Top high school system in Australia | IDP Vietnam

When studying in Australia, high school corresponds to grades 11-12, focusing on the comprehensive development of both education and life skills for students. The high school system in Australia is divided into public schools and private schools, each type of school has its own characteristics in terms of curriculum, facilities as well as tuition fees.

1.1. Government Schools

Public schools operate under the management of the State Department of Education and are operated by the Australian Government. These schools often have a large number of students, creating a multicultural environment, making it easy to integrate quickly with friends and improve your English ability. Tuition fees at public schools are usually significantly lower than those at private schools, suitable for the budget of many families.

1.2. Private / Independent Schools

Private schools in Australia are managed by independent institutions, often known for their high quality of training and inclusive learning environment. Tuition fees are usually higher than public schools, however, you will enjoy many advantages such as small class sizes so that teachers can closely support each student, modern and diverse facilities for both academics and extracurricular activities (sports, etc.). art, intensive laboratory). In particular, many schools also provide boarding services, helping international students receive comprehensive care and support.

See also: What you need to know about the Australian education system1. The system of high schools in Australia

2.1. New South Wales (NSW) – Sydney

New South Wales is Australia's most populous state and is also home to the city of Sydney – Australia's leading economic, financial and educational centre. The New South Wales public secondary school system is managed by NSW Government Schools, with more than 2,000 public schools spread across Sydney and NSW, providing a quality learning environment for students from primary to secondary.

At the high school level, students can choose from a variety of school models – from comprehensive high schools to schools that specialize in performing arts, creative arts, sports, language or technology. Upon completion of Year 11 and 12 in NSW, you'll receive a Senior Secondary Certificate (HSC) – a globally recognised qualification that opens up university opportunities not only in Australia but also in many other countries.

Some typical public schools for international students:

• Canterbury Boys High School

• Canterbury Girls High School

• Sydney Boys High School

• Sydney Girls High School

• North Sydney Boys High School & North Sydney Girls High School

• Fort Street High School

• St Clair High School

• Strathfield South High School

In addition, NSW also has many prestigious private schools such as:

• All Saints College

• Australian International High School

• Sydney Grammar School

• St Catherine's School

• The King's School

• Trinity Catholic College

• Trinity Grammar School

2.2. Victoria (VIC) - Melbourne

The state of Victoria, with its capital Melbourne – a city that is consistently in the top of the world's most livable places, is an ideal destination for international high school students. The public school system inThe state of Victoria is governed by Victorian Government Schools. While studying in Victoria, you will study the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) – the state's Grade 12 graduation certificate, which is globally recognised and one of the main pathways to university in Australia and other English-speaking countries.

Victorian public schools are known for their innovation in education, with a focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills for students. In Victorian secondary schools, the student/teacher ratio is only 12:1, meaning that each teacher is in charge of 12 students on average. The class size is also quite ideal, about 21.3 students/class. These figures are better than the average of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), indicating that students here will receive more attention, personalized support and direct interaction from teachers – an important factor in improving the quality of learning and skill development.

Some typical public schools for international students:

• Balwyn High School

• Copperfield College

• Footscray High School

• Melbourne High School

• Mac.Robertson Girls' High School

• University High School

• Victoria University Secondary College

Prestigious private schools in Victoria, Australia:

• Camberwell Grammar School

• Geelong Grammar School

• Melbourne Grammar School

• Scotch College Melbourne

• Wesley College

2.3. Queensland (QLD) - Brisbane

Queensland is a state with a warm, sunny climate all year round, famous for its beautiful beaches and active, friendly habitat. Brisbane is not only the state's economic and cultural hub, but also one of the cities with a thriving international student community.

The Queensland high school system is managed by Education Queensland International (EQI), which provides a high-quality curriculum for international students. Students in this state will study the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) – a nationally and internationally recognised Grade 12 graduation certificate, and can choose the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at some schools.

Some typical public schools for international students:

• Brisbane State High School.

• Cairns State High School

• Indooroopilly State High School

• Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology

• The Gap State High School

• Palm Beach Currumbin State High School

Prestigious private schools in Queensland, Australia:

• Brisbane Girls Grammar School

• Brisbane Grammar School

• St Margaret's Anglican Girls School

• Somerville House

• St Joseph's College Gregory Terrace

2.4. South Australia (SA) - Adelaide

South Australia, with its capital city, Adelaide, has a reputation as one of the world's most livable cities thanks to its safe environment, affordable cost of living, and friendly community. The state's public high school system is managed by South Australian Government Schools, with nearly 150 public schools providing high-quality education to both local and international students.

