University of Melbourne Emeritus Professor, Sir Gus, said he was honoured to have the school named after him.

"Two of my daughters are teachers, and they have made me realise just how hard teachers work and what an amazing job they do.

"I am a great believer in the state education system, and this honour is one of the nicest things that has happened to me," Sir Gus said.

Sir Gus was also the director of The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research from 1965-1996 and was knighted in 1977 for his pioneering work in clinical immunology.

He was named Australian of the Year in 2000.

Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley said Nossal High School would open in Berwick in term one next year, taking in up to 200 year 9 students, including places for highly able students from disadvantaged background.

"Having a new selective entry school in our key growth corridors means we can offer the best schooling options for more high-achieving academic students from across our community and surrounds."

Former Mt Erin Secondary College principal Roger Page will be Nossal High School's first principal.

Applications to sit the selective entry school exam close this Friday.

Visit www.education.vic.gov.au