Australian Education System | 6 Most Important Facts

The Australian education system is famous in the world for its advanced, modern and international standard education. Not only does Australia provide a quality learning environment, but it also creates conditions for students to develop comprehensively in knowledge and skills. In this article, IDP will help you learn more about the Australian education system, thereby making an informed choice for your future study abroad journey!

1. Overview of Australian Education

Australia's education is rated as the world's leading with many long-standing and famous universities such as: University of Adelaide, University of Western Australia, University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales, Macquarie University, Australian National University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, Monash University...

As of August 2025,it recorded about 804,555 international students studying in Australia.Among them, students from Vietnam account for about 4% of the total number of international students.

Australia's education system—with more than 36 universities ranked in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026—has proven to be an outstanding international prestige.With a system of more than 1,100 institutions and more than 22,000 diverse courses, Australia offers a wide range of suitable academic and career pathway options for students and international students.

2. Highlights of the Australian education system

Compared to Vietnamese education, the Australian education system stands out for its advancement, quality and outstanding international opportunities. However, besides the strengths, international students also need to pay attention to some limitations. Find out more with IDP:

2.1 Quality of education and research achievement

Australia is a leader in academic and vocational skills programs. Students can choose from vocational apprenticeships, bachelor's, to graduate programs. Social studies are usually completed in 3 years, while engineering takes 4 years. QS World University Rankings 2026 recognizes 9 Australian universities in the Top 100 in the world, affirming its strong international reputation

2.2 Modern facilities and equipment

Australian universities invest heavily in facilities, laboratories and research centres, ensuring students have access to cutting-edge technology and equipment for learning and research.

2.3 International qualifications and open career opportunities

Degrees from Australian schools are recognised in many countries, giving students an edge when looking for a job. Programs that combine practice, internships and the ability to work in Australia after graduation are big pluses.

2.4 Convenient living environment and transportation

Australia is considered one of the most livable countries in the world with a high standard of living, a safe, friendly environment and a mild climate. Diverse public transportation systems (buses, trains, ferries, trains) make it easy for students to get around.

3.1. Primary School

Duration of training: 7–8 years, depending on the state:

• Tasmania, ACT, Victoria, New South Wales: grades 1–6

• Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland: grades 1–7

• Including Preschool / Early Childhood

Tuition: $10,800 – $15,000/year

Semester: January, 4, 7, 10Curriculum:

• English / Literature

• Math/Arithmetic

• Science

• Technology & Enterprise

• Art

• Society & Environment

• Health & Physical Education

• Languages other than English (LOTE)

Highlights

• Practical and logical learning methods: Students learn in a practical and logical way, without the need for workbooks and stimulated problem-solving thinking.

• Communication Skills Development: Students develop communication skills through presentations and presentations in front of the class or in front of a crowd

• Physical and Teamwork Activities: Students participate in outdoor sports and group activities to exercise their health and teamwork.

3.2. Middle school

Duration: The Middle School program in the Australian education system lasts from 3 to 4 years, starting in grade 7 or grade 8 and ending in grade 10.

Tuition fee: Ranges from 13,000 – 17,286 AUD/year, depending on the state and school.

Curriculum: Students at this level usually study 6 core subjects per term, including:

• English

• Mathematics

• Science (Physics, Biology, Basic Chemistry)

• Sociology and Environment

• Technology and Informatics

• Foreign languages or creative subjects (Art, Music, Design...)

The program is designed to help students develop comprehensively in knowledge, critical thinking and practical skills, creating a solid foundation to enter high school.

High Light:

• Flexible learning methods: Students are encouraged to explore on their own, work in teams, and participate in real-world projects.

• Focus on soft skills: In addition to academic knowledge, students are trained in presentation skills, time management and teamwork.

• Early career orientation: Students are introduced to career fields and guided to choose subjects that suit their interests and abilities.

3.3. High school

Senior Secondary School in Australia lasts 2 years, corresponding to grades 11 and 12.

This is an important stage, determining the university admission results of domestic and international students.

• Queensland: AUD 18,160 – AUD 20,754 per year (IB programme with higher tuition fees)

• New South Wales: about 18,400 AUD/year

• Victoria: approx. 19,760 AUD/year

• South Australia: about 15,000 AUD/year

• Western Australia: about 18,980 AUD/year

• Tasmania: about 14,400 AUD/year

• ACT (Capital Territory): about 16,200 AUD/year

Note: Actual tuition fees may vary depending on the school, program of study (such as IB or specialised subjects), and the specific academic year. According to state departments of education, high school tuition fees for international students generally range from 15,000 to 21,000 AUD/year.

