Scholarship Policy

1. Aims
Our Vision
At MIS our vision is to empower learners with the necessary skills, understanding and knowledge to thrive as global citizens.

Our Mission
At MIS our mission is to inspire personal excellence and strength of character through an innovative, integral education.

Our Values
Internationally Minded, Principled, Collaborative, Positive, Responsible, Enquiring, Adaptable, Expressive, Respectful, Resilient.

Policy Aim
MIS scholarships are designed to recognise and support students who exemplify the school's mission of inspiring personal excellence and strength of character. Recipients are expected to uphold the MIS values, including international-mindedness, resilience, and adaptability, and to actively contribute to the school's vibrant community.

By providing financial assistance and opportunities to outstanding students, Merchiston International School (MIS) aims to build a diverse and inclusive community of learners who embody the school’s core values and contribute positively to society.

This policy ensures fairness, equity, and alignment with MIS’s strategic goals while fostering a supportive and inspiring environment for all students.

2. Scholarship Overview

2.1 Scholarship Offering

The scholarship offered by Merchiston International School (MIS) applies exclusively to tuition fees. All other associated costs, including but not limited to application fees, boarding, extracurricular activity fees, uniforms, and resources, must be paid in full by the recipient’s family as outlined in the school’s fee structure.

2.2 Scholarship Durations
Scholarship Duration and Renewal Scholarships are awarded for an initial period of one academic year for students in the Junior and Lower Senior years, and two years for students in Years 10/11 and 12/13. Renewal of the scholarship is contingent upon the recipient maintaining the required academic standards, exemplary conduct, and active participation in school activities. This ensures that students remain engaged with both their academic and personal development, continuing to uphold the values of the school. The renewal process is designed to encourage sustained excellence and community involvement throughout the scholarship period.

2.3 Scholarship Committee

The Scholarship Committee at Merchiston International School (MIS) is composed of a diverse group of professionals dedicated to upholding the integrity and excellence of our scholarship programme. The committee includes:

• Head of School - Provides overall leadership and ensures alignment with the school's mission and vision.

• Head of Well-being - Evaluates applicants' extracurricular involvement and leadership qualities.

• Section Heads - Representatives from key areas of the school assess candidates' academic achievements and potential.

• Director of Admissions - Brings insights into applicant backgrounds and oversees the selection process.

This multidisciplinary team collaborates to identify and support students who exemplify MIS's values and have the potential to contribute significantly to our school community.

2.4 Funding and Allocation
The funding for scholarships is determined annually by the MIS Board of Governors, who assess the available resources and strategic priorities of the school. The number of scholarships awarded each year may vary based on factors such as the number of available places in each year group and the overall quality of applications received. The scholarships are awarded with careful consideration of the school's goals, including fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. As such, scholarships may also be allocated with specific objectives in mind, such as increasing cultural diversity or supporting the promotion of key school programmes.

If funds remain unallocated due to a lack of suitable applications, or if there are no eligible candidates in a particular year group, the unused funds will be reallocated to support other educational initiatives within the school. This ensures that all available resources are used in the most effective way possible to support the school's mission and vision.

2.5 Equity & Inclusion
MIS welcomes scholarship applications from students of all nationalities, genders, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The selection process is designed to ensure fairness and inclusivity, in alignment with the school's mission to foster a diverse and global learning community.

MIS is committed to providing equitable opportunities for talented students who face financial barriers to education. Needs-based scholarships are awarded based on both merit and demonstrated financial need, ensuring a diverse and inclusive school community that reflects our values and mission.

The needs-based scholarship programme at MIS reflects our commitment to making education accessible to talented students, regardless of their financial background. This initiative fosters a diverse and inclusive community, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the school's mission.

2.6 Merchiston Values

Scholarships at MIS are not only awarded based on academic achievement but also on the student's embodiment of the Merchiston Values. These values include resilience, adaptability, international-mindedness, and a commitment to principled and collaborative learning.

Recipients of a scholarship are expected to serve as ambassadors of these values within the school community and beyond. This means demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, showing adaptability in a variety of situations, and fostering an environment of international-mindedness through cultural awareness and respect for diversity. Additionally, scholarship recipients are expected to actively contribute to the school’s collaborative culture, working with others to enhance the learning environment.

