Australian schools prepare students for life − developing communication skills, self-discipline, and respect for themselves, their peers, and their world. Schools offer a broad curriculum in the key learning areas – English, mathematics, studies of society and the environment, science, arts, Languages Other Than English (LOTE), technology, health, and physical education.
In Australia, students will enjoy a diverse learning environment that is as personally enriching as it is educational, and develop the skills and qualities needed in a changing world.
Australian schools also strongly believe in the benefits of a rounded education – including the teamwork, self-expression, and personal development that happens outside the classroom.
Australian schools are among the finest in the world. From Kindergarten to Year 12, Australian schools focus on providing equity for every student and striving for excellence in all areas of education.
What makes Australian Schools are so valuable:
Welfare Support for school students:
All Australian schools offer a strong welfare structure to ensure the ongoing support of every student. These include:
Teaching styles and assessment methods:
A variety of teaching methods are used, including teacher-directed learning, student research, group projects and presentations, visual presentations, e-learning, and interactive classrooms.
A variety of assessment methods are used to assess student outcomes. These may include individual research projects, group assignments, oral and visual presentations, the use of technology including PowerPoint, podcast, or vodcast presentations, as well as the more traditional class tests and assignments. National and state testing programs ensure standards are met and maintained.
School System in Australia:
Australian schools do more than just educate students. The Australian school system includes preschool, preparatory (or kindergarten), primary school, secondary school (or high school), and senior secondary school (or college).
Primary school
Primary school applicants can enrol from Term 1 to Term 4.
Junior school
High school applicants for Years 7-10 can enrol from Term 1 to Term 4.
Senior high school
Senior high school applicants for Year 11 must enrol in Term 1 or Term 2 only. It is our recommendation to enrol in Year 11 in January to ensure you have the most amount of time to learn the Preliminary HSC curriculum.
Schooling lasts for 13 years, from preparatory to senior secondary. Types of schools include government schools, non-government schools (including faith-based schools such as Catholic or Islamic schools), and schools based on educational philosophies such as Montessori and Steiner. All
schools must be registered with the state or territory education department and are subject to government requirements in terms of infrastructure and teacher registration.
High School Entry-level and upper age limits:
Entry requirements:
There are some entry requirements to meet before a student can study in an Australian School.
To make the most out of studying in Australia, students need to meet some entry requirements, including:
English language requirements:
Australian educational courses are taught in English. Students (except primary students) need to provide the results of an English language test. English language capabilities to ensure a student can understand the course content.
❖ There are no English language requirements for entry into primary school (Kindergarten to Year 6).
For high school English requirements vary between schools, depending on the state or territory.
❖ For NSW Students applying for direct entry into junior high school (Years 7-10) must provide:
• an IELTS result (general or academic) of 5.0 with no individual band below 4.5, or an equivalent result in another English language test such as TOEFL iBT, AEAS, Eiken or CEFR
Students who cannot demonstrate they have met the minimum English levels for direct entry into high school will be required to enrol in – Intensive English Centre (IEC), as preparation for studying in a school.
Intensive English Centre (IEC):
Intensive English Centres help prepare students whose English needs further development to enrol in a high school. Students typically need to study 2 terms in an Intensive English Centre before progressing to a high school where they will receive continued ESL support.
Students applying for a package commencing with enrolment in an Intensive English Centre can enrol from Term 1 to Term 4.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC):
Australia has a special system of health cover for international students called the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC helps students to pay for any medical or hospital care that may be needed while studying in Australia. It will cover most prescription medicines, ambulance service.
All foreign students and their family members who travel to Australia must maintain OSHC for the duration of their student visa. It is mandatory for a student visa holder. You must compare your policy to suit your needs before you purchase one, there are many OSHC providers in the market.
How to Choose a school:
Every state and territory have their policy to control their education system. All schools are not accepting international students and may have different requirements depending on schools and their state/territory. Students can choose a school by visiting related websites on their choice of State/Territory.
Students can choose from a wide range of comprehensive schools across Australia. Most schools are co-educational, with a small number of boys only or girls-only schools. There is also a range of schools specializing in:
Accommodation options:
Students can choose from one of the following accommodations (welfare) options
Living with a parent
Nominating a parent who will be accompanying the student on a guardian visa is required for Kindergarten to Year 4 and optional for all other year levels
Live with a direct relative
Nominating a direct relative as a carer to be approved by the Department of Home Affairs. Required for Years 5-8 and optional for Years 9-12.
Live with a distant relative or close family friend
Nominating a distant relative or close family friend as a carer to be approved by the NSW Department of Education. Available for Years 9 and above only.
Live with a homestay family
Requesting a homestay placement is available for students in Years 9 and above only.
School qualifications:
After completion of senior secondary school (Years 11 and 12) students sit for exams and receive an official certificate of qualification. The name of this certificate varies within Australia's state-based education systems but regardless of what the certificate is called, it is recognized by all Australian universities, higher education, and vocational education and training institutions in Australia, as well as many institutions internationally.
