Attending high school in Australia offers the opportunity to learn English fluently at a young age, live in a safe and multicultural environment and build an academic foundation in an internationally recognized education system. Australian high schools are known for their modern campuses, student-centered approach to education, sports and arts activities and the comprehensive support services they offer international students.
An important feature that sets Australia apart from other high school destinations is that international students can enroll in both public and private high schools. Students can join short programs lasting one or two terms or complete their entire high school education in Australia and earn an Australian high school certificate.
Attending high school in Australia offers students many academic, social and personal advantages.
Australia is a federal country made up of six states and two territories. With Canberra as its capital, Australia's official language is English, and its currency is the Australian dollar.
Australia is known for its sunny climate, long coastlines, unique nature and cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, which rank among the most livable in the world. With its multicultural society, high quality of life and advanced education system, it is one of the most popular countries among international students.
Secondary education in Australia usually runs from Year 7 to Year 12. The last two years, Years 11 and 12, are the senior secondary years that prepare students for university. Education is the responsibility of the states, and each state has its own high school certificate.
State certificates include the HSC in New South Wales, the VCE in Victoria and the QCE in Queensland. For university entry, the ATAR, calculated based on the student's performance in their state certificate, is used. Some schools also offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
The academic year in Australia starts in late January or early February and ends in December. The year is divided into four terms separated by school holidays. Project work, presentations, research and hands-on learning play an important role in classes.
There are different types of high schools in Australia that international students can choose from:
All schools that accept international students must be listed on the Australian government's CRICOS register.
There are different programs for high school education in Australia depending on the student's goals and the length of stay:
Application requirements for high schools in Australia vary depending on the type of school and the length of the program. The application usually requires report cards from recent years, a copy of the passport and information on English proficiency. Some private schools also require a reference letter, an interview and an entrance assessment.
Students with insufficient English can attend an English preparation program before starting high school. Schools decide which year level the student will be placed in based on their age and academic background.
For students under 18 to study in Australia, appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements must be in place. This can mean living with a parent or suitable relative or using school-approved accommodation and welfare services.
The academic year in Australia starts in late January or early February and is divided into four terms. Many schools accept international students at the start of each term, so application dates are more flexible than in Turkey.
It is advisable to apply at least 4 to 6 months before the program starts. Since the student visa, accommodation and welfare arrangements take time, applying early is very important. Students planning a full high school education need to apply even earlier, especially to start Year 11 and 12 programs on time.
There are high-quality high schools for international students in many Australian cities:
Public high schools in Australia are tuition-free for Australian citizens and permanent residents. However, international students studying on a student visa also pay tuition fees at public high schools.
That said, international student fees at public high schools are generally more affordable than at private high schools. For this reason, public high schools are a strong option for families who want a high-quality Australian high school education on a more reasonable budget.
The cost of high school education in Australia varies depending on the type of school, the state, the year level and the length of the program. Public high schools are generally more affordable, while private high schools and boarding schools charge higher fees. Fees for Years 11 and 12 are usually higher than for lower years.
When planning your budget, you should account for homestay or boarding fees, mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), the visa fee, school uniform, school trips, airfare and pocket money in addition to the school fee.
At NGGlobal, we share the current prices of our partner schools with you and work with you to choose the school that best fits your budget and goals.
There are different accommodation options for high school students in Australia:
The welfare of international students under 18 in Australia is legally protected. Schools regularly monitor students' accommodation and welfare arrangements.
Turkish citizens need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to attend high school in Australia. The visa application is made online to the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
The application requires a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) issued by the school, mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), proof of financial means and statements showing that the student is genuinely going to Australia to study. Students under 18 also need a confirmation of appropriate accommodation and welfare issued by the school, or documents relating to living with a parent or relative.
In recent years, Australia has tightened its student visa conditions. For this reason, it is very important that the application file is complete and consistent. At NGGlobal, we support our students and their families at every step of the visa process.
Students who complete part of their high school education in Australia must obtain recognition (denklik) from the Turkish Ministry of National Education to continue their education where they left off when they return to Turkey. Students who earn an Australian high school certificate must also obtain recognition of their certificate to apply to universities in Turkey.
For the recognition process to run smoothly, the courses taken and grades earned in Australia must be documented, and the documents must be certified and translated. It is advisable to speak with your school and the Provincial Directorate of National Education before the program starts to learn the recognition requirements.
At NGGlobal, we offer free consultation to students who want to attend high school in Australia and to their families. By assessing the student's age, academic background, English level and the family's budget, we identify the most suitable school and program.
Contact us to build your plan for high school in Australia together.
Yes. International students can enroll in public high schools through the international student programs of state education departments. However, international students also pay tuition fees at public high schools.
Public high schools are tuition-free for Australian citizens and permanent residents. International students studying on a student visa pay tuition fees at both public and private high schools.
Schools expect a certain level of English. However, students with insufficient English can attend intensive English preparation programs before starting high school.
Students under 18 can stay with a school-approved host family, at a boarding school or with a parent or suitable relative. This arrangement is mandatory for the student visa.
Yes. If you prepare all the required documents, you can obtain recognition from the Turkish Ministry of National Education and continue your education in Turkey where you left off.
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