The evaluation process for scholarship candidates includes assessing how well applicants exemplify these core values in their academic work, extracurricular involvement, and daily interactions within the school community. These attributes are integral to the success of the individual and the school, and they play a vital role in determining scholarship recipients who will positively influence the school culture.

2.7 Confidentiality

All applications and information provided for scholarship purposes are treated with the utmost confidentiality. Only relevant members of the Scholarship Committee and assigned school administrator will access applicant data.

3. Scholarship Categories and Criteria

MIS offers scholarships across multiple categories. Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, evaluation processes, and recipient obligations:
3.1 Academic Excellence Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria

• Students with consistently high grades in core subjects over the past two academic years.

• High performance in standardised assessments or school entrance exams.
• Consistent academic effort and engagement.
• Evidence of responsibility, leadership, and independence, demonstrated through involvement in school projects, initiatives, or extracurricular activities.
• A growth mindset, where the student shows a willingness to improve and learn from mistakes.

Evaluation
• High level performance in CEM test to reflect academic potential.
• Summative and formative assessment as appropriate.
• Strong recommendations from teachers that highlight not only academic achievement but also the student's character, work ethic, and positive impact on the school community.
• Review of behaviour, attendance records, etc.
• Written personal statement (in English).
• Interview and related tasks with scholarship committee.

3.2 Creative Talent (Music) Scholarship
Eligibility
• Displays outstanding musical and technical ability on their chosen instrument at an undergraduate music conservatory level.
• Evidence of participation in competitions, exhibitions, or performances.
• Evidence of success at well-established and recognized musical competitions or recognition at the international and national level.
• High performance in standardised assessments and MIS musicology test.
• Consistent academic effort and engagement.
• A growth mindset, where the student shows a willingness to improve and learn from mistakes.

Evaluation
• Portfolio or live performance/audition.
• Statement of artistic goals and contributions to the MIS arts programme.
• Teacher recommendations relating to the candidate’s academic potential.
• Performance level in CEM test to reflect academic potential.
• Written personal statement (in English).
• Review of behaviour, attendance records.
• Interview and presentation with scholarship committee.
Creative Talent (Music) Scholarship Levels
• Bronze - Recognizes students with notable musical abilities who show potential to contribute to the school's arts programmes.
• Silver - Awarded to students demonstrating exceptional skills and consistent performance in their artistic specialism at the school or district level.
• Gold - For students who exhibit outstanding artistic talent, participate in regional or national competitions, and consistently contribute to the school's arts reputation.
• Platinum - Reserved for students competing at elite national or international levels, serving as role models for the school community through their artistic abilities, leadership, and academic achievements.

3.3 Sports Excellence Scholarship
Eligibility
• Students must demonstrate consistent athletic achievements in their chosen sport(s).
• Students competing at regional, national, or international levels in any recognised sport.
• Proven commitment to training and participation in school or external tournaments.
• Students must maintain a satisfactory academic record, with a minimum grade average as determined by the school’s academic policy. Students
• must exhibit exemplary behaviour, respect for peers, and adherence to the school’s code of conduct.
• A growth mindset, where the student shows a willingness to improve and learn from mistakes.

Evaluation
• Performance review during a practical demonstration or trial session.
• Coach's letter of recommendation.
• Teacher recommendations relating to the candidate’s potential.
• Regular participation in team training, inter-school tournaments, and other sports events.
• Contribution to the overall development of the school’s sports programme.
• A medical fitness certificate may be required to confirm the applicant’s ability to compete.
• Performance level in CEM test to reflect academic potential.
• Written personal statement (in English).
• Review of behaviour, attendance records.
• Interview and presentation with scholarship committee.

Sports Scholarship Levels
• Bronze - Recognizes students with notable athletic abilities who show potential to contribute to the school’s sports teams and programmes.
• Silver - Awarded to students demonstrating exceptional skills and consistent performance in their sport(s) at the school or district level.
• Gold - For students who exhibit outstanding athletic talent, participate in regional or national competitions, and consistently contribute to the school’s sports reputation.
• Platinum - Reserved for students competing at elite national or international levels, serving as role models for the school community through their sportsmanship, leadership, and academic achievements.