International students studying in South Australia will complete the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) – a Grade 12 graduation certificate that is widely recognised in Australia and globally, or can choose the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at some schools.

Some typical public schools for international students:

• Adelaide High School

• Brighton Secondary School

• Glenunga International High School

• Hamilton Secondary College

• Henley High School

• Unley High School

Prestigious private and boarding schools in South Australia, Australia:

• Adelaide International School

• Marymount College

• Pembroke School

• Prince Alfred College

• St Peter's College

• St Andrew's School

2.5. Western Australia (WA) - Perth

Western Australia is Australia's largest state with the capital city of Perth – a modern, peaceful city with a warm climate all year round. Perth regularly ranks high on the list of the world's most livable cities thanks to its safe environment, friendly community, and pleasant cost of living compared to other major cities.

The public secondary school system in WA is managed by WA Government Schools (Department of Education WA), with 800 schools providing a high-quality learning environment for international students. Students in this state will study the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) – a nationally and internationally recognised Grade 12 graduation certificate, which is a stepping stone to top universities in Australia and the world.

Some typical high schools for international students:

• Mount Lawley Senior High School

• Perth Modern School

• Shenton College

• Rossmoyne Senior High School

Prestigious private schools in Western Australia, Australia:

• Christ Church Grammar School

• Hale School

• Methodist Ladies' College

• Scotch College Perth

2.6. Tasmania (TAS) - Hobart

Tasmania is known for its peaceful habitat, fresh air, and majestic natural landscapes. Hobart is one of Australia's oldest and safest cities, offering international students a focused, low-stress and culturally rich learning environment.

The Tasmanian public school system is managed by Tasmanian Government Schools, which provides high-quality education for international students. High school students in this state will study the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) – a nationally and internationally recognised Grade 12 graduation certificate, which qualifies them for admission to universities in Australia and many other countries.

Some typical high schools in Tasmania:

• Clarence High School:

• Don College

• Elizabeth College

• Hobart College

• Launceston College

• Taroona High School

You can study high school in Australia at prestigious private schools such as:

• The Friends' School

• The Hutchins School

• Fahan School

• St Michaels Collegiate School

2.7. Northern Territory (NT) - Darwin

The Northern Territory is a state with a tropical climate, rich in indigenous cultural identity and imbued with the wildness of Australian nature. Darwin is a vibrant, multicultural city, and has a large international community, which facilitates rapid integration of international students.

The NT public school system is managed by NT Government Schools, which provides high-quality education from primary to high school. Students in grades 10–12 will study the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET) – the equivalent of the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), which is nationally and internationally recognised.

Some typical Australian high schools in the Northern Territory:

• Darwin High School

• Darwin Middle School

• Sanderson Middle School

• Casuarina Senior College

You can study abroad at prestigious private schools in the Northern Territory, Australia such as:

• Haileybury Rendall School

• Holy Spirit School, Casuarina NT

• Milkwood Steiner School, Darwin NT

• The Essington School

IDP is the official admissions partner of 100% of Government Schools across Australia, ensuring students and parents have a wide range of options in all states and territories. With this comprehensive network of partners, IDP gives you access to the most accurate, up-to-date, and complete information about your study program, tuition fees, as well as international student support services. At the same time, IDP also exclusively distributes scholarships worth up to 50-100% of tuition fees from Peninsula Grammar High School - the leading private school in Victoria, Australia.

See more: 100% Scholarship to Study in Australia at Peninsula Grammar Private High School

Choosing the right high school in Australia is an important first step in your study abroad journey. With top-quality education, safe living environments and comprehensive development opportunities, Australia's high school system provides international students with a solid foundation to enter prestigious universities around the globe. If you are considering studying abroad for high school in Australia, now is the golden time to find out information, choose the right school and start the journey of conquering knowledge in Australia full of opportunities and valuable experiences.

If you want to find the high school in Australia that best suits your capacity, interests, and budget, don't hesitate to contact IDP for advice and support completely free of charge. IDP also provides essential support services for international students through finding housing, booking airline tickets at discounted rates, international money transfers, and opening bank accounts for international students, equipping them with pre-departure sessions.

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