Parent FAQs
- Why choose Victorian Government schools?
- What is the Victorian senior secondary school certificate?
- Which are the best schools in Victoria?
- Can my child go to University after completing the VCE?
- What are the admission requirements?
- How much will it cost?
- How do I select the best school for my child?
- Who will look after my child?
- Where will my child live?
- What is a Homestay?
- What is the cost for Homestay and what is included?
- Can I stay in the Homestay with my child?
- Does my child need health insurance?
- Does my child need a visa?
- How do I apply for my child to study at a Victorian Government School?
- Where can I get more information?
Why choose Victorian Government schools?
Victorian Government Schools offer a high quality education experience for your child while allowing them to increase their English language skills. The unique curriculum and education framework leads to superior academic results and acceptance at the world’s top universities.
In 2009 over 98 per cent of international students across 110 Victorian Government schools successfully completed their high school qualification – the Victorian Certificate of Education. Additionally 68 per cent of international students studying in Victorian Government schools went on to tertiary education in Australia, 9 per cent above the national average.
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.
Which are the best schools in Victoria?
All Victorian schools offer the same curriculum and quality education experience for your child. You can review recent results and performances of schools via the Victorian Government School Performance Summary.
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development coordinates a robust accreditation process for schools hosting international students. All schools have to meet high quality standards relating to program provision, accommodation, reporting to parents and care and welfare arrangements. Each schools' accreditation is regularly assessed and reviewed.
Can my child go to University after completing the VCE?
The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is an internationally recognised school graduation certificate and is recognised for university entry in Victoria, all of Australia and around the world.
A number of Victorian Government schools offer university subjects which can be studied as part of their VCE. These subjects are taught ether on the school site by a teacher accredited by a participating university (such as the University of Melbourne or Monash University) or they are taught at the university campus.
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 your child must have gained 50% or higher for all of their subjects in the last two years.
There is also no formal English test required; however, depending on your child's English language proficiency we may require them to study for at least 20 weeks in an intensive English language program.
How much will it cost?
Tuition fees are the same for all Victorian Government schools. There are discounts for students who have a parent studying at a Victorian tertiary institute.
How do I select the best school for my child?
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development coordinates a robust accreditation process for schools hosting international students. All schools have to meet high quality standards relating to program provision, accommodation, reporting to parents and care and welfare arrangements. Each schools' accreditation is regularly assessed and reviewed.
When choosing a school for your child, it is important to select one that best fits your child’s interests, subject choice 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.
Who will look after my child?
Every Victorian Government school with international students has a program to provide them with the additional support they need when they first arrive and with their ongoing study and welfare. When students arrive they are met by the school’s International Student Coordinator (ISC) whose role is to assist and support international students. This friendly person guides students through their new school experience and life in the broader community.
Each school appoints an ISC to look after the international students, monitor their attendance, academic progress and liaise with their parents. The ISC introduces students to their homestay family, helps them settle into school, helps organise their uniform and books, designs a study plan and helps students open a bank account.
Where will my child live?
If your child will be going to a Victorian Government primary school they must live with a parent / legal custodian for the duration of their study at the school.
If your child will be going to a Victorian Government secondary school and they are under 15 years of age they must live with a parent or relative approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
If your child will be attending a Victorian Government secondary school and they are 15 years of age and older they have three options. They can:
- Live with their 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 approved Homestay accommodation for the duration of their study.
What is a Homestay?
An approved Homestay is when the student lives with a local family and is considered a member of the family for the duration of their stay. Homestay provides your child with the best possible way to experience Australian culture and to improve their English. Homestay families are carefully selected by schools from the local community and some even have children attending the same school as your child. Most Homestay families have been hosting international students for many years and will ensure your child feels safe and comfortable during their time in Victoria.
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
Can I stay in the Homestay with my child?
No, if you plan to accompany your child to Victoria to assist them to settle in then you will need to find and arrange your own separate accommodation for this time. We can assist you to locate accommodation close to your child. Homestay is not available to families and can only be arranged for students.
Does my child need health insurance?
All international students must have health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover). The International Education Division can arrange OSHC for your child if requested on the application form.
Does my child 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.
How do I apply for my child 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 representatives in your area that can assist you with the application process.
Where can I get more information?
You can contact the International Education Division for more information.
