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Education

PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Students from China are able to attend a government primary school in Australia as early as 6 years of age (Kindergarten class) up to 12 years of age (Year 6). However, parents are asked to organise their accommodation and welfare prior to their application for enrolment to attend a government school. 

Government schools

Students from China are able to attend a government primary school in Australia as early as 6 years of age (Kindergarten class) up to 12 years of age (Year 6). However, parents are asked to organise their accommodation and welfare prior to their application for enrolment to attend a government school. Key steps are:
 
  • Parents need to choose their location of residence. For students aged from 6 years to 10 years of age, it is a requirement that they must live with a parent during their enrolment at the school.Students aged 11 – 12 years of age must live with a parent or a direct relative approved by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP).
 
  • Firstly, submit the names of suburbs or local schools that the student wishes to attend. Then our education consultant will confirm the enrolment status with Department of Education and Communities (DEC). This application process is similar to the high school application process.

Private (non-government schools)

Individual applications are required to enroll at a private or non-government school. Applications are considered on a case by case basis. There may be a waiting list to enroll in the top private schools in Australia. To confirm application and enrolment details, please do not hesitate to contact our professional consultants. 

HIGH SCHOOL

Secondary School Education

High school in Australia (except for South Australia) begins at Year 7 (around 11-12 years of age but no more than 15 years of age) and finishes at Year 12 (around 17 – 18 years of age but no more than 20 years of age). 

International student requirements

High school in Australia (except for South Australia) begins at Year 7 (around 11-12 years of age but no more than 15 years of age) and finishes at Year 12 (around 17 – 18 years of age but no more than 20 years of age). In South Australia, students begin high school in Year 8 (around 12 – 13 years of age). New South Wales requires evidence that students have attained a Year 10 certificate (or its equivalent) with good grades before students can be admitted into the senior years. Students considering attending Years 11 and 12 at a NSW government school will also be required to meet English language requirements by completing one of the following:

  • Intensive English Program in a NSW government school
  • Approved Intensive English course at TAFE NSW
  • Secondary studies conducted in English for a minimum of two years
  • Minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 5.5 for Year 11 or equivalent results in another approved English language test (including TOEFL, AEAS and STEP Eiken)

Years 11 – 12. Tasmania requires that students attend a preparation program prior to entering Years 11 – 12.

High school starting dates

In order to enroll in Year 7 at a government high school, students must complete Year 6 at primary school. During the second semester of Year 6, students may be required to do an Intensive English course. Students in Year 5 and Year 6 may live with a parent or direct relative.

Students can enroll in the senior years, Years 11 – 12. Year 11 students should commence at the start of the academic year during Term 1 (February) and complete three terms moving to the Year 12 program in Term 4 (October). Secondary high school students may live with a relative or in Homestay accommodation. Homestay costs range from AUD $240 to $300 per week. The accommodation placement fee is AUD$270.

Tuition fee: In 2014 – 2015, the tuition fee for NSW government schools is approximately AUD$1,300/year. The tuition fee for private schools vary according to the school and year and is approximately AUD$30,000/year. If you require information or entry requirements for government high schools in other Australian states or in attending a private school – please contact our consultants.

Intake: January, April, July, October

Vocational Education and Training

Vocational Education and Training

VET provides accredited training in job related and technical skills. It covers a large number of careers and industries like trades and office work, retail, hospitality and technology. 

VET

VET provides accredited training in job related and technical skills. It covers a large number of careers and industries like trades and office work, retail, hospitality and technology. Qualifications range from certificate II to certificate IV, and diploma and advanced diploma. VET students are typically:

  • school leavers seeking to acquire practical skills for work
  • school leavers seeking an alternative pathway to university
  • workers who are seeking to further develop their career skills
  • university graduates who need to acquire practical skills for their work.

Average tuition costs range from AUD$4,000 to $22,000 per year. Higher-level vocational courses, including vocational graduate certificates and diplomas, may have higher fees.

Apprenticeships and traineeships: VET can bring together training and employment under a legal contract between the apprentices and trainees, training providers (such as TAFE) and employers. Apprentices and trainees receive a training wage which increases as they progress. Apprenticeships and traineeships are available to all age groups, and can be undertaken on a part-time basis (where available) or full-time. Apprenticeships and traineeships can also be undertaken by students in high school.

Requirements

Students have reached a level of study equivalent to the Australian Year 10, 11 or 12. If you require information for any additional entry requirements, English language requirements, information on fees and charges, and course starting dates – please contact our consultants.

Institutes

VET training organisations register with the government to teach accredited courses. Training organisations include government and private providers.
 
Government registered training organisations include:
  • technical and further education (TAFE) institutes
  • high schools and colleges
  • universities
  • agricultural and technical colleges.
 
Private registered training organisations are a diverse group offering a range of accredited and non-accredited courses, which include:
  • enterprises training their own employees
  • private training and business colleges
  • specialist bodies providing training within their industry
  • adult and community organisations.
Training.gov.au website has a comprehensive database which lists the VET qualifications available by provider.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Higher Education

Students need to meet both the minimum academic requirements and have a sufficient level of English language proficiency before they will be admitted into an Australian university.

Requirements

Students need to meet both the minimum academic requirements and have a sufficient level of English language proficiency before they will be admitted into an Australian university.

English language proficiency

Each university sets their own English language requirements. The university requirements may be different from the English language requirements stated in the student visa. Generally, the minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is 6.0 – 6.5 overall score.
 
For example, Sydney University’s standard IELTS requirement is an overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0, however, some faculties and courses have different requirements which may be subject to change.
 
When a student’s IELTS overall score falls below 6.0, then the student should consider enrolling into the language course. For undergraduate course applicants, if their academic score falls below the entry requirement, the applicants should considering enrolling into the University’s Foundation courses which may be packaged together with a diploma course. Completion of the packaged courses enables an alternative pathway of entry into the desired undergraduate course of their dream university. 
 
Major Australian universities accept Chinese GAOKAO test result for undergraduate course (including foundation course) application. 
 
If you require information on entry requirements for specific universities and courses – please contact our consultant.

Academic requirements for undergraduate courses

 Each university sets the academic entry requirements for each course. The tertiary entrance score or rank is calculated from the student’s Australian Senior School Certificate of Education (Year 12 certificate) and will determine if the student is accepted into the desired undergraduate course.

 

On completion of Year 11, a student can decide to enter using an alternative pathway of entry into undergraduate studies, instead of continuing into Year 12. He/she can enrol in a Foundation course packaged with a diploma. Satisfactory completion of this packaged course will allow the student entry into his/her desired undergraduate course.

 

If you require information on entry requirements for specific universities and courses – please contact our consultant.

Tuition fees

AUD$22,000 - $43,000 per year for full-time studies.

Intake

February/ July