School system

The Australian education system is divided broadly into five areas: preschool, primary school, high school, career and vocational training, and university level-institutions.

You may find the system of teaching and school discipline very different in Australia. Less importance is placed on outward discipline and memorising than is done in many countries. Instead, emphasis is put on self discipline, on learning by finding out and by questioning, and encouraging a child's interest and enthusiasm for learning.

Schools encourage parent involvement and wish to help newcomers. Most schools have parent and teacher associations which play an active part in school life, raising funds for many school needs but also helping to decide what is taught and done at the school. Parent skills are valued and your involvement is welcome.

Schooling is compulsory for students in most states and territories until the age of fifteen. Although students are able to leave at that time, most students do not leave until they complete their Year 10 qualification, with many students continuing on to complete their Year 12 studies.

Public and private schools

You can choose to have your children educated in public (state government) or private (independent) schools throughout the country. Education at public schools is free in most states, although most schools do have a small voluntary annual fee to cover extra activities. Parents may also have to purchase such items as books and uniforms and pay for outings, camps etc. Most public schools are attended by both boys and girls.

Most Private schools fall into one of two categories, schools administered by the Catholic Education Office, and independent schools of other religious persuasions administered by their own boards. Private or independent schools have their own fee structure and receive a subsidy from both Federal and State governments. Many private schools are either exclusively all boy or all girl schools.

Universities

Australia offers many wonderful choices for international students. Please visit our student visa section.