3.3.1. Golf Programme
To better encourage and attract outstanding golf special enrolment students to join MIS, the school plans to establish the "MIS Golf Special Enrolment Scholarship Programme". The scholarship will comprehensively evaluate the performance of applicants in three aspects: proficiency, academic performance, and comprehensive interview. Each year, three full - scholarships and six half - scholarships will be set up. The golf proficiency will be evaluated once a school year, and the applicant's scholarship for the following year will be determined based on the latest results.

3.3.2 Golf Scholarship Award Policy
Scholarship Application Requirements:
• Scholarship A: 100% Scholarship, the applicant needs to meet a total score of 2-3 points in the table.
• Scholarship B: 50% Scholarship, the applicant needs to meet a total score of 4-5 points in the table.
• Scholarship C: 25% Scholarship, the applicant needs to meet a total score of 6-7 points in the table.

Applicants are required to participate in the China Golf Association (CGA) points - based tournaments and have corresponding point rankings.
• Our applicants need to participate in domestic or international tournaments with a comparable lineup or of a comparable standard, obtain corresponding rankings, and can submit to the school for review, and the school will make a decision as appropriate.
• Applicants should be ranked among the top 100 (inclusive) in the corresponding group points of the CGA for 8 consecutive weeks.
• The golf proficiency of applicants will be evaluated once before the end of each school year (June 10th).
• Applicants must pass the MIS entrance examination.
• Applicants applying for scholarships must follow the academic performance policy. (see table above)

3.3.3 Scholarship Application Process

Step 1 - Submission of Application: Applicants should submit documents including personal resume, proof of golf proficiency, and proof of academic performance.

Step 2 - Entrance Examination: Applicants make an appointment for the MIS entrance examination and the parent interview.

Step 3 - On - site Interview: Applicants make an appointment for the interview. Step 4 - Admission Result: The admission notice will be issued.
3.4 Leadership, Service and Global Citizenship Scholarship
Eligibility
• Evidence of leadership roles (e.g., Clan/House captain, student council member, team captain, etc.).
• Demonstrated involvement in community service or volunteering initiatives.
• Students demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, global advocacy, or intercultural exchange.
• Participation in Model UN, global conferences, or similar initiatives.
• A growth mindset, where the student shows a willingness to improve and learn from mistakes.
Evaluation
• Submission evidence (project, video, essay) of leadership and service contributions representing the candidate’s contributions to global citizenship.
• Verification of achievements through references and activity logs.
• Performance level in CEM test to reflect academic potential.
• Teacher recommendations relating to the candidate’s potential.
• Written personal statement (in English).
• Review of behaviour, attendance records.
• Interview and presentation with scholarship committee.

4. Scholarship Process
4.1 Scholarship Award Tiers
Scholarships are awarded in the following tiers, based on the candidate’s performance and the scholarship committee's evaluation:

Tier	1	2	3	4	5 (Discount)
%	100%	75%	50%	25%	5-10%

 

4.2 Application and Selection Process

The following process will drive the scholarship application and award process:

Stage	Process
1. Eligibility Check	Applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility.
2. Application Review	Academic tests, portfolio reviews, or practical demonstrations as applicable.
3. Student Assessment	Presentation, interviews and assessments with the Scholarship Committee.
4. Head of School Approval	Recommendations are presented to the Head for approval.
5. Board Confirmation	Recommendations are presented to the Board of Governors for approval.
6. Final Decision	Students and parents notified and invited to sign an official acceptance letter.

 

4.3 Stages
The scholarship application process will begin each year in February and timelines and details of internal and external scholarship offerings will be shared publicly in advance.

4.3.1 Stage 1
External applications will submit the requested information, documentation and evidence of performance.

4.3.2 Stage 2 – Application Review
The scholarship committee will review all submitted application evidence from external applicants, including the student’s evidence of achievement in specialised scholarship area and letters of endorsement/recommendation.

