Student FAQs
- What is the Victorian senior secondary school certificate?
- What are the admission requirements?
- How do I choose a school?
- Do I need a visa?
- Can I study English at school?
- Can I study for only 1 term?
- Where do I live if I am under 15 years of age?
- What is it like to study at a school in Australia?
- What subjects can I study?
- Where will I live?
- What is a Homestay?
- What is the cost for Homestay and what is included?
- What happens when I arrive?
- Do I have to wear a school uniform?
- Can you help me arrange health insurance?
- Can I work when I am studying?
- How do I apply to study at a Victorian Government School?
- Where can I get more information?
What is the Victorian senior secondary school certificate?
Government schools in Victoria teach the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) which is a two year comprehensive senior high school program. A key feature of the Victoria’s education system is the diverse and dynamic choice of subjects offered in the curriculum. Students can choose from over 60 units across 9 key learning areas in the VCE.
What are the admission requirements?
There are no formal tests, exams or interviews required to be enrolled into a Victorian Government school. The only admission requirement is that you must have gained 50% or higher for all of your subjects in the last two years. There is also no English test required; however, we may require you to study for at least 20 weeks in an intensive English language program if you do not have an IELTS score of 5.0 or higher.
How do I choose a school?
All of our schools offer high quality education, opportunities for academic success and pathways to university, as well as providing a supportive and safe environment for students. Depending on where you want to live in Victoria, what subjects you want to undertake and what other interests you may have, we believe there is a Victorian Government school that is right for you.
In addition, all schools with international students must meet strict accreditation criteria set by the Department and they are regularly assessed and reviewed. They have to meet high quality standards relating to international student program provision, accommodation, reporting to parents and care and welfare arrangements.
When choosing a school it is important to select one that best fits your interests, subject choices and living arrangements. To help with this you can use our Right School Right Place publication. In this publication, schools are listed in alphabetical order and the information has been provided by the school. However, as these are just brief overviews, we recommend that you conduct further research on schools of interest to find out more information about:
- Subjects offered
- Languages offered
- Sports and extra-curricular programs
- Academic and sporting facilities, and
- Whether the school offers a University Extension program
All Victorian schools are required to be registered and to meet standards under the Education and Training Reform Act. To search for a school, visit the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority's website.
Do I need a visa?
Students who wish to apply as a full fee paying student need a ‘student visa' to study in Australia. You can apply for a student visa at an Australian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission. Some students will be able to apply online through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.
Can I study English at school?
Yes, you can take intensive English language courses at Victorian Government schools and also continue English as a Second language as a VCE subject.
Can I study for only 1 term?
Yes, we offer a Study Abroad Program that allows students to study at our schools for 1 term or up to 4 terms.
Where do I live if I am under 15 years of age?
If you are under 15 years of age when you start your studies you must live with a parent or approved relative. If you are going to a primary school you must live with a parent.
What is it like to study at a school in Australia?
The Victorian education system and school environment is different to many other countries. In Victoria students are encouraged to take part in class discussion and contribute their own ideas. Student life in Melbourne or one of Victoria’s vibrant regional communities is never boring. There’s always something happening in school or after class.
What subjects can I study?
Victorian schools offer an extremely wide range of subjects. Some secondary schools offer over 40 subjects. English is mandatory for all school students. International students may study English as a Second Language (ESL).
Where will I live?
If you will be going to a Victorian Government primary school you must live with a parent / legal custodian for the duration of your study at the school.
If you will be going to a Victorian Government secondary school and you are under 15 years of age you must live with a parent or relative approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
If you will be attending a Victorian Government secondary school and you are 15 years of age and older you have three options. You can:
- Live with your parents or a relative approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
- Nominate a family friend to live with. The nominated person will be required to be approved by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
- Request that the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development arrange an approved Homestay accommodation for the duration of your study.
What is a Homestay?
An approved Homestay is when you live with a local family. You will be considered a member of the family for the duration of your stay and will often be in a home with other children. Homestay provides you with the best possible way to experience Australian culture and to improve your English. Homestay families are carefully selected by schools and most have been hosting international students for many years.
What is the cost for Homestay and what is included?
Homestay costs between $230 - $270 per week depending on the location of the school. The cost of the Homestay covers:
- three meals a day
- facilities – a bed, wardrobe, towels and linen
- all gas, heating, electricity, cooling and water costs
- cleaning of common living areas
- use of all shared areas in homestay
- study facilities – desk, lamp and bookcase
What happens when I arrive?
Students living in Homestay will be met upon arrival by a staff member from their host school who will then accompany them to their homestay accommodation.
Do I have to wear a school uniform?
Most schools will require you to buy and wear a uniform, some schools are non-uniform schools. The International Student Coordinator at your school will assist with obtaining a uniform.
Can you help me arrange health insurance?
All international students must have health insurance while in Victoria. The International Education Division can arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) on your behalf if requested on the application form.
Can I work when I am studying?
International students holding a student visa subclass 571 are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week as long as the work does not interfere with their studies or attendance. During holidays students are permitted to work full-time. Students who wish to work should discuss this with their parents and the International Student Coordinator at their school.
How do I apply to study at a Victorian Government school?
You can download the application form from our website and return it to us with all the supporting documentation. Alternatively, you can contact one of our accredited agents in your area to assist you with the application process.
Where can I get more information?
You can contact the International Education Division for more information.
