How Long Is the Melbourne High School Entrance Exam?

How long is the Melbourne High School entrance exam? Melbourne High candidates sit the shared Victorian Selective Entry High Schools exam run by ACER — not a Melbourne High–only paper. ACER’s exam-day guidance (June 2026 exam, for Year 9 entry in 2027) says the exam takes approximately 4 hours to administer (registration, tasks and breaks), while the exam tasks take 2 hours and 35 minutes. The next exam is expected around June 2027; check ACER for the date.

Source: ACER exam day. Re-check the candidate instructions for your sitting, as details can change between years.

Published task blocks (ACER schedule)

• Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning — 60 minutes
• Break — 20 minutes
• Reading and Verbal Reasoning — 55 minutes
• Short break — 5 minutes
• Writing — 40 minutes

Format deep-dive: VIC selective entry exam format. Calculators are not permitted — calculator rules.

Plan the whole Saturday, not just 2h35

• Travel and venue arrival buffer before registration.
• ~4 hours on-site administration window.
• Pickup waits if instructions run over.
• Bring proof of identity, the admission ticket and two blue or black pens (all required), plus optional water and a snack for the break.

Exam length is not preparation length

Most families plan months of spaced practice rather than a last-minute push — see how long you should study for selective entry. EduTest prep windows are covered separately in how long to prepare for EduTest.

Practice at real section lengths

Train the 60 / 55 / 40 minute blocks, not endless untimed drills. Pathway: how to get into Melbourne High. Cost: entrance exam cost. EduSpark offers 1 free timed paper per subject (free practice papers), and the VIC Complete Bundle includes full-length mocks timed like the new 60- and 55-minute parts. To see the question style first, try 5 sample questions with no signup.