Australian High Schools

Australian High Schools - FAQ

Australia is ranked as one of the most popular study destinations for international students from around the world. It currently hosts almost as many international students as that of the United States and the United Kingdom. The number of international students studying and applying to study in Australia is still increasing steadily.


So, why are Australian schools great?

Quality teachers

Australia is devoted to maintaining and improving their international position as a renowned quality education provider. Australia manages this by only appointing qualified and registered teachers in Australian schools. The teaching staff are also provided with ongoing professional development to enhance their skills. Furthermore, the Australian government ensures its high standard of teachers,  teaching materials, curricula and school facilities by conducting rigorous and ongoing quality checks on all schools in Australia.


Effective teaching and learning style

The teaching and learning style is highly interactive in Australian schools. Students are encouraged to develop their confidence and to develop their communication, interpersonal and problem solving skills. Students learn about self discipline and how to respect themselves, others and the society. Students are active participants in the learning process because students interact and receive regular feedback from their teachers about their progress, needs and their in-class behaviour.



Curriculum

All Australian schools, both public and private, follow the national curriculum framework which includes eight key learning areas, and they are:

English;
Mathematics;
Arts;
Science;
Technology;
Society and Environment studies;
Languages other than English (LOTE); and
Personal development, health and physical education.

In addition to the eight key learning areas as described, all students will also receive education in the area of cultural and linguistic diversity. In these studies, students will begin to understand the value and the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity not only in the Australian society but also in other parts of the world.

On top of all the compulsory subjects as described above, students also have other specialised subjects available to them for selection. The subjects available may differ according to the particular school and state of which you are at. However, you can usually expect subjects such as drama, computing and graphic design etc.


Lifestyle

Australia is a young, vibrant and safe place to be. Australia has low crime rates and it is also a harmonious and multicultural society where cultural and linguistic diversity is celebrated. Australians are very friendly and helpful people with a great sense of humour. Australians are also very dedicated to preserving their natural resources. So, since most of Australia is sunny all year round, it is therefore an everyday occurrence to see many Australians enjoying outdoor activities such as surfing, biking and fishing in the clean and beautiful mountains, rivers, forest and oceans all across Australia.


Full immersion

While students are able to interact with their Australian and international peers at school, they are also able to become fully immersed in Australian life by living with their host family in Australia. Students are usually offered a shared or private room with their host family and it can cost anywhere between $135* and $240* per week including most meals.  

All host families/ homestays are screened, so only families who are understanding of cultural and linguistic diversity may be selected. Your host family understands and they are there to support you, to help you learn English and to help you learn more about Australia. Through interacting, communicating and participating in activities with your host family, you will begin to really 'live' like an Australian!


Value

The living costs and the tuition fees in Australia are relatively low and more affordable compared to the United Kingdom and the United States. Tuition fees in public schools usually vary between $6,000* to $13,500* a year and the cost for homestay is usually between $135* and $240* per week including most meals.

So, as a secondary school international student, you may expect to spend around $20,000* for the year (tuition fee and living costs included). This is only an estimated cost, the actual cost may be different from person to person according to your own personal lifestyle and where you live in Australia.


Parents involvement

Parents of all students attending Australian schools have open access to information regarding the well-being and progress of their child. This may come in forms of either quarterly or annually  reports on their childs' academic performance, and some can even provide comparison of the childs' results against national standards.


Extra curricula activities

The Australian school curriculum offers a wide range of cultural, artistic and sporting opportunities. We recommend that you communicate with us what your prefered extra curriculum activities are so that we can try our best to select and place you in a school that already offer them.

However, if you did not notify us prior to placement or if you have just discovered a new activity that you would like to take part in while you are at your host school, you can still communicate this to your host school because arrangements can usually be made for you to do the activity outside of school.

Private tuition and elite programs may also be arranged through your host school should you be interested.


Support

There are many different support systems in place for international students. Most schools  provide orientation programs and usually will provide arrival and departure services if required. During your stay, special English programs designed to support mainstream studies are provided as part of your program.

You will also have 24 hours a day, 7 days a week support from your host schools' International Students Coordinator and/ or the Homestay Coordinator. Other supports available to you include support from your host family, other school staff and from the team at AA Education.

Please keep in mind that there is a lot of support for you out there during your stay in Australia, so don't hesitate to ask for help when you need them!


*all estimated prices written are calculated in Australian dollars.