Education

Australia has a reputation for offering one of the finest education systems in the world. What’s more, it’s an incredibly child-friendly place to live and almost 80% of all children go on to higher education.

While the education system is very different to the UK, it also varies from state to state, but generally speaking children are required to be in school up to the age of 15.

The average school date runs from 9 until 3, with the school year starting in February and split into four terms.
The education system works as follows:

• Pre-school: ages 4-6
• Primary school: ages 6-12
• High school: ages 13-18

Children will leave school with a Higher School Certificate (HSC) in a number of subjects, with English compulsory. As a non-resident, you will have to pay for your child’s education, but you can enrol them in school by simply taking along their visa, birth certificate and passport as forms of ID.

As with most countries, private education is available in Australia, although is obviously more costly.

In terms of University education, you will be required to apply for a UAI (University Admission Index) and obviously secure qualifications in subjects relevant to their chosen course. You will be given a numerical value, which will rank your academic achievements, and this will need to be high enough to allow you entry onto your chosen course. Visit the Universities Admissions Centre for more information.