Secondary education in Australia begins at age 12 and continues until Year 12 — roughly until age 17–18. School education here is divided into two stages: lower secondary school (Years 7–10) and upper secondary (Years 11–12).
At the end of Year 12, students receive a nationally recognised qualification — the HSC in New South Wales, the VCE in Victoria, with other states having their own equivalents. It is these results that determine whether a graduate can enter university.
Schooling is compulsory until at least age 16, and in some states, until 17. There are 9,673 schools in Australia — both government and non‑government. In 2025, 4,160,918 students were enrolled, a record high for the country.
And there's an interesting shift. The proportion of students in non‑government schools continues to rise: 62.8% attend government schools, 20.0% attend Catholic schools, and 17.2% attend independent private schools. Between 2021 and 2025, the number of students in independent schools grew by 15.3%, while in government schools it declined by 0.4%. The trend is clear.
Australian schools are known for a balanced approach. There is academic preparation, but alongside it — sport, leadership programmes, and extracurricular activities. Education here is about more than just academics.
Australia is one of the most popular study destinations in the world, especially among international students. There are 43 universities in the country, including global giants such as the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, the Australian National University (ANU), and the University of Queensland.
From January to December 2025, 846,321 international students were enrolled in Australia. The total number of enrolments — allowing for students taking multiple courses — reached 1,058,040. As of the end of 2025, there were approximately 709,437 holders of Subclass 500 student visas in the country. The higher education sector continues to grow. In 2025, enrolments increased by 10% compared to the previous year.
In 2025, nine Australian universities were ranked in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings, with three in the top 20: the University of Melbourne (13th), the University of Sydney (18th), and the University of New South Wales (19th). All eight universities in the Group of Eight (Go8) maintained their positions in the top 100.
Australian degrees are recognised worldwide. The country is particularly strong in business, engineering, environmental sciences, medical sciences, and marine research.
Australia offers a wide range of short‑term study programmes — English language courses, summer camps for children aged 10 to 17, and academic short courses for university students.
Australia is a leader in English language learning in the Asia‑Pacific region, accounting for approximately 10% of the global English language learning market. There are hundreds of accredited language centres across the country, all registered with CRICOS — the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.
But there's also a worrying trend. In 2025, the ELICOS sector (intensive English courses for international students) experienced a serious downturn — enrolments fell by 35%, and new student numbers dropped by nearly 40%. The reason: stricter visa requirements and an increase in the student visa fee to AUD $2,000.
Summer programmes in Australia combine academic study with an active outdoor lifestyle and cultural immersion. They often serve as a stepping stone for future admission to a secondary school or university in the country — a chance to try things out without risk or long‑term commitments.
If you're considering Australia for your child — we'll help you navigate every stage, from choosing a school and qualification type to document preparation and visa application. Get in touch — we'll tell you where to start.