumstances will be a significant factor in awarding a bursary.
Edmund Rice Bursary for Year 7 students
Edmund Rice Bursaries are offered to students whose families do not have the means to send their sons to Aquinas. These bursaries are for families who: have an income of less than $80,000 per year (there are circumstances that will allow for different levels of income); have a connection to the Catholic Church; and the boys have the capacity to thrive at the College.
Terry Bourke Family Bursary for a Year 11 student
Initially funded through the generosity of Terence (Terry) Bourke (Class of 43) and his wife Nell, the Foundation is proud to continue the Terry Bourke Family Bursary in their honour. The bursary is offered to a student to complete Year 11 and 12 at Aquinas College. The successful student will demonstrate a breadth of involvement in school and community life and a sound level of academic achievement. Family circumstances will be a significant factor in awarding a bursary. The bursary covers 100% of tuition fees.
Br MF Redmond Bursary for Year 11 students
This bursary recognises the enormous contribution of Br Redmond to Aquinas College with over 40 years of unparalleled service. The successful students will demonstrate a breadth of involvement in school and community life and a sound level of academic achievement. Family circumstances will be a significant factor in awarding a bursary.
Class of 1954 Bus Tour Bursary for a Year 7 student
This bursary recognises a group of Old Aquinians from the Class of 1954 who, along with their friends, organised tours to parts of regional Western Australia over a period of 15 years, raising funds for Aquinas College Bursaries along the way. The successful student will demonstrate a breadth of involvement in school and community life and a sound level of academic achievement. Family circumstances will be a significant factor in awarding the bursary.
Peer Bursary Gift for a Year 11 student
Since 2017, each Leaving Class has funded a 50% bursary for a student to complete Years 11 and 12 at Aquinas College. The Peer Bursary Gift, inspired by our founder Edmund Rice, supports boys who couldn't otherwise afford an Aquinas education, creating a life-changing legacy. Recipients will show broad involvement in school and community, strong academic performance, and significant family need.
Graeme Ian Adkins Family Bursary
The Graeme Ian Adkins Bursary recognises the legacy of Graeme Adkins (’83) at Aquinas College. This is a partial bursary offered to students in years 10 – 12 on the basis of financial or circumstantial hardship.
Graeme Ian Adkins (1983) made an indelible contribution throughout his time at Aquinas College. In his final year, Graeme served as Captain of Football, Vice-Captain of Athletics and College Prefect. His success as the 800m open race champion is recognised by the Graeme Ian Adkins Perpetual Trophy awarded annually since 2024 to the winner of the race. After his untimely passing in 2022 at the age of only 56, Graeme’s family have chosen to honour his legacy by establishing a bursary for a student who demonstrates a breadth of involvement in school and community life and a sound level of academic achievement. Family and financial circumstances will be significant factors in awarding this bursary.
Boekeman Family Indigenous Bursary
The Boekeman Family Indigenous Bursary recognises the generosity of Pam and Bill Boekeman (’54). This bursary is offered to an Indigenous student from year 7 to cover College tuition and boarding fees.
Bill Boekeman was born in Quairading, Western Australia to a farming family where he developed his skill for football, eventually playing for Subiaco. Alongside wife Pam in 1968, they started Boekeman Machinery in Wongan Hills. With a good education, hard work and determination the Boekemam’s built a successful business and a foundation for future generations to thrive. This Bursary is offered to an Indigenous student who demonstrates a breadth of involvement in school and community life and a sound level of academic achievement. Family circumstances will be a significant factor in awarding a bursary.
Reilly Family Bursary
John Reilly and his family have established the Reilly Family Bursary to offer student in years 11 - 12 who would not have otherwise had the opportunity to attend Aquinas College. Financial hardship will be a significant factor in awarding this bursary and consideration will be given to a Boarding family.
John (’68) and Peter (’65) Reilly were born to Hugh and Kathleen Reilly, members of a proud farming family that settled in Boyanup, Western Australia, in the early 1890’s. The Reilly’s understood the value of a good education and sought to send the boys to boarding school at Aquinas College in Perth. In the 1960’s, particularly after their father passed in 1965, the Reilly’s found themselves unable to afford School tuition. The family were shown immense generosity when the Principal agreed to support both boys and in turn, this act of goodwill has inspired the Reilly Family Bursary. Financial hardship will be a significant factor in awarding this bursary and consideration will be given to a Boarding family.