3.4 Foundation/Diploma

Training Duration:

• Foundation Program: 8 – 12 months, then in the 1st year of the Bachelor's Degree, the total duration of the Bachelor's degree is about 4 years.

• Diploma/Pathway: 1 year, equivalent to 1 Bachelor's year, then 2 Bachelor's years, shortening the total study time to 3 years.

Training program:

• Equip you with undergraduate and career academic skills: presentations, research, reading comprehension and cross-cultural teamwork.

• Students learn about indigenous cultures and people, helping to integrate into the Australian environment.

• Classes are small, with regular attention and support from lecturers.

• Participate in support and extracurricular activities: tutoring, psychological counseling, art clubs, career guidance.

Related posts:

Victorian Public Secondary School System

New South Wales Public Secondary School System

3.5. University

Training time: The time to complete the undergraduate training program is different with different types of degrees.

• Bachelor Degree is 3 years

• The Bachelor Honours Degree is 4 years. Here, students will be trained and practicing skills suitable for their chosen major.

Most schools a year will consist of 2 semesters, but there are some schools that will have a 3rd semester called Trimester, at the end of each semester students will have final exams. These exams are usually held at the end of June for term 1 and the end of November for term 2.

Start time of the school year: End of February, beginning of March every year. An academic year lasts for about 9 months.

Tuition fees: Tuition fees for undergraduate study in the Australian education system range from A$16,160 - $56,500

With a total of 41 universities, including 38 public schools and 3 private schools, Australian universities offer a wide range of courses in a variety of fields.

Training Duration:

• Bachelor Degree: 3 – 4 years, depending on the industry and school.

• Bachelor Honours Degree: Usually the 4th year in addition to a bachelor's degree or a 4-year integrated program, intensive training and specialized skills training.

• Semester system: Most schools consist of 2 semesters/year; some schools apply 3 semesters (Trimester).

Tuition Fee:

• It ranges from 20,000 – 50,000 AUD/year for international students, depending on the school, field of study and type of degree.

• Australia has about 40 public and private universities, offering a wide variety of courses in a wide range of fields.

Training program:

• Students study specialized subjects of their choice and are trained in research, presentation, teamwork, and critical thinking skills.

• The program focuses on developing professional knowledge while equipping you with practical and career skills.

3.6. Postgraduate

Types of qualifications and duration of training:

• Master by Coursework: 1–3 years; learning through discussion, group work, practical internships; for students who have graduated with a bachelor's degree.

• Master by Research: 1–3 years; for students who are passionate about research; 2/3 of the time focuses on research and implementation of specialized topics.

• Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma: Usually shorter than a master's degree, focusing on improving practical specialized knowledge.

• PhD (PhD): 3–4 years, focusing on in-depth research and detailed dissertation.

Cost (reference):

• Tuition fee 16,000–38,000 AUD/year;

• Living expenses ~29,710 AUD/year;

• OSHC insurance 650–700 AUD/year.

Training program: Equipping professional knowledge, research, analysis, presentation, teamwork, towards practical and professional application.

Note: Graduates need to complete a course of 2 years or more to be eligible for post-graduation work according to visa regulations and the Australian government.

4. Australian National Qualifications Framework (AQF)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a national policy that uniformly manages the types of qualifications and qualifications in the Australian education system, including university degrees, high school certificates and graduation certificates.

Established in 1995, the AQF consists of 10 levels of qualifications, connecting general education, vocational training and higher education programmes into a national qualification system.

The outstanding advantage of this qualification framework is that it makes it easy for students to transition between levels and institutions, while ensuring transparency, mutual recognition and international value of qualifications in Australia.

5. Admissions in Australia

IDP Free Study Abroad Advice in Australia

The Australian education system stands out for its quality of practical training, globally recognised qualifications and flexible learning pathways that are suitable for all audiences. If you are planning to study in Australia, IDP is a reliable partner to accompany you.

With more than 56 years of experience in study abroad consulting, IDP provides a full package of free services from A-Z from consulting on choosing a major, choosing a school, guiding study abroad documents and visas, registering for the IELTS test, finding a house...

Contact IDP today to get the most suitable study pathway advice and make your dream of studying in Australia a reality!