HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMME
INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMME (VICTORIA)
Victorian government schools have been welcoming international students for over 20 years. Our schools provide international students with high-quality education, pathways to higher education and a genuine opportunity to succeed and achieve their dreams.
With a choice of over 250 accredited primary and secondary schools, each offering a diverse curriculum and innovative teaching practices, the windows of opportunity are endless
Our school education system is internationally renowned. Throughout the curriculum we consistently take an international perspective. Our schools and communities in Victoria, Australia have a strong multicultural spirit.
Our vision for education doesn’t start with schools – it starts with individuals. We try to make everything that we do in our schools centre on learning and the learner.
10 Reasons for Choosing a Victorian Government School Education
- Quality education – leaders in learning
- VCE – an international qualification
- Excellent English language programs
- Multicultural, safe and friendly community
- Caring individual welfare support
- Wide choice of schools
- Supportive and safe homestay families
- Government owned – secure and trusted
- World-renowned universities
- Outstanding place to live
Students can choose from a range of study options depending on whether they want to undertake primary or secondary schooling, a senior high school qualification and pursue tertiary study, stay for a few months to experience studying in Victoria, or stay only a few weeks to get a taste of Victoria and its world-famous tourist
Victorian high school system
SECONDARY / HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMME
Australian secondary schools offer high quality learning and excellent pathways to tertiary education. Senior school students get a good start to life because of the open learning environment, excellent academic education and balanced social and cultural life in a Victorian government high school.
Choosing a high school
Approximately 120 accredited secondary schools are available to international students who choose to study as part of an International Student Program. You will be able to choose a school that offers you:
- the subjects you want to study
- the extra-curricular activities you enjoy
- a place at the right year level for you.
Our team can help you with your choice. Let us know your preferences on your application form and we will match you with the school that will be the best fit for your education.
FINDING THE RIGHT YEAR LEVEL FOR STUDENTS
Secondary school students are aged between 12 and 20 years old. Classes are divided into Years 7 to 12 (total duration up to 6 years). Academic success is important and you will have the best learning and teaching in the world when placed in the right year level.
Our schools recognise the importance of keeping students with others of the same age group. In secondary school, students must meet an upper age limit for each year level.
Entry level and upper age limits
Year 7: Less than 15 years of age
Year 8: Less than 16 years of age
Year 9: Less than 17 years of age
Year 10: Less than 18 years of age
Year 11: Less than 19 years of age
Year 12: Less than 20 years of age
AUSTRALIAN HIGH SCHOOL LIFE
School life in Victoria, Australia means new skills, new friends and new interests. Studying in Victoria also opens up windows of opportunities and pathways to a secure and successful future.
Going to school in Australia is a great experience for a young person from another country. In Victoria, local students have a huge amount of respect for different cultures. In fact, some students may come from cultural backgrounds like your own. This can make it easier when you first arrive.
But you’ll also have many new experiences. Variety is everywhere! You won’t always be with the same class or group of friends. We encourage you to mix with teachers and students who are doing different subjects or activities. They could also be from different year levels and cultures.
SCHOOL LIFE IN AUSTRALIA
EXCITING SCHOOL LIFE
Senior students normally have several ‘free periods’. These are study sessions on their timetable that aren’t linked to specific classes. In this time, you’re expected to do private study in places such as:
- Dedicated study room
- The library
- A computer pod.
Your homestay family will provide a quiet and comfortable place for regular homework and study. Homework on a weeknight is usually around one to three hours and six hours on a weekend.
Schools that look and feel good
We know that students learn in different ways. So we design our schools with flexible spaces that can work in different ways. It makes learning exciting, creative and ‘hands-on’.
There are areas for:
- learning individually
- learning in groups
- using technology
- being active
- socializing.
Approachable teachers and friends
It’s not hard to make friends when you join up for activities in school and when classes are finished. It might seem scary at first, but make the effort to approach people at school. Australian students and teachers are very friendly.
The teachers won’t let you stand back and be forgotten. They’ll encourage you to ask questions and give answers. They’re interested in what you think and so are the other students in your class. Our positive and supportive classroom atmosphere will give you confidence to share and discuss your opinions.
Sharing your traditions
Student life in Melbourne is vibrant because we really want you to get involved and share your culture with us. International celebrations give you the chance to show us your traditions and lifestyle.
Students are encouraged to take part in social events at school such as:
- dances
- performances
- excursions
- camps
- bands
- sports clubs
- choirs.
Study and still have fun
Once you’ve settled in, you’ll soon realise that when you’re going to school in Australia, it’s not all about study. In Victorian schools we believe that you can succeed in your studies and still enjoy your life outside of school.