4.3.3 Student Assessment
Initially, external applicants (students not currently studying at MIS) will be required to undergo formal assessment in a relevant area and give a presentation on a specified topic to the scholarship committee. At this stage, any internal applicants (students currently studying at MIS) will submit their application, with evidence to support their application (including personal
statement, evidence of performance and conduct) and give a presentation on a specified topic to the scholarship committee.
If deemed suitable, both internal and external applicants (and their parents) will be invited to attend the next stage of the scholarship process: student interview, parent interview, group critical thinking task, audition, skills test, etc.

4.3.4 Head of School Approval
The evaluation process in making a final decision will consider not only academic results but also the student's approach to learning. This includes a student's engagement with the curriculum and their ability to contribute positively to the school community. The scholarship committee will consider the student’s long-term potential for continued growth and success, ensuring that the scholarship is awarded to those who not only excel academically but also align with the school's values and mission.
Following a full analysis by the scholarship committee, the proposed applicants will be presented to the head of school for approval.

4.3.5 Board Confirmation
All chosen scholarship offerings will be presented to the board of governors for final approval.

4.3.6 Final Decision
Students and their families will be notified via email and will be required to sign an official scholarship acceptance letter. In addition, a scholarship award ceremony will be arranged.

4.4 Appeals
Candidates who wish to appeal a scholarship decision must submit a written request to the Head of School within 14 days of receiving the outcome. The appeal should include reasons for appeal and any relevant supporting evidence:
The decision of the Head of School and Scholarship Committee on appeals is final.

4.5 Deferral
The MIS scholarship is non-transferrable, and the term of study cannot be deferred. Should a student withdraw, the scholarship will be terminated and cashing out for the remaining value of the scholarship is not permitted.

4.6 Scholarship Timeline
In order to meet the needs of applicants, two rounds of scholarship applications will be arranged:

Applications open: January / April
Scholarship interviews: February / May
Decisions announced: March / June

5. Scholarship Renewal
Scholarships are renewable annually, subject to:
1. Maintaining high levels of performance and progress in the relevant scholarship area.
2. Maintenance of high academic or extracurricular performance standards.
3. Active participation in relevant school programmes (e.g., arts exhibitions, sports teams, leadership activities).
4. Adherence to MIS's behavioral and attendance policies.
5. Submission of a reflective progress report at the end of each academic year.
Scholarship recipients are identified as not meeting the renewal criteria will enter a one-term probationary period. During this time, the school will provide additional support, such as mentoring or academic tutoring, to help the student meet expectations.

5.1 Mid-Year Reviews
Recipients will undergo a mid-year review, where their performance, participation, and conduct are assessed. Recommendations will be made to support recipients in achieving their full potential.

6. Expectations to Maintain Scholarships
Students must meet the following conditions in order to continue receiving the scholarship:
• Student must maintain a high academic standing and performance levels.
• Student must consistently demonstrate a positive attitude and maximum effort in their learning.
• Serve as role models for their peers, upholding MIS’s values.
• Student must participate in the full school programme including school trips and after school activities.
• Student must show exemplary personal behaviour and appropriately represent the school’s image.
• Student must meet the school's attendance requirements.
• Attend workshops, events, or mentorship sessions organised for scholarship recipients.
• Families are expected to actively engage in the school community by attending events, supporting school programmes and maintaining open communication with the school.
• Scholarship students will also be expected to make a positive contribution to life art MIS by undertaking additional duties, which may include (depending on age) work in the student service centre, provide campus tours to guests, attend official events (including on weekends), perform the role of prefect, actively contribute to the formulation of the yearbook, break/lunch time duty, etc.

Failure to meet these expectations may result in a probationary period or the revocation of the scholarship.

7. Communication and Transparency
Scholarship details, application deadlines, and evaluation processes will be:
• Publicised on the MIS website and shared in a letter to existing students and parents.
• Highlighted during the admissions process.
• Communicated during open house events and information sessions.

8. Policy Review
The scholarship policy will be reviewed annually by the Scholarship Committee, with input from key stakeholders, to ensure alignment with MIS's mission and evolving goals. Adjustments will be implemented to address feedback and reflect the school's strategic priorities.