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Scholarships and competitions3 min read

ICAS assessments: what they are and when to check dates

ICAS is an academic competition, not an entry test, usually entered through your child's school. The 2026 window ran 3 to 28 August; 2027 dates are not yet published, so a similar August window is expected.

Last checked against the official sources.

ICAS is an academic competition, usually entered through your child's school. If the school does not offer it, families can enter at an ICAS testing centre or through an authorised partner. It is not a selective entry test. The 2026 window was 3 to 28 August. The 2027 dates are not yet published, so an August window is expected.

What it is

ICAS offers assessments in several subjects for Years 2 to 12. Results are used for recognition and feedback. They are not an application requirement for the tests in the other pages of this hub, though some schools may mention them.

Dates

  • 2026 window: Monday 3 August to Friday 28 August 2026 (now past).
  • 2027: dates are not yet published. We list an August window as expected, because the 2026 window ran in August.
  • Entries close before each subject's sitting week. In 2026, parent entries through a school's payment system closed on Friday 24 July, and school entries closed on 2 August or 16 August depending on the subject, after an extension. The 2027 closing dates are not yet published.

How to enter

ICAS says there are three ways to take part: through your child's school (most students), at an ICAS testing centre if the school does not offer ICAS, or through an authorised ICAS partner. See how to register.

Fees

ICAS lists 2026 fees through school entry of AU$21.95 including GST for most subjects and AU$25.95 for Writing. Testing-centre entry costs more. Check the entry fees page for current prices.

Preparation

ICAS is an outside provider and sells its own past papers, which it says familiarise students with the question types. We do not copy them and endorse no product. Use them for familiarisation, not drilling.

ExamExplained is run alongside a tutoring business and is not affiliated with ICAS. Any practice items on this site are original, not official, and not endorsed by ICAS. Last checked 7 October 2026.

Key dates

Other tests key dates, with the official source for each
WhatWhenStatusSource
ICAS 2026 assessment window (past)ConfirmedOfficial page for ICAS 2026 assessment window (past)checked 7 October 2026
Queensland Academies Year 7 on-time applications close (Year 7 in 2028; past)ConfirmedOfficial page for Queensland Academies Year 7 on-time applications close (Year 7 in 2028; past)checked 7 October 2026
Queensland Academies Year 7 entrance test (Year 7 in 2028; past)ConfirmedOfficial page for Queensland Academies Year 7 entrance test (Year 7 in 2028; past)checked 7 October 2026
ACER scholarship applications open (2028 entry)ConfirmedOfficial page for ACER scholarship applications open (2028 entry)checked 7 October 2026
WA Gifted and Talented applications open (2028 intake)ConfirmedOfficial page for WA Gifted and Talented applications open (2028 intake)checked 7 October 2026
QACI Year 10 information session (Year 10 in 2028)ConfirmedOfficial page for QACI Year 10 information session (Year 10 in 2028)checked 7 October 2026
SA IGNITE registration opens via ACER portal (2028 entry)ConfirmedOfficial page for SA IGNITE registration opens via ACER portal (2028 entry)checked 7 October 2026
ACEP (SA) scholarship applications close (2028 entry)ConfirmedOfficial page for ACEP (SA) scholarship applications close (2028 entry)checked 7 October 2026
WA Gifted and Talented applications close (2028 intake)ConfirmedOfficial page for WA Gifted and Talented applications close (2028 intake)checked 7 October 2026
ACEP (SA) scholarship test (2028 entry)ConfirmedOfficial page for ACEP (SA) scholarship test (2028 entry)checked 7 October 2026
ACER cooperative scholarship applications close (QLD, NSW, NT, WA, VIC; 2028 entry)ConfirmedOfficial page for ACER cooperative scholarship applications close (QLD, NSW, NT, WA, VIC; 2028 entry)checked 7 October 2026
SA IGNITE assessment (2028 entry)ConfirmedOfficial page for SA IGNITE assessment (2028 entry)checked 7 October 2026
QAHS Year 10 on-time applications close (Year 10 in 2028)ConfirmedOfficial page for QAHS Year 10 on-time applications close (Year 10 in 2028)checked 7 October 2026
ACER cooperative scholarship test (QLD, NSW, NT, WA, VIC; 2028 entry)ConfirmedOfficial page for ACER cooperative scholarship test (QLD, NSW, NT, WA, VIC; 2028 entry)checked 7 October 2026
WA ASET standard conditions, Year 6 applicants, Perth metro, Bunbury and Albany (2028 intake)ConfirmedOfficial page for WA ASET standard conditions, Year 6 applicants, Perth metro, Bunbury and Albany (2028 intake)checked 7 October 2026
QAHS Year 10 entrance test (Year 10 in 2028)ConfirmedOfficial page for QAHS Year 10 entrance test (Year 10 in 2028)checked 7 October 2026
WA ASET adjusted conditions, Perth metro (2028 intake)ConfirmedOfficial page for WA ASET adjusted conditions, Perth metro (2028 intake)checked 7 October 2026
QAHS Year 10 interviews (Year 10 in 2028)ConfirmedOfficial page for QAHS Year 10 interviews (Year 10 in 2028)checked 7 October 2026
QACI Year 10 on-time applications close (Year 10 in 2028)ConfirmedOfficial page for QACI Year 10 on-time applications close (Year 10 in 2028)checked 7 October 2026
QACI Year 10 entrance test (Year 10 in 2028)ConfirmedOfficial page for QACI Year 10 entrance test (Year 10 in 2028)checked 7 October 2026
ICAS 2027 assessment, August (month window, exact dates not yet published; expected)Month window: 1 to 31 August 2027 is a placeholder range, not a published date. ICAS has not published 2027 dates; the 2026 window ran 3 to 28 August, so an August window is expected.Expected, not yet publishedOfficial page for ICAS 2027 assessment, August (month window, exact dates not yet published; expected)checked 7 October 2026

Download these dates as a calendar file (.ics)

The calendar file holds only the dates above. If the download does not open on your phone, try it on a computer. Expected dates are marked as expected. Check the official page before you rely on a date.

Frequently asked questions

Are the 2027 ICAS dates published?
Not yet, as at 7 October 2026. The 2026 window ran from 3 to 28 August, so a similar window is expected for 2027. Entries close before each subject's sitting week, so check the ICAS event calendar early.
How much does ICAS cost?
ICAS listed 2026 school-entry fees of AU\$21.95 including GST for most subjects and AU\$25.95 for Writing. Fees for 2027 may differ, so check the entry fees page.
How can my child enter ICAS?
ICAS lists three ways: through the school (most students), through an ICAS testing centre if the school does not offer ICAS, or through an authorised ICAS partner.

Sources