Australian Education System
The Australian education system provides primary, secondary and tertiary education while Australian institutions are linked across the country and across the world. This makes it easy to move throughout the education system between courses or institutions and formal agreement and recognition frameworks mean every step of the path will contribute to students’ future no matter what students’ study or career goals.
School education (Primary and Secondary)
School education is similar across all of Australia with only minor variations between states and territories. School education (primary and secondary) is compulsory between the ages of six and sixteen (Year 1 to Year 9 or 10). School education is 13 years and divided into:
- • Primary school - Runs for seven or eight years, starting at Kindergarten/Preparatory through to Year 6 or 7.
- • Secondary school - Runs for three or four years, from Years 7 to 10 or 8 to 10.
- • Senior secondary school - Runs for two years, Years 11 and 12.
Tertiary education
Tertiary education includes both higher education (including universities) and vocational education and training (VET).
Language of instruction
English is the official language of Australia and the main language of instruction in the education system. Many schools offer bilingual programs or programs in other languages.
Australian Qualifications Framework
English is the official language of Australia and the The Australian education system is distinguished from many other countries by the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF was established in 1995 and is a national policy that covers qualifications from the tertiary education sector (higher education and vocational education and training) in addition to the school-leaving certificate; the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. The AQF has 10 levels and links school, vocational and university education qualifications into one national system. This allows students to move easily from one level of study to the next, and from one institution to another, as long as students satisfy student visa requirements. It allows for choice and flexibility in career planning. All qualifications in the AQF help prepare students for both further study and your working life. language of instruction in the education system. Many schools offer bilingual programs or programs in other languages.
If a student is studying an AQF qualification, he can be sure that his institution is Government-authorised and nationally accredited, and that his degree or other AQF qualification will be genuine.