Study In Australia

Planning to study in Australia? Each of the country’s states and territories maintains its own education system and their assessment processes, exams and school leaving certificate vary, though the different curriculums are very similar.

In each state and territory there are separated primary (years 1 to 6/7) and secondary schools (years 7/8 to 12) as well as combined schools (primary and secondary schooling together). To study in Australia, you have the choice to enrol your children at either a government or non-government school.

Study In Australia at Government (state) Schools

Education at a government (or state) school is free of charge (except for the children of subclass 457 visa holders), though many schools may ask parents to pay a voluntary contribution fee and a materials and service charge. Approximately 66% of Australia’s 3.5 million enrolled students attended government schools in 2010 (source: ABS).

Government schools can be divided into open or selective.

Study In Australia at Non-Government or Private Schools

Private schools in Australia are often divided into religious based education operated by the Anglican, Lutheran and Roman Catholic denominations as well as some Jewish and Islamic schools. There are also other churches or parachurches based schools, including an increasing number of Montessori and Steiner schools.

The majority of private schools in Australia are operated by the Catholic church and 20% of Australia’s 3.5 million enrolled students in 2010 attended a Catholic private school, whilst 14% were enrolled in other private schools (source: ABS).

Private school fees can vary significantly and will depend on the demand, reputation and location of the school in question. Currently these can be from around $100 per month to more than $30,000 per year.

In January 2010 the Australian Government launched the MySchool Website which provides consistent information on almost 10,000 schools across the country, including a comparison of the average performance of students on a national literacy and numeracy test that is undertaken in years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Schools can be searched for by name, sector and location.

Each of the states and territories’ education departments has a comprehensive website with information on primary and secondary schools, the curriculum and what to expect for both parents and students. Links to these are as follows:

New South Wales

Victoria

Queensland

Western Australia

South Australia

Northern Territory

Tasmania

Australian Capital Territory (Canberra)

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