Australian Schools
The Australian school system aims to meet the learning needs of each individual student, with study programs that are child-centered and focus on the development of learning skills and strategies, which trains students to be life-long, self-motivated learners. Schools in Australia take great care in looking after their international students, helping them to adjust to the Australian way of life. The multicultural nature of Australian society means international students are readily accepted by other students.
Facts:
Australian schools usually have a number of characteristics:
- Teachers aim to assist students in reaching their individual learning goals.
- Students commonly undertake projects, group work, and self-directed learning.
- Most schools enforce dress codes or have a uniform to promote a sense of equality and maintain a focus on education.
- Class sizes are kept small so that teachers can regularly interact with students on an individual basis.
- Schools operate from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, with before- and after-school care generally available to those students who require it.
- All Australian teachers in secondary education and above are required to be university trained, with secondary school teachers having specialist qualifications in their subject area.
- Special programs and services are available for gifted students and students with disabilities to help them reach their fullest potential.
- International students often have access to English language support to help them adapt to their new school environment.
Structure of Australian schooling:
Pre-School
Duration – 1 Year
Age – 3-4 Years Old
Preparatory School
Duration – 1 Year
Age – 4-6 Years Old
Primary School
Duration – 6-7 Years
Age – 5-12 Years Old
Secondary School
Duration – 5-6 Years
Age – 12-18 Years Old
The following costs show what overseas students can expect:
Type Of Cost and Fees:
Application Fees – These cover the costs of reviewing the student’s application, even thought the student may not be accepted by the school.
Cost- $AUD
Variable
Tuition – This depends on the school selected
Cost- $AUD
$6,000-15,000 per year
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – This covers normal childhood accidents and illnesses
Cost- $AUD
$420 per year
Accomodation – This cost varies considerably
Cost- $AUD
$70 – 400 per week
Other Incidentals – For example, school uniforms, living expenses and learning materials
Cost- $AUD
Variable
- There are several accommodation options for international students such as:
- Boarding school
- Homestay
- Farmstay
- Share or Rental Accommodation
Boarding School
Approximate Costs
A$10,000 – 20,000 per year
Homestay/Farmstay
Approximate Costs
A$110-270 per week
Shared Accomodation
Approximate Costs
A$70-250 per week
Rental Accomodation
Approximate Costs
A$100-400 per week
