The Australian Education system
Schooling in Australia follows a well-structured system that provides education to children and young adults from the ages of around 5 to 18 years. Here's an overview of the different stages of schooling in Australia:
Preschool / Kindergarten
Education in Australia typically begins with preschool or kindergarten, which is not compulsory but is commonly attended by children aged 3 to 5 years. It focuses on early childhood development and prepares children for formal schooling.
Primary School
Primary school is compulsory for all children in Australia, usually starting from around the age of 5 or 6 and continuing until around the age of 12. It consists of six years of education divided into two stages: primary and junior secondary. Students study a range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, History, Physical Education, and Arts.
Secondary School
After completing primary school, students move on to secondary school, which is also compulsory. Secondary school typically covers four years and extends from around the age of 12 to 16. During this stage, students receive a more specialized education, and they have the opportunity to choose elective subjects based on their interests and career goals.
Senior Secondary School
The final stage of compulsory education is senior secondary school, which is usually from the age of 16 to 18. In senior secondary school, students work towards obtaining their Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE), which is commonly referred to as the "Year 12 Certificate" or "HSC" (Higher School Certificate) in some states.
Tertiary Education
After completing secondary school, students have the option to pursue further education at the tertiary level. Tertiary education includes universities, vocational education and training (TAFE), and other institutions that offer higher education and specialized training in various fields.
Education Systems
Each state and territory in Australia manages its education system, curriculum, and academic calendar. However, there is generally a national framework that ensures consistency and quality in education across the country. There is a strong commitment to ensuring a high standard of education across the country. The Australian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (ACARA) plays a key role in providing a national framework for education and maintaining consistency in learning outcomes.
While there is a national curriculum framework known as the Australian Curriculum, each state and territory has some flexibility in how they implement it. This means that there may be variations in the specific content covered, the sequence of topics, and the emphasis on certain subjects in each state's curriculum. There may also be variations in graduation requirements, especially at the senior secondary level. For example, the name and structure of the final qualification (e.g., Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, Higher School Certificate, or Queensland Certificate of Education) may differ between states. Some states use different terminology for certain educational levels or stages. For instance, the first year of primary school is often called "Prep" in Queensland and Victoria but may be referred to as "Kindergarten" in other states.
School funding
Funding for education is primarily provided by the state and federal governments. The distribution of funds and how they are allocated to schools may differ between states, leading to variations in resources and facilities available to schools.
Australia provides free education in public schools (government-run schools) to all Australian citizens and permanent residents. This means that if you are an Australian citizen or hold a permanent visa in Australia, your children are eligible to attend public schools and receive free education. School-age dependants of temporary residents who hold particular visa subclasses may also qualify for fee-free tuition, but there may be variation across states. We recommend you check with a licensed adviser to confirm.
School Terms and Holidays
The school year is divided into four terms, and there are breaks between each term. The timing of school terms and holidays can vary slightly between states and territories.
The education system in Australia is continuously evolving.
Policies may change over time. If you are considering moving to Australia or seeking education in Australia, we recommend you check with the relevant state or territory education departments for the most up-to-date information.
