Australia is a popular secondary education destination for international students. Not only does Australia offer quality, internationally recognised education, it also provides a safe, comfortable and multicultural environment. Education in Australia aims to provide skills for your future study, employment and life in Australia or anywhere in the world.

School term dates for 2007 to 2008

Courses and qualifications

Average tuition costs

Entry requirements

Further study

Vocational training in schools

The International Baccalaureate Diploma

School term dates for 2008

Please note, the above table shows the school term dates for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). To view the school term dates for all other states and territories for 2008 visit the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) website:
2008 school term dates

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Courses and qualifications

Australia’s secondary schools have a national curriculum that was developed to ensure high academic standards in all Australian schools. The different states and territories of Australia do have individual systems of secondary education, but all conform to the same high standards required by the national curriculum. For a school to be accredited to accept international students it must provide, or have access to, specialist English language programs.

Across the different states and territories, the Year 12 (final year) qualification is known as:

Different secondary schools offer varying elective subjects and areas of specialisation, but all provide subjects in eight key learning areas: English, mathematics, society and the environment, science, the arts, economics, technology, and health and physical education.

In addition to the subjects offered, it’s a good idea to research the school’s focus and extracurricular activities to help you find the school most suited to your needs and interests.

Further information on secondary education in Australia can be found here .

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Average tuition costs

• A$6000–A$13 000 a year

It is important to check tuition costs with individual schools.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements vary throughout Australia. The selection process involves consideration of the applicant’s academic record and proven ability, along with other factors that may include sporting achievement and other extracurricular accomplishments.

Further study

The successful completion of secondary school allows students to apply for entry to further education but it does not guarantee a place. Entry into most Australian higher education courses is on a competitive basis, for both international and local students.

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Vocational training in schools

An increasing number of Australian schools offer vocational training subjects as part of their school curriculum. These subjects allow students to gain practical, work-based skills whilst completing their senior secondary education, and are part of Australia’s commitment to providing a balanced education that prepares students well for life after secondary school.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is a two-year pre-university course for motivated students 16–19 years of age. It is recognised for university entrance around the world.

There are also programs for middle year students (aged 11–16) and primary year students (aged 3–12). Schools must be officially approved by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) to be able to offer IB programs. There are around 75 IB-authorised schools in Australia. For more information or to search for a school, click here .