Study Options for International Students
The best international investment you can make is in yourself. Victorian Government Schools are among the most popular destinations for international school students. They offer an extremely high quality education and pathways to further study and the workforce in Australia and overseas.
92% of Victorian Government Schools graduates who applied for a university place in Australia received an offer. Students can choose from over 100 specially accredited secondary schools across the state of Victoria.
Students can apply to study through an education agent or download the Standard International Student Application Form (PDF - 448Kb) and apply directly. Students and parents can select a school using the choose a school function.
Victorian Government Schools’ International Student Programs
Standard International Student - Standard international students enter Australia on a student visa subclass 571 for the purpose of attending full time study for a period of three months or more. For quick reference, please refer to the Standard International Student Application Form 2008 (PDF - 448Kb).
Study Abroad Student - Study Abroad packages are designed for students who want short study trips and cultural experiences for 3, 6 or 12 months. Students study at a Victorian Government School and live with a local family. For quick reference, please refer to the Study Abroad International Student Application Form 2008 (PDF - 436Kb).
Temporary International Student (12 weeks or less) - Temporary international students enter Australia for short periods of school study up to 12 weeks . Temporary International Students usually hold visitor visas. For quick reference, please refer to the Temporary International Student Application Form 2008 (PDF - 511Kb).
Dependant International Student - Dependant international students are those whose parents are studying as international students at a registered Victorian tertiary institution and hold a 570 or 572-575 student visa. Dependant students travel under their parent's student visa and are usually covered by Overseas Student Family Health Cover (OSFHC). For quick reference, please refer to the Dependant International Student Application Form 2008 (PDF - 431Kb).
English Language Support
Victoria has state government owned and operated English Language Centres which run specialised English Language Courses to prepare international students for mainstream classes.
Students will be enrolled in a 20 week (2 - term) intensive English language program to prepare for mainstream classes. Tuition fees for English language tuition and school can all be paid together and cost the same as the mainstream classes.
Victorian Government Schools' intensive English language programs are specifically designed for international students about to enter school. Teachers assess each student’s English ability and recommend whether they need further Intensive English or whether they can enter straight into classes.
After students complete their intensive English language program they continue to receive tuition at school in English as a Second Language (ESL). ESL is available in all schools and students can study ESL in years 11 and 12 and receive credit towards their marks for university entrance.
Students who want to study the Victorian Certificate of Education, VCE (Years 11&12), should enrol in a 6 month intensive English program before they commence Year 11.
English Language and Academic Requirements
International students applying to study at a Victorian Government School in Australia must meet the following requirements:
- Pass rate of at least 50% of subjects over the last two years; and
- Students are recommended to have had a basic familiarity with English for the past two years.
Students from assessment level 4 countries (including China) must also:
- Achieve an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) of at least 5.0, or an equivalent (TOEFL 550) OR provide evidence of a Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) waiver (only education agents can supply this); and
- Enrol in a maximum of 30 weeks English Language tuition.
Links to more information about English language testing:
- IELTS Test (Victorian Government Schools preferred test) (www.ielts.org)
- AEAS Test (www.aeas.com.au)
- ITSA Global Test (www.itsaglobal.com)
- Melbourne Language Centre English Proficiency Test (www.melblang.com.au)
Permanent Resident Visa Holders
Permanent Resident Visa holders are awarded the same status as Australian citizens when enrolling at a Victorian private or government school.
Permanent residents aged between 6 and 15 years of age are obliged to attend school by law when they are in Australia. Holders of a Permanent Resident Visa or a long term Business Visa (457) can enrol directly at a school. They do not have to apply as an international student. Please note that disabled students holding 457 visas are required to pay international student fees and are not exempt under this visa subclass (see www.study.vic.gov.au/Intstu/disfees.htm). This is a Department of Immigration and Citizenship requirement.
