The Victorian Government has a strong commitment to giving all students, irrespective of the school they attend, access to a high-quality education and a genuine opportunity to succeed. Victorian Government Schools promote a high level of international awareness in and outside of the curriculum, preparing students to engage in a globalised world.
About Us
Victoria and its capital city, Melbourne, are very multicultural and home to people from over 230 different cultures. In fact, one in four Victorians was born outside Australia. International students are warmly welcomed and valued in our schools and they are not only well supported to achieve their academic goals, but they are also strongly supported as part of the school community. They are encouraged to contribute their talents and enthusiasm to the wide range of activities available in school and in our community.
A quality pathway to higher education
Quality is the number one reason why Victoria is a top international study destination, chosen by students and their families worldwide. In fact, more than 100,000 international students chose to study in Victoria last year. Along with our leading education system and English language facilities, Victoria, and, in particular, Melbourne, are home to some of Australia's best universities. It is these combined intellectual assets which have built recognition of Victoria as a global centre of excellence in education. Victoria has the highest international student transition rate to further education in Australia and retains one of the highest proportions of international students beyond school.
Over 100 schools to choose from
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development administers the International Student Program in Victorian Government schools and assists students and parents in selecting the secondary school that best suits each student. The International Student Program includes over 100 specially accredited secondary schools and each school offers a high quality education and different specialist programs and facilities. Schools also arrange English language tuition, shortterm study tours and caring homestay accommodation for students.
Student Services
Dedicated international student support
Victorian Government Schools place high importance on the welfare of students. Each secondary school has an International Student Coordinator to meet the individual needs of international students. They welcome and support students at the point of arrival, during their transition into school life and onwards. The International Student Coordinator will be there to provide them with around the clock support from the time they touch down in Victoria right up until their final day at secondary school.
Live with an Australian family
Arriving in a foreign country without personal relationships in your local community can make the challenge of settling in, learning a new language and completing one's studies exceedingly difficult. For a young person away from their own family, a homestay family is the ideal way to feel that you belong, to accelerate your English language learning, experience how 'the locals' live and settle comfortably into your studies. Many international students find that homestay is the defining experience of their time in Victoria.
Courses
An internationally recognised school qualification
The Victorian school education system is characterised by vibrant and dynamic learning environments, innovative teaching practice, a diverse curriculum and an internationally recognised qualification-the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). The VCE is a two year comprehensive senior high school program, and provides entry to all Australian universities and many universities outside Australia.
English language programs
Victorian Government Schools help international students to learn English quickly and give them an extremely high quality education. All classes are held in English and students can choose to live in homestay accommodation with an English-speaking family.
On arrival, international students may attend an intensive English Language Program before they move into mainstream classes. The personalised English language tuition offered in Victoria plays a critical role in helping students achieve the required levels of proficiency to successfully complete their high school studies.