There are over 12,000 international students
in Australian schools .Parents will have peace of mind
knowing that schools in Australia develop the individual
talents of young students in a safe, caring and culturally
diverse environment.
There are two broad categories of schools
in Australia - government and private schools. Both accept
international students and receive government funding.
All schools accepting international students must be
government-registered and have to meet special requirements
under Australian Government legislation ensuring high
educational standards, satisfactory premises and financial
protection. Another requirement is to provide, or have
access to, specialist English language support.
Australia has developed a national
curriculum framework to ensure high academic standards
across the country. All schools provide subjects in the
eight Key Learning Areas: English, Mathematics, Studies
of Society and the Environment, Science, Arts, Languages
Other Than English, Technology and Personal Development,
Health and Physical Education. At secondary level, choice
and diversity are increased as schools are able to offer
a wide range of subjects, delivered by highly trained
and experienced teachers, and using state-of-the-art
technology including the Internet, CD-ROM materials,
multimedia equipment and laboratories.
Scholarships are provided by many schools
and cover part or all of the tuition fees. However, there
is intense competition for these scholarships from Australian
and international students. Most scholarships are awarded
for academic ability and applicants may be asked to sit
for scholastic tests. Scholarships are also available
for highly talented students, for example in music, the
performing arts or sport.
The school year is divided into
four terms and runs from late January/early February
until December. There is a short holiday between terms
and a long summer holiday in December and January.
