Tony Abbott's daughter Frances received a scholarship from a prestigious design institute chaired by a donor and friend of the prime minister.

Mr Abbott has not declared the Whitehouse Institute of Design scholarship on his pecuniary interest register, despite previously declaring other matters relating to his children such as trips, accommodation and tickets to sporting events.

MPs are required to disclose gifts above specified threshold limits with extra requirements for ministers where a gift is retained.

The prime minister's office said Mr Abbott has known Les Taylor, the chairman of the Whitehouse Institute, for many years and when in opposition he received clothing from him as a gift.

The pecuniary interest register shows Mr Abbott received suits from Mr Taylor in February 2012 and April 2013.