System to ensure the quality of education
Australia has a high rate of school attendance and graduating from higher education. The Australian government is committed to improving school and speciality school curriculum. Other education institutions including universities and speciality schools programs and services are of international quality.

Compulsory education in most states is to age 15
Whilst the federal government has unified educational policies, each state has its own education department. Because of this, the primary, secondary and speciality school system is different between states.  Compulsory education is until the age of 15 in most states (Tasmania age 16).  In Australia school levels are called years.

English schools
English schools are mainly of two varieties private English schools and language schools attached to universities and speciality schools. Courses have variety and there are activities for outside of study to help you enjoy Australia more.  In general, private English schools offer more courses and flexibility for overseas students who only wish to study for a short period of time.  For those who are studying English with the purpose of continuing on to a speciality school or a university course it is an option to study at the English school of that institution, however some private English schools also offer pathways to speciality colleges and universities.  Most schools allow you to start school throughout the year.  Some schools will let you enrol for as little as one week.  Most full time programs are from 4-40 weeks, and you can enrol for however long your circumstances allow or until you reach your target.  There is a variety of courses catering to different purposes, with General English having from beginner to advanced classes allowing you to study at your own level.  You can enrol in English schools from the age of 16 and University English schools from the age of 18, please note it differs from school to school so please ask us.

Primary and High School
Australian primary and high school runs on a year system, Year 1 to Year 12.  Primary school is from Year 1-6/7.  High school is from Year 7/8 to Year 12.  High school is made up of junior high school Year 7/8 to Year 10 and senior high school Years 11 and 12.  Compulsory education is from 6 – 15 years of age to Year 10 in most states.  Australian universities do not have their only individual entrance examinations; instead there is one exam you sit before you finish Year 12, it is on these results, the subjects you studied and your results in those areas that decide whether you can enter your chosen course.  Primary and junior high school education have high standards and aim to bring out the individual’s talents and interests.  Again there is curriculum unique to Australia.  Lessons encourage student discussion, reports and presentations.  You may be able to graduate from your country’s junior high school and then enter into Year 10 directly, however most students need to study English for 6 months in ESL (English as a Second Language) classes in order to have enough English to follow in mainstream subjects.  Australians enter school based on their birthdates and also parents can decide whether their children should start in the following year based on their maturity.  Australia has both private and state (public) primary and high schools.  State schools make up 70% of schools.  Most state schools are co-ed, one third of private schools are spilt into all boys/all girls schools.  State schools in general are non-religious, whereas many private schools are religious.  Australian schools offer various subjects to promote students interests and develop their skills.  Students study English, mathematics, social studies, science, geography, history, foreign languages, computer, health and physical education, manual arts, home economics, music, art and drama etc.  In the higher years students there are more elective subjects, which students can choose for themselves.  Huckleberry Australia offers support for high school students on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane.

Important information
Study period: from 1 year/4 terms per year/English level: IELTS 5.5 – 6.0 or TOEFL 173

Speciality Schools
Universities offer academic courses; speciality schools offer more practical education.
There are both public (TAFE) and privately run speciality schools.  Many public and private schools have joint English schools, making progression easier.
Standard entrance requires graduation from an Australian high school, however if you have the required IELTS score and meet the entrance requirements you can enter.  You will be studying with Australian students so you will need a high level of English in order to follow the subjects.  Depending on the content and the qualification you are after there are programs which run from a couple of weeks up to 3 years in duration.
TAFE is the most famous however the curriculum at private schools must also meet the standards set by the state governments, so the level of education is similar.  The qualification that you receive is recognised throughout Australia and you can also use it as a pathway to a specified university.  Qualifications are received in steps, and some schools have the curriculum for Bachelor degrees.  Some schools employ former students who achieved excellent results.

Important information ( * Entrance requirements vary between schools )
Study period: from 1-3 years/ 2/3 semesters per year/English level: IELTS 5.0 – 7.0 or TOEFL 173

Universities (Undergraduate and Post graduate)
When you start university in Australia you focus on your chosen field from the beginning.  A lot of Bachelor degrees are 3 years in length.  Depending on the field you are studying there are different qualifications for the period you study.  Entrance requirements require you to have graduated from high school (please note some countries have different requirements, you may need extra qualifications to enter university in Australia).  Of course you must meet the English requirements so that you are able to follow the lessons.  English requirements may not be enough and some students will be required to study a Foundation course for 6-12 months.  You also need to meet the English language requirement to enter the Foundation course.  If you do not want a Bachelor degree or a qualification some universities provide a short term course where you can have the study abroad experience.  You may think it is difficult to graduate from an Australian university, however you will learn the necessary skills to study at an Australian university through the foundation course, and there are also support services available.  Most university courses start twice per year in February and July however, some universities also offer April and October intakes.  For those who have excellent results you may wish to do Honours, which requires another year of research.  Universities also offer Associate Diploma and Diploma courses which can qualify for in approximately 2 years.

Important information ( * Entrance requirements differ between universities and courses )
Study period: 6 months to 6 years/2-3 semesters per year/English level: IELTS 6.0 – 7.0