Schooling & Education

Australia offers a high-quality of education for its residents and international students. Public school education provided by State and Territory government is almost free. There are also a number of other private and semi-government funded schools offering a range of choices for both students and parents.

Schooling in Australia is for 13 years. The preschool year is not compulsory, but is generally undertaken, with children starting at about five years of age. Primary schooling is six or seven years and secondary schooling is five or six years. School education is compulsory until age 15 or 16.

Teaching at Australian schools is highly interactive. Students are encouraged to participate and to develop skills and confidence. Course content provides a mix of theory, pedagogy, discipline/content learning and practical classroom training. The Australian school education system provides students with foundation skills, values, knowledge and understanding necessary for life-long learning, employment and full participation in society.

Further education in Australia takes two forms: higher education programmes offered by universities and other higher education institutions, and those offered by industry and institutions within the vocational and technical education sector. There are 40 universities in Australia and over 100 other higher education institutions in Australia. The Universities offer undergraduate, postgraduate and research level education facilities to both local and international students.

Australian vocational and technical education is offered by registered training organisations, including public Technical and Further Education (TAFE) colleges, private providers and community providers. Vocational institutions are aligned with industry needs to ensure that learning is practical and skills-based.

The Australian education system encourages life-long learning. Students of all ages can further their skills or learn new ones, and employers can assist employees to do so through flexible learning pathways. Distance education is well developed in Australia and can be completed online, at regional study centers or through correspondence.

Visit www.education.gov.au - the government education portal providing a gateway to over 5000 websites offering reliable information about education and training in Australia.